HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY
Date: 04 April 2022
Review Date: 03 April 2023
VISION
Expanding knowledge and understanding leads to wisdom
MISSION
PESS enables students to become self-motivated, competent, lifelong learners to generate creative ideas to do the right things for the growth of the society.
MOTTO
Learn Progress Lead
INTRODUCTION:
Introduction The school health and safety policy is reviewed annually and presented to staff at the beginning of the academic year. New staff must be made aware of the policy as part of their induction. Visitors, those hiring the premises and children must be made aware of their responsibilities and the health and safety procedures that affect them. Notices must be displayed indicating evacuation procedures.
All employees have a duty to work in a safe and responsible manner, to carry out their duties in such a way so as not to endanger the health, safety and welfare of themselves and others and to submit suggestions for the improvement of standards in health and safety within the school to the heads.
The school’s operations are conducted in such a manner as to ensure as far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all the school’s employees and any other persons who may be affected by its acts or omissions, including children, contractors, visitors and members of the public.
Adequate resources are made available for the provision of health, safety and welfare within the workplace, including the provision and maintenance of equipment.
Any member of staff who is found to be deliberately or consistently negligent in the performance of their duty with relation to the school’s health and safety policy will be subject to disciplinary action.
AIMS:
- To provide and maintain a safe and healthy environment throughout the school site and safe means of access and egress from it
- To establish and maintain safe working practice and procedures amongst staff, children, volunteers, those hiring the premises and all those on the school site
- To ensure safe measures of using, handling, storing and transporting articles and substances.
- To provide safe systems for the control of noise, toxic and corrosive substances, dust and vapours under the school’s control
- To provide information and training to enable everyone to contribute positively to their own safety and that of others
- To formulate effective procedures for use in case of fire and other emergencies and for evacuating the school premises
Contents:
- General Policy Statement on Safety and Health Management
- The Responsibilities for Carrying Out the Policy
- The Arrangements for Safety and Health
3.1 Reporting & Investigating Safety or Health Issues
3.2 Consultation for Safety and Health
3.3 Safety and Health Training
3.4 Fire and Emergency Procedures
3.5 Action in the Event of an Incident - First Aid Procedures
3.6 Risk Assessments
3.7 Electrical Safety
3.8 Children (Not enrolled)
3.9 Visitors and Contractors
3.10 General Office Safety
3.11 Safety of School Premises
3.12 Safety in the Use of Computer Workstations
3.13 Safety in Laboratories
3.14 Safety of Equipment
3.15 Cleanliness
3.16 Playground Supervision
3.17 Wellbeing of students and staff
3.18 Promote ‘Healthy Living’
3.19 For Personal Hygiene
3.20 Healthy and safe environment on the school premises and during all school activities
3.21 To keep students safe as they arrive and leave school
Outsourced areas relating to Health and Safety
- MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing)
- Domestic Water Tanks
- Waste Disposal
- Food and Personal Belongings
- Safety of Equipment’s
Appendixes:
- Risk Assessment Form
- Class Room Checklist
- General Area Checklist
- Rules for School Trips
- Accident/Incident Report Form students
- Accident/Incident Report Form staffs
- Maintenance Report Form
- Toilet Checklist
- General Policy Statement on Safety and Health Management
Health and safety policy is a statement of the aims, objectives, principles and strategy for ensuring Health and Safety at Progressive English School.
AIMS:
- To provide a healthy and safe environment for learning and working for the whole school community including students, employees, parents and all other people who come into the school premises.
- To ensure that all members of the school community understand and are aware of their responsibilities in maintaining a healthy and safe environment.
- The success of this policy and the establishment of a healthy and safe environment relies on the cooperation of all person’s strong management and vigilant supervision.
- The Responsibility for Carrying Out the Policy
All members of the school community work towards the policy aims by:
- Fully familiarizing themselves with the schools Health and Safety policy.
- Being familiar with and adhering to instructions and guidance of safety within the school.
- To take responsible care for their own safety and that of others. Using common sense at all times.
- Reporting unidentified potential hazards without delay.
