Policy Reference
This Policy document refers to the following aims and objectives outlined in the Council’s general statement of Health & Safety policy.
a) Acknowledgement of the Council’s responsibility in respect of the health and safety of persons other than its own employees.
b) So far as is reasonably practicable, as regards any place of work under the Council’s control, the maintenance of it in a condition that is safe and without risks to health and the provision and maintenance of means of access to and egress from it that are safe and without such risks.
Introduction
The Highland Council in its employment of contractors recognises the need
for an effective management control system to ensure the health and safety of all persons affected by the contract works. In this respect the Council will make arrangements to:-
a) Select only contractors who can demonstrate that they have effective safety management systems in place and in particular those who:-
i) Use only competent and adequately trained employees
ii) Use only equipment, tools and materials that are maintained, stored and operated in a safe manner.
iii) Have health and safety responsibilities clearly defined and appropriate systems in place for communication on health and safety matters.
iv) Undertake adequate supervision and monitoring of their own health and safety performance.
b) Produce specifications, exchange information with and acquire plans from contractors which deal with the health and safety issues as they develop at each phase of the work and which deal effectively with the risks involved.
c) Maintain regular effective two-way communications which accommodate changes and unforeseen problems promptly.
d) Monitor the health and safety performance of contractors
e) Maintain lists of Approved Contractors taking into account the factors referred to above.
Construction Work
Where any construction work is carried out at Council owned premises, the Council will ensure that such work is planned in accordance with relevant standards or statutory provisions and that employees are provided with the necessary information relating to any risks arising out of the work, the preventive or protective measures to be taken and the procedures required in the event of serious or imminent danger.
In particular, reference will be given to the requirement of the Construction, Design and Management Regulations 1995 (CDM) and the Highland Council procedure for “Safe Working Practices for Construction Work in Local Authority Premises”.
The Council will ensure that no construction work commences until an adequate health and safety plan covering the work has been prepared.
Communication
Where appropriate, site safety rules will be issued to contractors and they will be clearly stated in contractual arrangements together with details of any special health and safety requirements likely to affect resources, skills, cost or time scales.
In shared workplaces, the Council will make arrangements for the exchange of all relevant information arising from risk assessments and emergency procedures, particularly steps required to protect contractors’ employees from other contractors, their employees and the occupier’s undertakings in the workplace.
Monitoring
A competent named individual (eg Supervising officer) will be assigned to co-ordinate and administrate the project, including any site visits and out of normal hours communications. This individual will be expected to encourage and develop the right safety culture amongst contractors.
Reporting
All employees will be expected to report danger (within their capability to recognise unsafe practices) to their manager or supervisor, who will be expected to either:-
a) suspend the work if serious or imminent danger to persons or property is foreseen
b) notify the Service or individual responsible for co-ordinating the work by telephone or in writing, depending on the circumstances.
Guidance
Guidance will be issued to provide more detailed information and assist in the implementation of the following aspects of this policy:-
a) Legal requirements
b) Definitions
c) Vetting procedure for contractors
d) Control/monitoring
e) Co-ordination and communication
f) Record keeping
g) Safe systems of work
h) Scotland’s Construction Safety Action Plan
Legal Reference
This policy and its associated guidance outline the provisions the Council will make to discharge its duties in relation to the following statutory requirements:-
a) The Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974
b) The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regs 1999 – Reg 3
c) The Construction (Design & Management) Regs 1994