e following is a set of instructions that must be rigorously followed in the event of any personnel either entering into the workplace with Covid-19 or becoming infected at work. All suspect cases shall be treated as having contracted Covid-19. Rigorous application of preventative measures will greatly help minimise, or isolate any spread of Covid-19. 

A symptomatic person may express having cough, fever, high temperature, sore throat, runny nose, breathlessness or flu like symptoms. 

1. The symptomatic person must bring their situation to the immediate attention of the workplace’s appointed Covid-19 Representative. If the representative is not available for whatever reason, then the symptomatic person notifies their supervisor or manager. 

2. The symptomatic person and others maintain a distance of at least 2 metres from the symptomatic person at all times. Accompany the person to a designated isolation area. 

3. Ensure the designated Isolation Area is behind closed door if in a building or a segregated area if working outdoors. Additional locations should be available in anticipation of more than one symptomatic person. Ensure ventilation (open window), tissues, hand sanitiser, disinfectant and/or wipes, PPE (gloves, masks, goggles), clinical waste bag (or sealable bag). 

4. Provide a mask for the person presenting with symptoms if not already wearing one. The person should wear the mask if in a common area with other people or while exiting the premises. 

5. Record the symptoms of the person, including how long he/she has the symptoms; where the person was working; all other persons that worked within 2m of the symptomatic person (who must then be treated as potentially covid contracted persons); all surfaces, objects and articles that the symptomatic person may have touched and isolate those items/locations. 

6. Assess whether the unwell individual can immediately be directed to go home and call their doctor and continue self-isolation at home. 

7. Facilitate the person presenting with symptoms remaining in isolation if they cannot immediately go home and facilitate them calling their doctor. The worker should avoid touching people, surfaces and objects. Advice should be given to the person presenting with symptoms to cover their mouth and nose with the disposable tissue provided when they cough or sneeze and put the tissue in sealable waste bag provided. 

8. Arrange transport home or to hospital for medical assessment. Public transport of any kind should not be used. 

9. Carry out an assessment of the incident which will form part of determining follow-up actions and recovery. 

10. Arrange for appropriate cleaning of the isolation area, work areas and articles involved. 

11. Provide advice and assistance if contacted by the HSE or HSA. 

12. Gregory Archaeology may require personnel to receive temperature testing as part of its workplace health surveillance. 

The best way to prevent person-to-person spread of COVID-19 is to use proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette and practice physical distancing.

Company Policy Declaration                                                                            

Standards                                                                                                        

Information for Contractors and Sub-Contractors                                              

Compliances                                                                                                   

Emergency Procedures                                                                                   

Project Welfare Facilities                                                                                 

Information and Training                                                                                  

Site Rules                                                                                                       

Safety Plan and Audits                                                                                     

General Safety Policy                                                                                      

Hazard Assessment Parameters                                                                      

Accident Reporting and Investigation                                                               

Risk Assessment Matrix                                                                                   

Codes of Practise: Covid-19                                                                             

Access and Egress                                                       

Use of Contractors                                                     

Fire Safety                                                                 

First Aid                                                                     

Bullying in the Workplace                                           

Harassment / Sexual Harassment                                 

Violence at Work                                                       

Stress Management                                                   

Offices                                                                       

Personal Protective Equipment                                   

Use of Visual Display Units                                         

Welfare Facilities                                                       

The Work Environment                                              

Ergonomics                                                               

Manual Handling                                                        

Working at Heights                                                    

Working at Heights (Excavations)                               

Safety Statement Log of Employee Signature                                                   

Revision Log                                                                                                   

Company Policy Declaration

It is the policy of this company to comply with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1989 and 2005 and the Construction Safety, Health & Welfare Regulations 2006, General Application Regulations 2007, Safety, Health & Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 and to ensure so far as reasonably practicable the safety, health and welfare of all employees whilst at work, and to provide such information, training and supervision needed for this purpose. Gregory Archaeology has also introduced guidelines by the Health & Safety Authority (https://www.hsa.ie/eng/topics/covid-19/covid-19_coronavirus.html) and has made their implementation a matter of policy.

It is the policy of this company to protect, so far as is reasonably practicable, persons not employed by this company who may be affected by our activities.

All employees have the responsibility to co-operate with supervisors and managers to achieve a healthy and safe workplace and to take reasonable care of themselves and others.

It is the policy of this company to consult all staff and employees on matters of health and safety and employees are hereby notified of the company policy and are encouraged to comply with their duties under the 2005 – 2013 Act to notify the company management of identified hazards in the workplace. All workplaces are subject to pre-project risk assessment.

The allocation of duties for safety matters and particular arrangements to implement the policy are set out in the company safety statement.

The policy will be kept up to date with significant annual reviews, particularly as the business changes in nature and size. To ensure this, the policy and the way in which it has operated will be reviewed as required. Further to this, more regular reviews are undertaken at the culmination of each project to ensure optimum Health and Safety standards in devising risk assessments for the next project.

This statement is distributed to all Contract Managers, Agents, Site Managers, Designated Supervisors and all other personnel and shall be at locations where this company carries on business and made available to all staff as a requirement prior to conducting company business. All staff sign the statement to show that it has been read in the presence of an appropriate company officer/site manager upon commencement of employment and again at commencement of each project in a manner that complies with relevant Acts and Regulations.

  : Owner / Company Director                           Date: 17^th May 2020

Standards

All systems of work carried out will conform to the standards set out in the relevant Health and Safety law guidance published by the Houses of the Oireachtas, codes of practice and company procedures. Listed below are the statutory instruments contained within the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2006, including European framework and any associated directives. However all other relevant regulations and codes of practice that are contained in relevant and applicable tender document or in the company Health and Safety policy must be adhered to.

• SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE AT WORK (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS, 2013
• I No. 53/2003: SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE AT WORK (GENERAL APPLICATION) (AMENDMENT No.2) REGULATIONS, 2003
• I. No. 188/2001: SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE AT WORK (GENERAL APPLICATION) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS, 2001
• I. No. 359/1996: REGULATIONS ENTITLED EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES (CONSTRUCTION PLANT AND EQUIPMENT) (PERMISSIBLE NOISE LEVELS) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS, 1996.
• I. No. 218/2001: Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Confined Spaces) Regulations, 2001
• I. No. 219/2001: Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989 (Repeal of Section 38 of Factories Act, 1955) (Commencement) Order, 2001
• I. No. 179/1994: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ACT, 1992 (NOISE) REGULATIONS, 1994.
• I. No. 157/1990: EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES (PROTECTION OF WORKERS) (EXPOSURE TO NOISE) REGULATIONS, 1990.
• I. No. 249/1985: FIRE SAFETY IN PLACES OF ASSEMBLY (EASE OF ESCAPE), REGULATIONS, 1985.
• I. No. 445/1994: SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE AT WORK (CHEMICAL AGENTS) REGULATIONS, 1994.
• I. No. 132/1995: SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE AT WORK (SIGNS) REGULATIONS, 1995.
• I. No. 358/1995: SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE AT WORK (MISCELLANEOUS WELFARE PROVISIONS) REGULATIONS, 1995.
• Code of Practice for the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations, 2001 (S.I. No. 619 of 2001)
• I. No. 481 Safety, Health and Welfare (Construction) Regulations 2001

·        FAS Safepass card – Archaeologists and archaeological profession are legally exempt from requiring Safepass certification.