- Ensuring that access and exit routes are clear, emergency equipment is not tampered with and that clear signage exists giving instruction in the event of an evacuation.
- Taking an active role in promoting a positive Health and Safety culture throughout the organisation.
- Being vigilant and good role models.
- Adhering to all authority protocols.
Responsible People:
- The Director
- The principal
- Head of Departments
- Teachers and Teaching assistants
- Finance Teams
- Operations Manager
- Facilities Team
- Bus assistants
- The clinic Team
- Students
- Parents
- All other members of the school Community
- The Arrangements for Safety and Health
3.1 Reporting and Investigating Safety or Health Issues
The school will seriously report and investigate all accidents & incidents. The School will adhere to the procedures adopted by the School for accident reporting and investigation.
In line with the procedure, all staff are encouraged to report accidents & incidents. Line Managers will investigate such incidents and identify and implement means to prevent any recurrence.
All completed accident/incident/near miss form will be submitted electronically to The School Safety Officer using the School’s official Incident Report Form.
3.2 Consultation for Safety and Health
All members of the School are encouraged to raise concerns about safety and health with appropriate managers or supervisors. Additional formal consultation will take place through the School Safety Committee. The membership of the School Safety Committee shall consist of the Head of School, Building Warden, First Aid Officer and Student Representative. The Committee shall be chaired by the Head of School, or his nominee, and shall meet quarterly each year. Minutes of meetings shall be made available to all members of School staff via email. The primary role of the School Safety Committee is to advise the Head of School on the implementation of matters relating to safety and health in the local area. This will be achieved by:
- Consideration of reports on such matters as accidents and other incidents, safety inspections, and reports from those with delegated safety duties;
- Assisting in the development of safety rules and safe systems of work;
- Advising on the safety content of information and training for staff and students;
- Monitoring of this policy.
3.3 Safety and Health Training New Staff
The immediate manager or supervisor will ensure that all new members of staff are inducted for safety and health as soon as practicable, by using the guidance, Safety and Health Office checklist and School checklist as a framework. Records of induction should be kept.
New students will be informed about the same points as part of their introduction to the School. Students should also be made aware of the student guide to safety and health produced by the Supervisor & teachers.
The need for specialist training should be identified by managers and supervisors, and all requests for such training should be directed to either the Head of School or the Administrative Officer.
Members of the School will not be expected to undertake any procedure for which they have not been adequately trained.
3.4 Fire and Emergency procedures
When the fire alarm triggers, the building warden should immediately take up position in front of the fire indicator panel on the ground floor and listen carefully for announcements which should be immediate.
As per the evacuation plan Floor wardens should pass through each floor (Classrooms, offices, toilets, seminar rooms and all laboratories) and direct people to the nearest exit as soon as possible.
Building warden should be positioned at the exit/entrance to stop people entering into the building
Once the buildings are cleared a pass (floor all clear) should be submitted to the Safety officer by the building warden at the Assembly point.
3.5 Action in the Event of an Incident - First Aid Procedures
The school has provided the necessary firefighting equipment’s in accordance with the requirements of the local fire authority. All employees are required to familiarize themselves with the fire drill before commencing work. Fire exercise will be arranged at regular intervals. Existing firefighting equipment’s will be inspected by a supervisor monthly basis. Fire alarms will be tested monthly.
Fire exits must be clear all time. No fire door to or from an occupied room may be locked. Smoking is not at all permitted inside the premises. All employees should know which extinguisher are available in your immediate place of work. Employees should ensure that combustible materials do not accumulate around your place of work.
In the event of fire, the premises should be evacuated immediately following the information provided on the notices. The School has a qualified first aid officer available to deal with any incidents or render assistance when needed. There is a portable First Aid kit located in the clinic and main security guard room and a fixed kit installed in the Main reception area, Supervisors room, Science labs and multipurpose hall. While there are no specific incident responses required, due to the School not using or encouraging the use of hazardous substances, the First Aid officer follows the School’s first aid and notification and investigation policies.
The First Aid procedure is as follows:
- Ensure your own safety in the situation.
- Tend to the injured person as required by first aid procedures.
