The Community Hub commits to upholding the provisions of the Salisbury Methodist Church Health and Safety Policy, outlined below.
Health and Safety Policy, Salisbury Methodist Church
This statement is issued in conformity with Section 2(3) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 as a statement of the general policy of the Employer with respect to the health and safety at work of the employees of the Employer and of others. The Church Council will follow the Health and Safety processes as listed in section 6.10 of Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Guidance for the Methodist Church in Great Britain October 2021
Definitions: In this policy “Employer” includes “Organiser of volunteers” and “Employee” includes “Volunteer” except where specifically excluded or otherwise provided for.
- Statutory Duty of the Provider
The Church Council has a duty to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of its employees and, in particular to:
1.1 Provide and maintain equipment and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health;
1.2 Arrange for ensuring safety and absence of risks to health in connection with the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances;
1.3 Provide such information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure the health and safety at work of the employee;
1.4 Maintain any place of work under the Employer’s control in a condition that is safe and without risk to health and provide and maintain means of access to and egress from it that are safe and without risk;
1.5 Provide and maintain a working environment for the employees that is safe, without risk to health, and adequate as regards facilities and arrangements for their welfare at work.
- Statutory Duty of the Volunteers
Every employee has, while at work, the duty to:
2.1 Take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself or herself and of other persons who may be affected by his or her acts or omissions at work;
- Policy Statement
It is the policy of the Church council to promote the health and safety at work of the staff and of all visitors to the premises of the Employer and to that intent to:
3.1 Take all reasonably practicable steps to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of the staff and of visitors on the church’s premises.
3.2 Provide adequate working conditions for volunteers with proper facilities to safeguard their health and safety and to ensure that any work which is undertaken produces no unnecessary risk to health or safety.
3.3 Encourage volunteers to co-operate with the Church Council in all safety matters in the identification of hazards which may exist and in the reporting of any condition which may appear dangerous or unsatisfactory.
3.4 Encourage each volunteer to accept his or her own responsibility not to endanger himself or herself or others and actively to assist in fulfilling the requirements and spirit of the legislation.
- Health and Safety Rules
All volunteers must exercise ordinary care to avoid accidents in their activities at work and comply with the following general rules and any specific rules which the Employer may publish from time to time.
- Accident Book
Any injury suffered by an employee in the course of his or her employment, however slight, must be recorded together with such other particulars as are a requirement by statutory regulations in the accident book maintained by the Employer.
- Fire Procedures
All employees must familiarise themselves with fire escape routes and procedures and follow the directions of the Employer in relation to fire.
- Equipment and Appliances
No equipment or appliance may be used other than as provided by or specifically authorised by or on behalf of the Employer and any directions for the use of such must be followed precisely.
- Safety Clearways
Corridors and doorways must be kept free of obstructions and properly lit.
- Working at Heights
No volunteer may undertake work at height above floor level with the exception of the kitchen and coffee bar where higher cupboards may be reached using the steps provided for that purpose. The church council must be informed if it is necessary to do so elsewhere and make arrangements accordingly.
- Maintenance
Defective equipment, furniture and structures must be reported as such without delay.
- Hygiene and Waste Disposal
Facilities for the disposal of waste materials must be kept in a clean and hygienic condition. Waste must be disposed of in an appropriate manner and in accordance with any special instructions relating to the material concerned.
- Drink and Drugs
The use of intoxicants on church premises is forbidden. No person may undertake his or her duties if under the influence of drink or drugs, except in the case of drugs when he or she is under medical supervision.
Approved by the Steering Group: Last Modified, June 2022