• https://www.hsa.ie/eng/topics/covid-19/covid-19_coronavirus.html (return to work guidelines and procedures by the Health & Safety Authority)

All works carried out will be in accordance with above regulations where relevant.

Information for Contractors and Sub-Contractors

All contractors and sub contractors coming onto a site to carry out work will be given an induction course. It will be the responsibility of the excavation/archaeological project manager to make sure this is undertaken.

Prior to the commencement of any work all contractors and sub contractors will receive a job pack. This will contain along with any other relevant documents a copy of extracts from this health & safety package where the hazards associated with design environment and construction activities will be highlighted where they are either not reasonably foreseeable or are significantly serious (even though they may be reasonably foreseeable).

Supervisory staff will carry out toolbox talks. These talks will cover any current safety issues and are the most effective method of passing the safety ethic down the line. Various topics will arise pertaining to each category of work within the project. Toolbox registers will be maintained on site.

No provision has been made for contractors or sub contractors to share common plant and machinery on this project.

All contractors and sub contractors brought on to this project will be made aware at the time of induction that resources must be in place for the constant exchange of information throughout the duration of the project. Any contractor or sub contractor failing to meet this requirement will be suspended until such time as this stipulation is met. Failing this the contractor or sub contractor will be removed from site.

All direct employees and contractors /sub contractors working on the project should have all necessary training, experience and the required degree of competence for work of this nature. This will be assessed from their personnel and training records. Contractors supplying plant will be required to apply to Gregory Archaeology to be considered, as an approved vendor by completing the privision of all relevant and up to date tickets and certifications. Only successful contractors will then be added to the approved vendors list.

Materials. If applicable, the appropriate hazard sheets will be supplied in order that a comprehensive COSHH register (in line with: SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE AT WORK (CHEMICAL AGENTS) REGULATIONS, 2001.) can be produced for this project. Any materials to be used on the project shall be kept in a secure environment until such time as they are required. All consideration will be given to the effects of inclement weather on ductwork and fittings and measures put in place to prevent damage or deterioration. Good environmental practices will be observed and waste kept to an absolute minimum at all times.

Plant required on Site. Various types of plant both heavy and light may be required on a project. All plant will meet required standards and be fit for its intended purpose. All items of plant and any other equipment covered by the FAS pass card plant operators certification scheme brought on to the project will require operators to hold the appropriate FAS pass card plant operators card. Where plant is to be driven / operated the person responsible will be the holder of the relevant qualification and certificate for the item of plant to be used. This will be included in their training record before any plant or equipment is used. All plant using hydraulic fluid are required to have a Spill Kit.

Communication and Co-operation. Weekly meetings will be held by all project staff to discuss amongst other items any Health and Safety issues, in addition to this monthly meetings will be held with representatives from the Client, principal contracts and design with Health and Safety on the agenda, this meeting will be minuted and copies distributed to all represented in order that any action needed is taken. A copy will also be sent to the Project Supervisor for information.

Meetings will be held with Contractors/Sub Contractors at which they will be issued with elements of work in the form of job packages. The designated supervisors will attend these meetings and at this time they will be made aware of any other contractors of sub contractors working on the same site, and the possibility of any overlap of working activities the job package will then be explained.

Compliances

Complance with S.I. No. 481/2001: SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE AT WORK (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS, 2013.

At the design stage all factors will have been considered any residual risks, which it was not reasonably practical to avoid and could not be removed, will be listed on the designers hazard identification sheets or project specific Risk Assessment as part of the Health and Safety Plan. This information will also have been included in the Health and Safety Plan at the design stage and would have been highlighted at a handover meeting between the designer and principal contractor. There will be separate meetings for each section to be worked on any residual risks will be controlled associated method statements.

Project hazard/risk assessment/safety method statements

Risk assessments and method statements will be prepared in accordance with the duties set out in the “S.I. No. 188/2001: SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE AT WORK (GENERAL APPLICATION) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS, 2001” Designer’s hazard identification sheets will identify which items of work require a formal risk assessment and those that require a method statement & risk assessment procedure. Hazards identified in the Health and Safety Plan will be issued with a formal risk assessment and a prepared method statement.

Gregory Archaeology will prepare formal risk assessments (Safety, Health & Welfare @ Work (General Application Regs 2006) and method statements for the works these will be used in conjunction with and in addition to the overall project Hazard/Risk Assessments prepared by Niall Gregory Safety at the construction phase of this project.

A copy of a “schedule of method statements” that is relevant to the work on the project. They will be made aware of and understand the relevance and importance of the risk assessment procedure.

Compliance with the S.I. No. 157/1990: EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES (PROTECTION OF WORKERS) (EXPOSURE TO NOISE) REGULATIONS, 1990 will be adhered to at all times. Any source of noise likely to exceed occupation action levels will be assessed and acted on accordingly prior to commencement of works.

Noise nuisance pollution will be controlled using the appropriate means in order to prevent nuisance in accordance with BS 5228:1984 i.e. sound suppressed equipment etc.

All employees and subcontractors will when appropriate use personal protective equipment in accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2006 Part V Eye protection will be issued to all staff even if there is only a minimal danger of any eye injury occurring. This equipment will include the following PPE.

• Safety footwear
• Gloves/Ear defenders
• Masks
• Protective clothing (Overalls, wet weather gear etc)
• High viz jackets and waistcoats (which shall be worn by all employees at all times).
• Covid-19 protective gear: Vynl gloves, covid compliant masks and eye protection.

A record of all PPE issued will be kept on site. All employees shall adhere at all times to the rules governing the use of PPE AT ANY TIME THEY ARE ON SITE.  

No member of staff will be allowed on site unless their equipment/clothing and PPE are suitable for the job they will be undertaking or for any other tasks they may come across whilst on site.

Risk assessments, method statements and Chemical Agent assessments will be prepared on the specifics of the project and site form our generic file with the overall project requirements to be the fore.

Significant hazards will entail Individual risk assessments carried out in addition to the normal hazards associated with work.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Site emergency numbers. All site offices will hold a list of emergency numbers in addition to these each supervisor will carry their own personal copy at all times. 

Accidents

If any accident should occur and someone is seriously injured the emergency services must be summoned. 

Dial the local emergency number and ask in the first instance for the ambulance services and give clear and precise details of the injured person, if the person is trapped in an excavation or by any other means the Fire Service should also be called. 

Under no circumstances should the inured party be moved unless he is in immediate danger e.g. falling materials, trench collapse etc.

If a person is trapped immediate rescue operations should be put into action, but only if it is safe to do so and under the direct instruction of the contraction project manager of any other responsible person pending the arrival of the Fire Service. 

The Gardaí must also be summoned if the accident has taken place on the public road. When all the above procedures have been followed the company safety officer must be informed of events immediately.

Fire

The project staff fire routine is to be followed in the event of any fire. If a fire is found or suspected no matter how small raise the alarm and call the fire service immediately, dial the local emergency number and ask for the fire service and give precise details as to the location of the fire.

If possible providing there is no risk of injury or death, close all windows and doors to prevent the spread of the fire and then evacuate the building or your working area.

Only attempt to extinguish the fire if you are not putting yourself or others at risk and when any attempt is made to put a fire out make sure that you are positioned between your means of escape and the fire so that you can make a safe exist if required.

If there are any chemicals or cylinders in proximity to the fire it shall be shall be the duty of the construction manger to ensure that all persons are moved to a safe place, also any local residents and any other persons in the vicinity must be advised of the danger and be moved to a safe area. 