- Contact your line manager and he/she may contact 998 to get an ambulance to attend.
- Assist the injured person to a medical Center/hospital for treatment by a doctor as informed by your line manager.
- Remain with the injured person until medical aid arrives or you have reached a medical Center/hospital with the approval of your line manager.
Upon completion, an incident, injury and hazard notification form is filled out and sent off in accordance with School’s policies.
3.6 Risk Assessments
The School has adopted a Risk Assessment Procedure which should be followed as guidance to the risk assessment process. Risk assessment is the responsibility of the School’s managers at a variety of levels. Those responsible for premises or curriculum areas must ensure that risk assessments are undertaken, recorded and filed for significant activities. Risks should be assessed in a manner that ranks them by severity/probability for prioritization and control measures identified and put in place that are proportional to the level of risk. The outcome of the risk assessments should be recorded and communicated to those affected and maintained on the records of the department. Risk assessments should be reviewed at least annually or where there is a change in circumstances. A general risk assessment form listed as Appendix 2.
There are five principal steps in the process of carrying out a risk assessment. These are to:
- Look for the hazards, ignoring the trivial and concentrating only on significant hazards, which could result in serious harm or effect to people.
- Decide who might be harmed and how, thinking about people who may not be in the workplace all the time, e.g. cleaners, visitors and contractors.
- Evaluate the risks arising from the hazards and decide whether existing precautions are adequate or more should be done.
- Record your findings.
- Review your assessment on a regular basis. For example: If a laboratory procedure is carried out frequently the risk assessment only needs to be undertaken once. A single risk assessment will cover the procedure being repeated over and over again. However, sooner or later you will need to review your assessment in the light of changes in substances and procedures that could lead to new hazards. In an office environment, changes may be made to the layout and/or introduction of new electrical equipment i.e. kettle, heaters.
You will want to consider these sorts of changes in their own right and do whatever you need to reduce the level of risk.
3.7 Electrical Safety
Ensure that all electrical / electronic equipment you use is in good order. Do not use any electrical / electronic equipment that does not appear to be in good order but report it to your supervisor without delay.
General Safety Requirements for Electrical System: -
- Switch off all electrical equipment after use.
- Do not overload sockets.
- Do not allow wires to project into the walkway where they present a tripping hazard.
- Use a residual circuit breaker when operating a port hand tool.
- Only competent persons who have been trained properly should do the repair and maintenance works.
3.8 Children (Not enrolled)
If any circumstances children who are not enrolled, are brought onto School premises they must be under immediate and close supervision of a parent or guardian at all times. They are not permitted in any area other than the reception. No staff is allowed to bring their children or siblings to school without prior written permission from the principal, if they are not registered with the school.
3.9 Visitors and Contractors
Visitors to the School should be asked to report to the reception. The member of the unit who the visitor wishes to see will be telephoned from the reception and asked to report to the reception to meet their visitor and subsequently accompany them in the unit. The School policy on visitor safety should be followed.
- Any staff who wishes to meet a parent or visitor must inform the Supervisor and should have taken prior written permission, if it is not a notified meeting.
- For notified meetings such as PTM, the parents are allowed to enter the approved areas only.
- Staff are not allowed to take any outside personal inside sections or classrooms without written approval from the Principal.
- No staff is allowed to bring their children, siblings or relatives and friends to school without prior written permission from the principal, if they are not registered with the school.
- No visitor is allowed to enter the accommodations of the service/security staff without written permission from the Admin Office.
Contactors should notify any hazards arising from their activities, which may affect the occupants of the school. All contractors should report to the school office on arrival. The premises manager will be responsible for controlling the work of contractors to ensure the safety of pupil's staff and visitors. In the interests of safety, major work should take place out of school hours and during school holidays.
3.10 General Office Safety
In a perfect world, every office worker should come back home in good health. PESS should commit to sustaining proper office safety and health protocols to ensure the long-term wellness of their employees and the company. Disregarding office safety guidelines expose employees to increased risk of long-term injuries and diseases—factors that can not only threaten their livelihood, but also how they live for the years to come.
