Health & Safety Policy

Policy statement

The Bath Cancer Unit Support Group (known as “BCUSG” for the purpose of this and other policies) believes that, in fulfilling its legal responsibilities, the Trustees have overall responsibility for health and safety of its volunteers.

The Trustees recognise that there may be a need to provide funds (within reason) in order that volunteers recognise their responsibility to uphold this policy and to enact it.

The Trustees are committed to ensuring that all its activities are safe and it will do whatever it can to provide for the health, safety and welfare of all volunteers, ensuring that risks to volunteers are minimised at all times.

It will observe the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (“HASAWA”) and all relevant regulations and codes of practice made under it.

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Trustees.

Responsibilities

Any accidents or unsafe incidents will be investigated by the Chairman on behalf of the Trustees as soon as possible and report back to the Trustees as soon as possible.

The organiser of each event is responsible for assessing the risk to the health and safety of volunteers and identifying any measures necessary to comply with its health and safety obligations.

The organiser is responsible for encouraging volunteers to co-operate in ensuring safe and healthy conditions throughout the event.

The organiser is responsible for ensuring emergency procedures are in place, as required.

All volunteers will ensure that:

• they are aware of, and comply with the contents of this policy;
• they take care of themselves and others who may be affected by their actions or omissions;
• they will report and record all accidents or unsafe situations to the Chairman at once

Risk Assessments

The organiser of each event will ensure that a risk assessment is carried out.

 Training

To comply with legislation and to promote the health, safety and welfare of volunteers, health and safety training will be provided when this is identified during risk assessments.

Resolution of health and safety problems

Any volunteer with a health and safety concern must first tell the Vice-Chairman.  If, after investigation, the problem is not corrected within a reasonable time, or the Chairman decides that no action is required but the volunteer is not satisfied with this, the volunteer may then refer the matter to the Chairman.  This must be in writing.

If the volunteer is still dissatisfied, the matter will be entered on the agenda for the next meeting of the Trustees Committee.

 

Policy adopted 23 August 2017

Review date August 2020