The location and type of cylinders should be passed on to the fire services chief officer immediately on their arrival at fire scene.  As soon as it is safe the company safety officer must be informed of all events.

Damage to underground services

Any damage however minor to underground services (e.g. power/telephone cables, gas or water pipes etc) must be reported to the respective owner of the service cable that has been stretched may have broken conductors alternatively damage to a cable sheath could lead to the ingress of moisture and the corrosion of any metallic components within the cable. In the instance of broken or damaged duct work installation of services may be prevented.

Fractured or leaking gas pipes

All people in the area affected by the leak must be evacuated to a safe place and if damaged pipe is connected to a building all the occupants must be informed of the incident and ask to evacuate the building until such time as it is safe to return.

The local regional gas supplier must be informed immediately by telephone.

All smoking and any other courses of ignition or naked flames are to be prohibited and vehicles and members of the public must be prevented from entering or approaching the site of leak. Under no circumstances must anyone re-enter the site until it has been declared safe by a representative of the local gas company.

Damage to electricity cables

All people in the immediate area of the damaged cable must be removed at once, avoiding all contact with cable. 

Under no circumstances must any attempt be made to remove or untangle the cable from any machinery or plant. If any plant is involved that has an operative on board e.g. excavator, the driver must stay in the cab of the vehicle. 

If however the operator has to escape from the equipment in the event of danger he should leap clear and not climb from the cab.

The local electricity supplier must be informed immediately. Under no circumstances must anyone re-enter the site until it has been declared safe by a representative of the local electricity supplier.

Damage to any other services/pipes

If any other services or pipes are damaged do not disturb them any further and notify the respective owners.

First Aid Arrangements

The appropriate numbers of first aiders (Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2006 Part IX) will be nominated and given a briefing familiarising them with any first aid equipment and procedures, notices of names and location of the nominated people will be posted on site at various points

All site buildings shall hold a first aid box, which is to be maintained at all, times. In addition all mobile teams will also carry a first aid kit.

Accident Reporting

Reference to Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2006 Part X Notification of Accidents & Dangerous Occurrences

All injuries

Any accident that results in personal injury to any person whether employed or not must in all instances be entered in the site accident book. The entry must be made as soon as is reasonably possible after the accident. As this is a means of providing evidence of an injury should the injured party make a claim for damages or industrial injuries benefit at a later date.

The Company Manager or his immediate supervisors shall be responsible for investigating any minor accidents. An accident/incident form will be completed by the Site Safety Representative and kept in the safety plan.

The Company Manager in conjunction with the Site Safety Representative is responsible for investigating accidents that involve a person being absent from work for a period of more than 3 working days. The client will be advised and an accident/Incident form completed along with an investigation report.

The Safety Officer shall solely investigate all major accidents/incidents and details of incident/accident logged and a full report submitted in addition to our own accident reporting procedures we will follow any specific or additional client requirements.

A team briefing should be held to discuss occurrence of the above in order that re-occurrence of similar incidents is prevented.

Incapacitating injuries

When a person directly employed or not is involved in an accident, which causes a loss of time from work through an inability to carry on with duties, or for medical treatment off site, the Company Project Manager will investigate the accident and collect all the relevant information. A Site Safety Representative will then be informed and a site visit arranged if it is deemed necessary.

As soon as any injured person returns to work or if after 4 days from date of the accident the person has not returned (the 4 days must include Saturday and Sunday) the Company Project Manager must inform the Site Safety Representative of the situation. It is vital that the Construction Project Manager gathers all relevant information from the time of the initial phone call to the Site Safety Representative and the confirmation call. The company Director will then be responsible for notifying the Health and Safety authority as defined in Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2006

Fatalities and major injuries

Should a fatal accident occur or an incident where it is suspected that serious injuries have been sustained the Company Project Manager should immediately inform the company Site Safety Representative or in his absence the Director. This procedure must be adhered to in all instances for employees, contractors, sub contractors or members of the public.

The company shall notify immediately by telephone and in writing on Form NoIR1 the Health and Safety Authority. The Site Safety Representative will then be responsible for gathering information regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident and making out a full report.

Dangerous occurrences

The Company Project Manager must inform the Site Safety Representative of any dangerous occurrence that has been listed whether it results in injury or not.

The Health and Safety Authority will be notified immediately by telephone and in writing on Form NoIR3. This shall be the responsibility of the Director. The Site Safety Representative will investigate the incident and prepare a report for the Health and Safety Authority.

Diseases

If the Company Project Manager is made aware that any person is suffering from any disease he must inform the company immediately. The company will investigate the matter and inform the Health and Safety Authority on Form NoIR3.

Project Welfare Facilities

Project Offices

Project offices will be placed on site in accordance with the requirements of the contract. Each site will be in full compliance with all current legislation in regard to fire exits, size, heating and lighting and the installation of fire fighting equipment. Furniture supplied shall be adequate for all full time members of staff and sufficient numbers of male and female toilets will be provided along with washing facilities and a supply of fresh clean drinking water.

Welfare facilities for site operatives

Facilities including washing, messing, dry clothes storage, sanitation facilities and proper waste containers shall be available within the site compound. A list of all public amenities that may be used by any operatives working away from the project compound will be made available in accordance with Safety, Health & Welfare @ work (General Application) Regulations 2006 Part 111.

Car Parking

An area of hard standing shall be set aside for parking in accordance with the requirements of the project.

Exterior lighting

Sufficient exterior lighting shall be supplied and maintained for use out of daylight hours at project site facilities.

Fire fighting equipment

All fire extinguishers and other static equipment shall be checked each month and tested bi-annually by an approved Fire Fighting Equipment Company. Each extinguisher will be certified and have the appropriate paperwork attached to it along with notification of which type of fire the extinguisher is suitable for. Records of all inspections will be kept in the “fire precautions act” logbook.

All personnel will be given training in fire evacuation and fire assembly points will be designated for each project site. Mobile teams will carry a dry power extinguisher, which will be inspected on a weekly basis by their supervisor.

All staff is to follow fire action instructions

Information and Training

Subcontractor training and safety audits. Training and safety auditing will run in conjunction with Gregory Archaeology own audits and training of sub contractors.

Training. Details of our safety and technical training are held at the site office.

Safety Signs. Both internal and external safety signs will be held and maintained as indicated by S.I. No. 132/1995: SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE AT WORK (SIGNS) REGULATIONS, 1995.

Notice Boards. General Health and Safety issues will be posted along with any other information on notice boards, which will be placed within site offices.

Pre-Construction Briefings and Meetings. Senior project staff will hold pre-excavation meetings to ensure all Health and Safety requirements are in place prior to the start of any work on the project included in these meetings will be the following along with any other matters arising in regard to the project.

• Registers of plant, equipment, training, test certificates are available
• Site notice boards erected and sufficient signs and notices are available
• Provision of first aid
• Company Health and Safety Manuals and procedures documents are available and have been issued to relevant staff
• Statutory notices
• Premises are up to statutory requirements and are suitable for the project
• Welfare facilities and toilets are in accordance with current legislation
• Adequate car parking area available within site compound, where reasonably practical
• Adequate exterior lighting in place
• Electrical installations tested and certified
• Fuel, pipes and any other materials stored under current legislation
• Storage and transportation plant maintenance and records
• Training
• All emergency procedures in place
• Auditing, reporting and safety monitoring
• Fire prevention and emergency procedures and systems in place
• Required completed CR forms 1-9 where applicable

Training Project Staff. Gregory Archaeology anticipates that staff will have to undergo a variety of training to reach standards set out in current legislation. The majority of our employees and sub contractors will have all the relevant skills and knowledge required however for those with a shortfall in skills the following training is available. Also there will be some compulsory training for all staff.