A copy of the office safety checklist is available from the Safety and Health Office and individuals should use this to check the safety of their own office accommodation and listed as Appendix 4. Problems identified should be reported in the normal way.
The maintenance of high standards of general housekeeping in offices goes a long way to preventing injuries. Care should be given to the general layout and storage of items to minimize the possible hazards. Particular attention should be given to: the condition of floors and floor coverings; trailing leads; storage of items, particularly heavy ones, on shelves above shoulder height; safe methods of reaching up.
3.11 Safety of School Premises
Many School activities take place off School premises, including field trips and supervision in isolated areas. Staff and students have a responsibility to identify foreseeable risks and take appropriate action. Relevant aspects might include:
Field Trips - adequate competent supervision, including first aid training, appropriate protective clothing and sensible footwear, sufficient communications arrangements, availability of emergency equipment. Tutors responsible for fieldwork should familiarize themselves with the School guidance on fieldwork. For all field trips a risk assessment must be produced. Ministry permission and Parents’ permission are mandatory after the approval of the trip by the School principal. The request form along with the rules for school trips are attached as Appendix 5. All staff adhere to these rules.
Members of staff responsible for the placement of students should familiarise themselves with the School guidance on placement of students.
3.12 Safety in the Use of Computer Workstations
“Working Comfortably with Computers'' and note that the same principles of adopting correct posture at the computer applies to laptops as well as desk based computer monitors. Be aware that if you are working from home, you should also apply the same principles.
It is warranted that you switch off all computers and overhead projectors after use to prevent overheating hazard and to save power.
3.13 Safety in Laboratories and Play areas
It is the duty of supervisory academic and technical staff to familiarize themselves with the safety and health legislation and Codes of Practice which are relevant to the work being undertaken in their area of responsibility and to ensure that other members of staff and students comply with these requirements.
As part of their day-to-day responsibilities they will ensure that:
- Safe methods of working exist and are implemented;
- Staff, students and others under their supervision are instructed in safe working practices;
- New employees working within their School are given instruction in safe working practices;
- Regular safety inspections are made;
- Positive, corrective action is taken where necessary to ensure the safety and health of all staff, students and others;
- Toxic, hazardous and highly flammable substances are correctly used, stored and labeled;
- They monitor the standard of safety and health throughout the section in which they work, encourage staff, students and others to achieve the highest possible standards of safety and health and discipline those who consistently fail to consider their own well-being or the safety and health of Page 10 of 21 others;
- All signs used meet the statutory requirements;
- They report, as appropriate, any safety and health concerns to the appropriate person in authority. All work will be conducted in accordance with the School’s Safety and Health Policy and any specific Codes of Practice relating to particular activities standards.
3.14 Safety of Equipment
Where equipment is related to safety and health there is a duty to ensure the equipment is appropriate for the intended use, clean, properly maintained and properly stored. The School guidance on personal protective equipment should be followed.
3.15 Cleanliness
Good housekeeping in all areas is an essential feature of health and safety and for prevention of accidents. All employees must ensure that materials, substances or items are disposed of in a safe manner for health and safety and to avoid environment pollution. Ensure all entrances, corridors, walkways and exit doors are kept clear of obstructions at all times.
3.16 Playground Supervision
The staff is given duty in strategic positions to ensure safety of the students in the play area. Any damage or problems found with the play equipment should be reported to the supervisor with immediate effect.
3.17 Well-being of students and staff
well-being is the experience of health and happiness. It includes mental and physical health, physical and emotional safety, and a feeling of belonging, sense of purpose, achievement and success.
Well-being is important at school because schools have an essential role to play in supporting students to make healthy lifestyle choices and understand the effects of their choices on their health and well-being. Childhood and adolescence is a critical period in the development of long-term attitudes towards personal well-being and lifestyle choices. The social and emotional skills, knowledge and behaviors that young people learn in the classroom help them build resilience and set the pattern for how they will manage their physical and mental health throughout their lives.
