Health and safety policy

Our commitment

We will plan, manage and check our work so that it is done without risk to health and safety, so far as is reasonably practicable. We will follow the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and the other rules that apply to our work, and we will give the time and money needed to do that.

Who is responsible

Our Builder and Project Manager, who runs Vayton, has overall responsibility for health and safety and for making sure this policy is followed. On each job, the person running the site is responsible for the day-to-day arrangements. Everyone on site is responsible for working safely, following the site rules and reporting a hazard as soon as they see it.

How we plan each job

Before work starts, we look at the risks of that particular job and write a risk assessment and method statement for the main activities. When we are the only contractor, or the principal contractor, we draw up a construction phase plan as CDM 2015 requires, in proportion to the size of the job. Where more than one contractor will be on site, we agree who the principal contractor is before work begins. We ask clients for any asbestos survey and information they hold about the building, and in buildings put up before 2000 we do not drill, cut or strip out until we know whether asbestos is present. Our asbestos survey guide explains why.

The main risks we control

For work at height, we use the access that suits the task, from podium steps to scaffolding put up by a scaffolding contractor, and keep ladders for short, light jobs. We cut and sand with on-tool extraction or water and wear suitable masks, because construction dust, and silica dust in particular, damages lungs. We keep safety data sheets and follow the COSHH assessments for adhesives, paints and cleaning products. On site we use 110V or battery tools, and we plan deliveries and lifting so that heavy items are moved with trolleys or by two people. In occupied homes and premises, we keep the work area separated, walkways clear and tools locked away at the end of each day.

Trades and specialists we bring in

We only bring in trades who are competent for the work and insured, and who hold the registration the law requires: Gas Safe registration for gas work, and membership of a scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT for electrical work. They get the method statement and site rules before they start, and we check their work areas as the job goes on.

Training, equipment and welfare

Everyone working for us is told about the hazards and rules of a site before they start. We provide the protective equipment the job needs at no cost to the person wearing it. Every site has access to a toilet, washing facilities, drinking water and somewhere to take a break, as CDM 2015 requires, along with a first aid kit and a person who knows what to do in an emergency.

Accidents and near misses

We record and look into accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences, so the same thing does not happen again. We report the incidents that must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive under RIDDOR.

Reviewing this policy

We review this policy at least once a year, and sooner if the law, our work or the size of the company changes. Documents for a specific job, such as method statements and insurance certificates, are available on request: contact@vayton.co.uk.