Safety Induction and Project Accreditation. All members of staff involved in external works who will be involved on the project are required to attend a formal safety-training course at the site office. Also covered within this training will be an orientation section for sub contractors ensuring familiarisation with the new site. Covered by this will be general site rules, site security, emergency procedures, public relations and the general scope of the project safety plan.

Safety Induction Project Admin Staff. Administration staff will complete an office safety induction and familiarisation course, which will be held on record as for the external staff.

Health and Safety Seminars. All project staff will be required to attend regular Health and Safety Seminars.

Health and Safety Training Project Staff. Prior to commencing work on the project all staff will have attended and completed to a satisfactory standard, a Health and Safety Course.

Plant Operator Training. Staff required to operate plant will be sent to an accredited FAS pass card training facility. Staff FAS pass card will be kept on site and staff will only allowed to operate plant for which they have received the correct accreditation.

First Aid Training. Training in first aid will be given to nominated persons who are not in possession of an up to date accreditation. Names of nominated staff members will be made known to all staff.

FAS pass card Training. All staff will be in possession of current qualification either as operatives or supervisors where these qualifications are not held staff will be trained at an approved training centre. It should however be noted that under the current regulations, the profession of Archaeologist is exempt from requiring FAS Safe Pass. This however, does not exclude such personnel from adequate safety training.

Extra Training. It is anticipated that other forms of training that are not covered within this section will rise from the project on these occasions the relevant tuition will be arranged.

Training Records. Training records will be held on site and updated as and when required any information contained therein will be available in accordance with our obligations under the “data protection act”.

Tool Box Talks. These talks will be undertaken as a means of passing on any current safety issues and also an effective way of passing through to all staff the safety ethic. Supervisory staff will hold the talks and depending on the stage of the project and the type of work being undertaken at any time the subjects discussed will vary. A register of these talks will be kept updated at all time.

Safety Suggestion Scheme. Consideration will be given to all staff suggestions in regards to safety in addition all ideas put forward will be discussed with all participants in the scheme.

Site Rules

Visiting Personnel

Only authorised persons may visit the project office, to ensure these visitors must report as follows:

Deliveries report to stores controller/ Site Safety Representative

Personnel on any other business to report to site office reception area. All site rules must be adhered to at all times and any unauthorised persons found on site will be asked to leave after being told of the operations being undertaken within the restricted area.

Site Security. Risk assessments and method statements will take into consideration site security in addition security is covered within this statement. Team leaders will be held responsible for the safety of their own work area ensuring that no unauthorised persons can gain access this will be done with the use of barriers, signs, guarding etc.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Policy on alcohol and drug abuse is set out on the company induction course and will be strictly enforced throughout the duration of project along with the requirements of the client.

Personal Hygiene. All members of staff will be expected to maintain a high standard of personal hygiene at all times and use the washing and toilet facilities provided. Also any tool or equipment used on this project must comply with the required standards of the Contract and be suitable for the tasks to be carried out and must not in any way contaminate the site water supply.

The Health and Safety File. The Project Supervisor will be constantly updated of any information to be included in the Health and Safety File during the period of construction. Included in this file will be the following:

• Location of local utilities and services including emergency services and fire fighting systems
• As built drawings and associated records and plans in use throughout the excavation period
• Details of methods of excavations and types of materials used
• Network maintenance procedures and requirements
• Specialist operating and maintenance manuals from suppliers of plant and machinery to install as part of the project network.

Safety Plan and Audits

Monitoring the Health and Safety Plan. The Excavation Project Manager via the following will carry out continuous monitoring of Health and Safety standards. On site visits the Safety Advisor will review any on site matters and advise accordingly by means of a written report to the contract project manager

The Health and Safety Officer on a regular basis will review health and Safety inspection details and information given by the Safety Advisor and any action to be taken will be confirmed in writing where appropriate.

Monitoring and reporting systems and any subsequent remedial action taken in response to any shortfall in safety mattes will be the responsibility of the Excavation Project Manager. Where it is required inspection reports will be issued to contractors/sub contractors who will be expected to act on any issues raised within the report immediately.

Site Safety Visits. The Safety Advisor taking into consideration the environment and elements of the system being audited will carry out site visits randomly.

Safety Inspections. Supervisors in addition checking that safe working practices are in place will check all tools, plant and equipment weekly.

Safety Audits. The Manager will at some time during the Construction/Excavation period carry out a safety audit along with the Site Safety Representative. A report is then produced in detail highlighting particular strengths and weaknesses throughout every single operation the company is involved in thus showing the effectiveness of the company’s Health and Safety Plan.

Safety Statistics and Information. Regular notices will be released in relation to the company’s safety statistics this information is to reach all levels via the management structure and displayed on site notice boards.

Project Review. Continual assessments will take place throughout the duration of the project. This will be any matters that have been identified and pass them on to the contract meeting which are to be held. The matters will then be discussed and put forward for inclusion in the Health and Safety Plan.

Compliance with the Document. Compliance with the regulations set out in this plan does not relieve any person whether they are an employee or contractor/sub contractor from their obligations to comply with S.I. No. 481 Safety, Health and Welfare (Construction) Regulations 2013 and any other legislation pertaining the Health and Safety issues.

GENERAL SAFETY POLICY

The Management of Gregory Archaeology undertakes to proactively observe the Legislation, Acts, Regulations and Codes of Practices, which apply in the workplace. It shall be the Policy of Gregory Archaeology to create and maintain a safe and healthy place of work and safe systems of work. This includes the preparation of a Safety Statement as required by Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, Section 20.

The Safety Manager will be responsible for updating, making amendment and changes to the Safety Statement as required by the legislation.

THE MATTERS TO WHICH THE POLICY EXTENDS INCLUDE:

1. Provide a Safe Place of Work, the design, the provision and the maintenance of which to be so far as is reasonably practicable safe and without risk to health.

2. So far as is reasonably practicable, as regards any place of work under the employers control, the design, the provision and maintenance of safe means of access to and egress from it.

3. The provision of plant and machinery, the design and maintenance of which are to be, so far as is reasonably practicable safe to operate and without risk to safety and health.

4. The provision of systems of work that are planned, organised, performed and maintained so as to be, so far as is reasonably practical, safe and without risk to health.

5. The provision of such information, instruction, training and supervision as necessary to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the Safety and Health at Work of the employees

6. In circumstances in which it is not reasonably practicable for the employer to control or eliminate hazards in a place of work under their control, or in such circumstances as may be prescribed, the provision and maintenance of such suitable protective clothing or equipment as appropriate that are necessary to ensure the Safety and Health at Work of their employees.

6. The provision and revision as necessary of adequate plans to be followed in emergencies.

7. To ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, safety and the prevention of risk to health at work in connection with use of any article or substance. The provision and maintenance of facilities and arrangements for the welfare of the employees at work.

8. To obtain, where necessary, the services of a competent person (whether under a contract of employment or otherwise) for the purpose of ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, the Safety and Health at Work of the employees.