Progressive English School is able to provide students with reliable information and deepen their understanding of the choices they face. They are also able to provide students with the intellectual skills required to reflect critically on these choices and on the influences that society brings to bear on them, including through peer pressure, social media and family and cultural values.
Employee wellbeing refers to the impact someone's job has on their overall health and happiness. When we talk about wellness of wellbeing, we are talking about a combination of good physical health and good mental health.
3.18 Promote ‘Healthy Living’
- Drinking water available to all students at no charge.
- Chilled and hot is water available to all students.
3.19 For Personal Hygiene
- Hand sanitizers are available at various locations around the school including all classrooms.
- Provision that promotes good washroom hygiene which includes, regular cleaning of toilets throughout the school day, fragrant air misters in all washrooms, good quality.
- Sanitary bins for girls in toilets accessed by girls in Year 5 upwards.
3.20 Healthy and safe environment on the school premises and during all school related activities
- Sanitisation programme compliant with the regulatory authorities.
- Health and Safety site walks and inspections are carried out at regular intervals.
- Daily registers are taken, and absences monitored.
- Breaks and play times are monitored and supervised at all times by staff.
- Close supervision of students at all times.
3.21 To keep students safe as they arrive and leave school we have
All school buses access the site from a specific entrance and younger children are escorted by bus assistants directly to their classrooms. School buses are available for all for school visits and trips. All school buses are outsourced to an RTA approved contractor and conform to all RTA regulations.
Outsourced areas relating to Health and Safety
- MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Fighting)
Building maintenance is ongoing with an outsourced specialized company undertaking a comprehensive preventative maintenance and cleaning schedule.
- Making sure that the contracting company have a health and safety policy
- Make sure that the contracting company had conducted Risk Assessment and taken certain arrangements
- Supervision of the work in the school premises
- Safety meeting will be conducted
- All the findings will be recorded for future reference
- Domestic Water Tanks
Annual independent 2rd party inspections for safety and compliance
Water Tank Cleaning takes place bi-annually. A full report is submitted after cleaning which contains before and after photographs.
- Waste Disposal
- Medical waste is collected on a weekly basis during term time.
- Any waste identified as hazardous is disposed of in line with Sharjah Municipality regulations
- Pest control
- Annual independent 2nd party inspections for safety and compliance
- Make sure that the contracting company have a health and safety policy
- Make sure that the contracting company had taken risk assessment
- Supervising that the contracting company is following the instructive data as written in the label and the bulletin, including the exact and safe amount of pesticide should be used
- Ensuring Proper and safe use of pesticide.
- Wear protective overall and tools including safe types of gloves, boots, long sleeve clothing and respirators and eye protection tools.
- Food & Personal Belongings
School will not be responsible for any mishap due to any food items ordered by any staff without the written approval from the Admin Officer. Also staff must restrain from ordering food from outside for safety reasons. If an order is to be placed, it must be with the above said approval only. Security guards and Supervisors should take note of any offense and report immediately to the Principal to avoid unwanted circumstances which may even lead to food poisoning etc.
Do not leave any valuable personal belongings like original certificates, jewelry or documents in the school. The school will not be responsible unless informed in writing with acknowledgement to keep the belonging in safe custody of the Admin Officer. For any reason, do not bring any personal belongings like small furniture, stationeries, electronic products, toys etc. If in any such urgent cases, need to take prior approval from the Admin officer. The MOE has warned and prohibited use of individual Electrical appliances in the Staff room.
- Monitoring and Review of the Policy
Monitoring and review form part of the CHECK and ACT sections of this safety management system. Organisations need to do this for the following reasons:
- It is a legal requirement in many states and countries that health and safety management systems are Monitored and Reviewed.
- To demonstrate management commitment to Health and Safety.
- To ensure that hazards and risks are being controlled as far as possible.
- After accidents or incidents, it is important to review procedures to prevent reoccurrence.
- To maintain a positive health and safety culture in the school.
- Changes in location, premises, layout or processes mean that previous assessments of hazards and risks may be obsolete or need improvement.
- Periodic monitoring and review are good practice and can be used to provide safer workplaces, improve systems, check compliance and provide information for benchmarking against standards or other similar schools.