Health and safety policy

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA 74) places statutory responsibilities on both employers and employees for health and safety at work.

HSWA 74 requires that the employer protects, ‘as far as is reasonably practicable’, the health, safety and welfare at work of all employees. A further requirement is the provision of such information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure the health and safety at work of their employees. The employee, in turn, is required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and not to endanger that of others by their acts or omissions at work. They are also required to cooperate with their employer to enable any health and safety measures that are necessary to be implemented.

This document has been prepared by the Health and Safety Manager in response to HSWA 74. It is published following consultation and agreement with senior management, the health and safety committees, Unison and other staff representatives of West Suffolk Council.

West Suffolk Council Health and Safety Policy Statement

West Suffolk Council recognises its responsibility to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of all its employees and to conduct its undertaking in such a way as to prevent the public and others not employed by the council from being exposed to risks to their health and safety.

West Suffolk Council acknowledges that an effective health and safety policy contributes to a better business performance by reducing injuries and ill health, protecting the environment, and reducing unnecessary losses and liabilities. The council will take all steps within its power to meet these aims and will pay attention to:

• the regular assessment of risks arising from the conduct of its activities and the monitoring of measures designed to control those risks.
• safe plant equipment and systems of work
• safe places of work and safe access to and from them
• all information, instruction and training necessary to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of its employees.
• the provision of competent advice including technical advice on health and safety matters to all staff throughout the council
• the provision of effective consultation with its employees on health, safety and welfare matters and the promotion and development of health and safety at work.
• the award of contracts for goods and services to persons or organisations able to demonstrate full compliance with health and safety legislation.
• the monitoring and review of this policy.

The full West Suffolk Council Health and Safety Policy can be provided on request. Email: health.safety@westsuffolk.gov.uk