9. The approach to ensuring safe and healthy work conditions by Gregory Archaeology may be summarised under the following headings:

• Identification of Hazards
• Assessment of Risk
• Control of Hazards by:

1. Substitution
2. Isolation
3. Engineering Hazards out
4. Personal Protective Equipment (as a last resort)
5. Safe Systems/Methods of Work.

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

Managing Director/Project Manager –Niall Gregory

Safety Representative – As appointed on Project by Project Basis

Supervisor – As appointed on Project by Project Basis

Site Manager/Site Director- As appointed on Project by Project Basis

TRAINING RESOURCES

Training of Staff shall be in accordance with the general duties of the employer as stated in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, Section 10, General Application Regulations, Construction Regulations 2013 & subsequent legislation as exists presently and as may be introduced.

The Management of RedArc Consulting is committed to the provision of information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure as far as is reasonably practicable the safety and health at work of its employees. Training will be addressed by the Safety Manager or, on request, by external training consultants.

TRAINING & PROCEDURES WILL BE PROVIDED TO ENSURE THAT:

1. The Safety Statement is available to all employees and that a common understanding of its contents is made available to the employees.

2. Employees will receive Induction Training and be further trained and made aware of identified hazards in the workplace.

3. Designated Fire Fighting Personnel will be available and know the Emergency Procedures.

4. Supervision is available at all times and in particular for inexperienced staff.

5. Employees will observe all Safety Rules and Requirements.

6. Machinery and Equipment will be frequently inspected, maintained and safe to use.

7. Preventive Maintenance Techniques are employed to ensure that defects are promptly identified and rectified in the place of work and on any equipment required for work purposes.

8. Good standards of housekeeping will be achieved and maintained.

9. Regular reviews of working practices will be planned to maintain and or improve Safety and Health Standards.

10. Accident Investigation is properly completed and details are reported properly.

11. Prevent reoccurrence of accidents.

TRAINING WILL INCLUDE:

• Induction for new employees and on new equipment.
• Safe Pass training by a FÁS registered instructor for site installation personnel.
• On-going training applicable to specific operational needs.
• Specific training related to Safety and Health Procedures.

CONSULTATION AND REPRESENTATION

In accordance with Section 25 of Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2013, the employees will select a Site Safety Representative representing all the employees. The Safety Representative cannot be penalised for exercising their role as a Safety Representative

It is the policy of Gregory Archaeology to consult with employees on all matters pertaining to Health and Safety and to provide them and their Safety Representative with:

1. Information necessary for maintaining safety in the workplace.

2. Informing the Safety Representative when the H.S.A. inspector is at a work location.

3. Facilitating the Safety Representative in the discharge of his/her functions.

4. The Safety Manager will bring to the attention of the employees and the Safety Representative:
   • Intermittent hazard information on specific tasks in printed sheet form – Safety Briefs.
   • Any pertinent booklets, hazard sheets, films, videos etc.
   • Health & Safety Authority or other relevant agencies, to ensure a safe and healthy workplace.

CO-OPERATION OF EMPLOYEES

An essential component in Gregory Archaeology’s Safety Policy is the commitment of its employees to the principles of Safety outlined in this Statement.

Duties of the Employee to their Employer are:

1. Take reasonable care for his/her own Safety Health and Welfare and that of any other person who may be affected by his/her acts or omissions while at work.

2. Co-operate with his/her employer and any other person to such extent as will enable his/her employer or the other person to comply with any of the relevant statutory provisions.

3. To ensure the he/she is not under the influence of a intoxicant to the extent of endangering his/her own or any other persons Safety, Health and Welfare and to submit to any appropriate, reasonable and proportionate tests for intoxicants in accordance with regulations under the 2005 Act

4. Attend any training and undergo assessment of the training by the employer and/or Safety and Health Legislation

5. To use in such a manner so as to provide the protection intended, any suitable appliance, protective clothing, convenience equipment or other means or thing provided (whether for his/her use alone or for use by him/her in common with others) for securing his/her Safety, Health and Welfare while at work: and

6. To report to his/her employer or his/her immediate supervisor without unreasonable delay, any defects in plant equipment, place of work or system of work, which s/he becomes aware.

6. No person shall intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse any appliance, protective clothing, convenience equipment or other means or things provided in pursuance of any of the relevant statutory provisions or otherwise, for securing the Safety Health and welfare, of which he/she becomes aware.

HAZARD ASSESSMENT PARAMETERS

Gregory Archaeology has designated the following personnel as responsible for hazard assessments. Where any person who occupies these roles feels they are unsure in any way with reference to Safe Systems of Work or Hazard Assessments, work must cease and advice must be sought from a competent source (i.e. External Consultants, Health and Safety Authority, etc.):

TITLE: Safety Manager – As appointed on Project by Project Basis

TITLE: Safety Representative – As appointed on Project by Project Basis

The person responsible will carry out the following:

• Perform Safety tours to check compliance with items listed in this Safety Statement and at scheduled and unscheduled times.

• The person responsible and the Safety Representative will carry out a safety review annually. Regular Safety Audits: comprising the conclusion and review of each project, and preparation of the next project.

• All matters arising out of reviews, audits or inspections will be advised to the Management of RedArc Consulting and the Safety Representative.

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

The Management recognises that a proportion of accidents may occur through inadequate maintenance. To this end it is committed to carrying out preventative maintenance on site, in the office, on equipment and where ever necessary, where reasonably practicable.

These Areas Are As Follows:

• Machinery and fixed equipment – on-site/office

• Personal Protective Equipment.

• Stored Materials – on-site/office/stockroom.

• Work surfaces.

• Electrical equipment, tools etc.,

The person responsible for identifying the needs, reviewing the system and either executing it or contracting competent persons is the safety manager, who will seek approval from the Management of Gregory Archaeology.

INJURY – DAMAGE MINIMISERS

The Management is committed to the prevention of accidents and the implementation of safe methods of work.

In the event of these systems failing the following are in place:

* First Aid Kit

* Fire Fighting Equipment

The Site Safety Representative is responsible for supplies for the First Aid Kit. First aid kits will be at every Gregory Archaeology work location.

MANUAL HANDLING

The basic objective of the Manual Handling is to ensure that we do not suffer from sprain or strain injury, whether traumatic or cumulative.

The application of the principles helps us to decide whether what we wish to do and how we wish to do it will be safe, in short it helps us to decide whether we need help or not to complete the task.

1. THE LOAD:

We must assess the load for weight, size, shape, composition, surface and centre of gravity of the load.

2. THE AREA:

We must consider the location, route and destination and ask whether the position of the load, the access and egress, the space and underfoot conditions will allow us to control the load safely.

After making the above assessment we are then in a position to decide whether or not we can complete the task on our own.

3. THE PROCEDURE:

• Get as close to the load as possible

• Unlock the knees and adjust the feet

• Flatten the lumbar spine

• If necessary to lower the hands lower from the feet up

• Get a firm grip of the load

• Raise the body from the head down

• Point the feet in the direction of your route to avoid twisting your back under the load.

GENERAL RULES FOR CONTRACTORS

Gregory Archaeology regards contractors as any group of trades, services or suppliers paid to carry out work on behalf of Gregory Archaeology, whether it is directly or in conjunction with Gregory Archaeology personnel.

It will be part of any contractor’s contract that they abide fully with Gregory Consulting safety policy. They will accept Gregory Archaeology safety policy in full, and agree that even though strenuous attempts have been made to identify hazards, some may be undetected and the contractor will identify these and inform Gregory Archaeology management of same. All contractors on construction sites must hold (FÁS) SAFE PASS cards or a recognised equivalent.

The following will apply where contractors are concerned they must:

• Possess evidence of adequate insurance cover and certification of equipment / plant compliances for the duration of the Contract.

• Abide by the terms of the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and any subsequent legislation and regulations.

• Sign off after having read and understood the requirements of the Gregory Archaeology Safety Statement.

• Not use any of the Gregory Archaeology equipment without the written permission of the Site Safety Representative.

• Not seek the assistance of Gregory Archaeology staff without the permission of the Site Safety Representative.

GENERAL HEALTH & SAFETY RULES

• Observe all safety signs and regulations at all times.

• Do not engage in hazardous activities, such as horseplay, pushing or shoving even in fun.

• Always correctly wear, as directed by manufacturers directions, the appropriate personal protective equipment provided for the task.

• Check equipment for defects before using it.

• Report all hazards to the Safety Manager or Safety Representative.

• Report all accidents or near misses, even if they do not result in serious injury.

• Report all injuries no matter how minor to the Safety Manager.

• Always wash your hands before eating and after using toilets.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided in line with legislation

Personal Protective Equipment will be available to the employee in discharging his/her duties at the place of work.

Information, training and instruction will be provided to enable the employee make proper and effective use of any Personal Protective Equipment provided.

Responsibility for ensuring that equipment is maintained and cared for lies firstly with the employee and secondly with the Safety Manager.

It is policy to replace worn or defective Personal Protective Equipment.

The Safety Manager will have responsibility for supply and identification of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment for the tasks. He/she will obtain advice and aid from Safety and Health Specialists if required.

ACCIDENT REPORTING & INVESTIGATION

• On a purely humanitarian basis – Nobody likes to see people injured or killed.

• Accidents may result in loss of earning power for the employee.

• Accidents may result in loss of productive time for the employer.

• From a management view point, a serious accident particularly a fatal one, can have a long-term effect on the morale of the workforce.

• Statutory requirements.

• All accidents, no matter how irrelevant they may seem, will be reported to the Safety Manger / Safety Representative or most senior management person available using the forms in this Site Health & Safety All accidents, incidents and near misses will be investigated and recorded or notified by the Representative. The Safety Representative may assist in the investigation or carry out their own independent investigation and make recommendations to the Management on any accident, incident or near miss and any means by which a re-occurrence of same may be avoided in future. The scene of an accident must not be interfered with in any way, until all the investigation has been completed, other than to make it safe so as to ensure that others are not put in danger from the location/situation.

All accidents, incidents or near misses will be recorded and or notified in the following manner:

• On the Internal Accident, Incident, Near Miss Report Form.

• Form of Notice of Accident IR1 (S.I. No. 44 1993). Available online at www.hsa.ie

• Form of Notice of Dangerous Occurrences IR3 (S.I. No. 44 1993).

The accident report which will be finalised through the use of on site investigation, interviewing of witnesses, preparation of sketches and photographs/video, and the review of the above documents.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Disciplinary procedures will apply for breaches of Gregory Archaeology policies.

Breaches of Safety Rules and Procedures are regarded as being of the most serious nature.

Discipline will include:

• Verbal warning, -This will be given twice, in the presence of a witness and with a recorded written note to the effect of the warning, including the reason for the warning and, name and address of the witness, and company the witness works for.

• Written warning, – This will be given after two verbal warnings. This will be given once and witnessed by senior management. A copy of the warning will be given to the employee with copies of the previous verbal warnings and the written warning will clearly state that, after this written warning an employee will be dismissed at the discretion of senior management, should that same employee breach company policies.

• After a period of twelve months from issue of last warning, warnings will be removed from file unless the person in question re -offends within that period, in which case the twelve month period shall start from the day the person re-offended.

• Dismissal can be made without any of the above warnings being used, should an incident arise, that in the opinion of senior management jeopardises the health, safety or well being of any employee, contractor or other person (including intoxication and/or use of illegal drugs).

• However, superseding the above stages, any employees guilty of gross negligence, serious dereliction of duty, break of Company regulations, drunkenness and/or drug abuse on duty, moral turpitude, gross insubordination, theft, are subject to instant dismissal.

• Where advice and persuasion fails to achieve compliance with Safety and Health risk rules, it is the policy of Gregory Archaeology to pursue the matter through the disciplinary procedures.

Because safety is so important, breaches of safety regulations will be

1. Considered as a serious breach of discipline.

2. Serious breaches of Safety and Health procedures will lead to instant dismissal.

EMERGENCY PLAN PROCEDURE

An Emergency Evacuation Procedure will be developed by the Site Safety Representative. All personnel, management, employees and sub–contractors must make themselves aware of the Emergency Evacuation Procedures put in place by Gregory Archaeology on any site or workplace where they are present.

All Gregory Archaeology personnel, management, employees and sub–contractors must make themselves aware of emergency exit routes, assembly points, location of fire fighting points and must be made aware of how to initiate the correct alarm procedure. The Site Safety Representative will ensure this is complied with. Where a facility already has an evacuation plan in place, Gregory Archaeology Operatives will use such a plan as the primary evacuation procedure.

RISK ASSESSMENT MATRIX

Introduction

The Risk Assessment Matrix demonstrates the means by which a Risk is identified and assessed. This matrix uses both quantative and qualative formats and both use visual ‘traffic light’ warning colour coding. It should be noted there is no Low Green coding as every activity has some degree of risk. Instead the colour coding equates to Yellow = Low Risk, Amber = Medium Risk and Red = High Risk.

The Site Safety Plan details Project Specific Risk Assessment and should be read in conjunction with this document. The use of Site Safety Plan for each project, ensures continuous process of review and audit from the preceding project. This is incorporated into new or updated procedures in the drafting of the next project-led Site Safety Plan. The successive updating of Site Safety Plans then informs annual reviews, audits and implementation of pro-active safety procedures and Safety Statement.

List of General Hazards, Risk, Risk Rating and Preventive Measures

HAZARD:                                           Is a substance, operation, machine or process ‘with potential to cause harm’

RISK:                                                  A risk relates to the likelihood of harm being caused in the circumstances of use or operation

PREVENTIVE MEASURES:             The safety controls associated with each individual operation after the precautions are implemented. The Risk Assessment and Control Measure(s) are not limited to those stated, but are only offered as a guide to safe work practise.

The consequences of the identified safety hazards shall be assessed using the following criteria:

• Severity
• High (3)  =               Fatality/major injury or illness causing long-term disability
• Med (2)  =             Injury or illness causing short-term disability
• Low (1)   =             Minor injury
• Likelihood – Potential frequency of the identified hazard occurring
• High (3)  =             Certain / near certain
• Med (2)  =               Reasonably likely to occur
• Low (1)   =             Very seldom / never

Or

Using the above table(s) an overall risk assessment rating is then decided after controls are assigned. E.g., a medium severity with high likelihood leads to an overall high risk assessment.

Control measures stated on the following risk assessments are intended to reduce the assessed risk to an acceptable level. Where it is felt that the existing controls are not adequate, additional measures are recommended to rectify this. The Hazard/Risk Assessment should be reviewed at least annually or as soon as there are significant changes in work practise (new plant/machinery, new site/operating layout, etc) or changes in legislation.

CODE OF PRACTICE

COVERING COVID-19

Infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 can cause illness, ranging from mild to severe, and, in some cases, can be fatal. It can take anything from 2 days up to 14 days for symptoms of coronavirus to appear. They can be similar to the symptoms of cold and flu.

Symptoms of Covid-19 can include:

• Fever (high temperature – 38 degrees Celsius or above).
• A cough – this can be any kind of cough, not just dry.
• Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties.
• Some people infected with the virus, so called asymptomatic cases, have experienced no symptoms at all.

How it spreads:

From people in fluid and in droplets scattered from the nose or mouth of an infected person when the person with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes or speaks. The fluid or droplets land on objects and surfaces around the infected person. Other people contaminate their hands by touching these objects or surfaces and then bring the virus into contact with their eyes, nose or mouth by touching them with their contaminated hands. COVID-19 can also spread if droplets from an infected person land directly on the mucous membranes of the eye, nose or mouth of a person standing close to them.

While people are most likely to pass on the infection when they have symptoms, current information suggests that some infected people spread the virus to others prior to developing or displaying symptoms themselves.

Factors, which can give rise to workplace contamination and spread, may include:

• Working in shared office space – shared or confined and enclosed spaces facilitates the spread of the virus and contamination of others, in particular if work stations are shared.
• Travelling in shared vehicle – enclosed spaces of vehicles, whether travelling to or from work, or at work increases the risk of spread of the virus.
• Working within 2m of a colleague – working in close proximity to another colleague increases the risk of spread.
• Sharing equipment and resources – sharing tools, recording material, computers, desks, etc allows for the potential of cross contamination.
• Poor hygiene – lack of cleanliness and personal hygiene allows for the virus to be transmitted from the person to other objects or people.
• Lack of Covid PPE – no appropriate protective equipment can cause the person to either transmit the virus or be exposes to receiving the virus.
• Inappropriate use or maintenance of PPE – PPE not subject to frequent and correct methods of cleaning or maintenance can cause the PPE to be a transmitter of the virus.
• Lack of training – without proper training, employees may not have the skills needed to keep operations running
• No or poor training / induction – No or a poor methods of employee, personnel and other third party Covid-19 induction safety measures can result in personnel being at risk of receiving or transmitting Covid-19.

Preventative measures:

The following measures can help prevent to spread of the virus:

• Return to Work Form – all personnel complete return to work form or questionnaire. This is to determine likelihood of exposure to Covid-19, transmission of same and risk category, such as underlying health issues. This must be completed at least three days prior to return to work and undertaken by any other personnel such as contractors and sub-contractors.
• Covi-19 Induction – all personnel, contractors and sub-contractors receive induction and Covid-19 safety preventative measures.
• Covid-19 Contact Log – A log system is used to maintain a record of who works with other personnel, where they work and how they may come in to contact with others in order to facilitate contact tracing. The log includes contact details of all personnel. The log must declare the reasons for it being maintained and how these and the contact details will be retained in a secure manner.
• Conduct office work from home – all office based work shall be conducted from home. All file and document sharing shall be retained in the company’s cloud hosting. Where it proves impractical to digitally share information and paper-based records are necessary, these documents must be handled with care and on the assumption of being contaminated. The documents are handled with appropriate Covid compliant gloves and set aside in dedicated document tray for a period of at least 72 hours before being handled. The relevant tray should display the date/day upon which these documents can be opened.
• Travel alone in non-shared vehicle – personnel engaged in site work must make all reasonable measures to travel alone. If this proves not possible, a minimum of 1.5m must be kept between personnel. For example, with a standard salon car, a driver and one other person can be accommodated by the passenger sitting behind and to the opposite side of the driver. As this constitutes a confined space and close proximity, it is the policy of this company that the interior of the vehicle is regularly cleaned and that the personnel wear Covid PPE, namely vinyl gloves and Covid compliant face mask.
• Non-essential persons – only essential persons required to undertake a recognised work activity are permitted within the workplace and only for the purposes of that activity.
• Working with a colleague – personnel working together must observe distancing rules and where practical always remain 2m or more from each other. Some activities may require closer working environments, such as lifting heavy objects, sharing site documentation, measuring or recording. Where these can not be undertaken at a distances, protective measures such as use of mechanical lifting equipment, screening, etc must be considered as first option and where practical employed. Where these can not be used for whatever reason, personnel must work back-to-back, namely that at all times they face away and do not work directly facing each other. It is not permissible for any personnel to walk across another’s work space.
• Sharing equipment and resources – sharing tools, recording material, computers, desks, etc is not permitted. Should there be a lack of tools or resources, it is the duty of the personnel to bring this to the attention of the business owner/manager/supervisor as most appropriate. Provision will then be made for individual tools, equipment, etc. It is also the duty of the employer to ensure that individual equipment is provided. Where more than one person is working together, each item or tool should be clearly labelled with the relevant personnel’s name or other pre-agreed clear identifier unique to that person. Disinfectant will be used where appropriate.
• Poor hygiene – all work surfaces, tools and equipment are to be kept clean. This must be done both before and after use. All personnel must practise rigorous hygiene. Use of soap and hot water should be applied. Where it is not practical to provide hot water and soap, appropriate hand sanitising hand gels must be used. Personnel should not touch their face or other exposed skin. Coughing and sneezing should be done into the elbow only.
• Lack of Covid PPE – Covid compliant PPE is provided to all personnel. These are vinyl gloves, appropriate face masks and goggles. Use of the PPE is a last line of defence is never substitute for other preventative measures.
• Inappropriate use or maintenance of PPE – Reusable PPE must be kept clean, by disinfecting with Covid appropriate alcohol cleanser both before and after use. Reusable Covid PPE must never be shared. Disposable Covid PPE such as vinyl gloves must be used one time only as single use equipment. They must be worn and removed in the correct manner to ensure that there is no contact with the outside surface of the gloves. At all times personnel should consider the outside surface of the gloves as being contaminated. Consequently sanitising gels must be used between and changing of tasks and locations. This will help minimise potential for cross-contamination.
• Induction/Training – All personnel, contractors, sub-contractors working within the environment of the company, whether in doors or on-site work, must receive Covid Induction and rigorously apply all requirements as laid out buy the induction. This may involve regular update training and guidance.

• If contamination or suspected contamination has occurred :
• Follow the Covid-19 Emergency Plan.
• The symptomatic person and others maintain a distance of at least 2 metres from the symptomatic person at all times.
• Provide a mask for the person presenting with symptoms if one is available. The person should wear the mask if in a common area with other people or while exiting the premises.
• Assess whether the unwell individual can immediately be directed to go home and call their doctor and continue self-isolation at home.
• Facilitate the person presenting with symptoms remaining in isolation if they cannot immediately go home and facilitate them calling their doctor. The worker should avoid touching people, surfaces and objects. Advice should be given to the person presenting with symptoms to cover their mouth and nose with the disposable tissue provided when they cough or sneeze and put the tissue in the waste bag provided.
• Arrange transport home or to hospital for medical assessment. Public transport of any kind should not be used.
• Carry out an assessment of the incident which will form part of determining follow-up actions and recovery.
• Arrange for appropriate cleaning of the isolation area and work areas involved.
• Provide advice and assistance if contacted by the HSE.

The best way to prevent person-to-person spread of COVID-19 is to use proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette and practice physical distancing.

CODE OF PRACTICE

ACCESS & EGRESS

1. Ensure the site is kept clean and free from obstructions.

2. Ensure external / emergency lighting is provided and adequately maintained.

3. Ensure site boundaries are clearly identifiable.

4. Traffic routes on site for vehicles must be clearly marked with a speed limit prominently posted.

5. The car park must identify employee and visitor parking areas.

6. Assembly points in an emergency must be clearly marked and free from obstructions.

7. External fire fighting equipment i.e. hydrants, must be conspicuously marked and again free from obstructions.

8. No Parking signs must be clearly identifiable on site.

9. Kerbs should be conspicuously highlighted.

10. A system should be in place for “all visitors must report to reception” and a sign displaying this message posted prominently on site.

11. The site surface must be even with no dangerous pot holes, slopes etc.

12. The site must be well drained.

13. Areas for external storage must be clearly highlighted and signposted.

14. Pedestrian walkways / crossings must be conspicuously marked especially in areas where fork lift trucks are operating.

15. Ensure swinging gates, doors, windows, barriers, signs and the like do not create an additional hazard.

16. Provide safety signs indicating dangerous areas where safety equipment and / or PPE must be used on site.

17. Authorised personnel should only be permitted to enter the likes of transformer rooms, storage tanks, confined spaces, electrical switchrooms etc. A sign must be prominently displayed ensuring this.

18. Comply with the separate Codes of Practice covering Work at Heights, Scaffolds, Fork Lift Trucks etc.

CODE OF PRACTICE

THE USE OF CONTRACTORS

1. Protective Clothing: contractor personnel while working on the Plant will wear Protective equipment adequate to counter the hazards of any work. The contractor must supply helmets and safety glasses. Specialised equipment if not in the possession of the contractor may be supplied by the company. The contractor will implement this safety requirement to the satisfaction of the company.

2. Work Permit: A work permit system is in operation on the Plant, no work may be undertaken without conforming to this regulation. All work by Contractors on Plant requires a work permit. It is essential that the conditions of the permit are adhered to at all times. Anyone found not to be complying with the conditions of the permit may be sent off the site. A Contractor is permitted on the plant only with the permission of the Supervisor of that area.

3. Equipment on the Plant: Bringing on Plant or machinery, use and parking of all contractor equipment is subject to company control. Such equipment shall be placed or parked where indicated to the contractor and not left in a position where it constitutes a hazard to passing traffic or where it obstructs/blocks any operating equipment, fire equipment, hydrants etc. No toxic, corrosive or explosive equipment or substance may be brought on the Plant without the company’s written permission. All equipment in use on the Plant must be to an approved standard with a certificate of approval, which will be inspected by a company supervisor. Welding earth leads must be strapped to the item being welded and must not depend on steel work for continuity.

4. Excavations: Where applicable, all excavations made by a contractor must be fenced with a solid fence that gives adequate protection. All excavations made by the contractor must be fenced and shored to a standard that at least meets legal requirements. Excavations will be made by the Contractor only on receipt of a work permit which states clearly the location and limits to be observed by the Contractor when digging. It is the Contractors duty to ensure that he understands clearly the details and the conditions of the permit and he should do this by clarifying with the issuing Supervisor what his own interpretation is. All services in the vicinity of an excavation must be located by hand and protected before a machine can be used. Excavations in excess of 1.5 metres deep require an entry permit. All excavations must be adequately lit.

5. Accidents: Everyone who has an accident must report to the medical centre (the first aid personnel are at the designated site location). A report on all accidents and incidents must be made on the company’s accident/incident report form within 12 hours of the occurrence. This will be done with the assistance of the company’s liaison person or the person responsible for having the contractor on site. The company person involved in the report is responsible for getting the report to the Safety Officer within 24 hours of the incident.

6. Vehicles/Engines: The maximum speed limit is 10 m.p.h. for all vehicles in use on site. Drivers must hold current driving licenses. Vehicles must carry current and adequate insurance. Vehicles/Engines are not permitted within operating areas without a written permit. When in doubt do not drive off main roads. With the permission of a Supervisor, a Contractor may bring a vehicle on site to deliver or collect materials.

7. Cranes:- Jibs to be lowered to ground level before leaving crane unattended. A Signal Man must attend Cranes while moving or operating. All cranes must carry current certificates and inspection logs for the crane and any associated lifting tackle, these will be inspected by a company Supervisor before lifting can commence. Cranes on the site must be free of all hydraulic leaks and mechanical defects, this is the responsibility of the Contractor.

FIRE

1. Smoking is forbidden inside certain locations, such as where archaeological excavation is occurring. Requests for special permission to smoke in contractors barrack or hut may be made to the company, written permission is required for same. Any conditions stipulated on the issue of such permission must be observed at all times or the permission will be withdrawn.

2. Petrol or other volatile/flammable substances in use by the contractor must be stored as and when indicated by the company and use of these substances is subject to company control.

3. The company must approve temporary buildings. In the interests of fire prevention and hygiene, a high standard of tidiness must be maintained.

4. All tarpaulins, awnings or other covering in use by the contractor to be flameproof or be currently treated with flame retardant compound.

5. Contractor must not tamper with or otherwise use any of the fire fighting equipment distributed around the site except for the purpose of fire fighting at the site.

6. No work of a hot or spark producing nature to be undertaken without first obtaining a Hot Work Permit from the company.

7. All operations involving flame, hot air or arc welding and cutting equipment, torch, blowlamp, bitumen boilers and other equipment producing heat or having naked flames including the use of non-Ex equipment in a hazardous area.

8. Should a fire occur in the Contractor’s work area he should immediately notify the company. Only after raising the alarm should he take all possible actions to kill or contain the fire. Should the general fire alarm sound, Contractors should report to the Assembly Area.

9. Any company employee is authorised to stop unsafe practices by contractor personnel. Work must not recommence until a company Supervisor has investigated the matter.

GENERAL

1. Insurance: All Contractors must satisfy the company’s insurance requirements.

2. Work Permit System: A “Permit to Work” system is in operation at the Plant. The contractor must ensure that all information is made available to the company so that the correct permit is issued. Particular attention must be paid to all permits issued for hot work, hot taps, burning, welding, tank or drain entry, excavation, disconnection, electrical and other specialised operations of a dangerous nature or which carry an ignition hazard. Adequate notice must be given of Permit requirements.

All Contractors on the Plant will be required to sign in and out at Security. At all times while a contractor is on the Plant an individual nominated by the Contractor on the Plant will be responsible for contractor personnel.

CODE OF PRACTICE

FIRE SAFETY

Fire is the largest single exposure to the safety of personnel and the continued operation of a business. Key matters of concern are fire prevention, control of ignition sources, training, emergency procedures, fire equipment and housekeeping.

FIRE PREVENTION & CONTROL OF IGNITION SOURCES

Control Measures:

• Physical isolation of heaters, boilers and burners
• Maintenance of Electrical fixed installation and portable equipment
• Maintenance of Plant & Machinery
• Housekeeping
• Inspections / Audits
• Smoking Controls
• Maintenance / Contractor Activities especially Hot Work.
• Waste management
• Storage and use of fuels and flammable gases / liquids
• Others

Contents

1. Fire Equipment
2. Inspection & Maintenance of fire equipment
3. Construction – Fire Legislation
4. Emergency Planning
5. Fire Training

1. FIRE EQUIPMENT

Purpose

• To alert occupants to emergency
• To facilitate emergency response
• To enable occupants extinguish small fires
• To ensure a defined and visible route of escape.
• To ensure the constant supply of fire fighting water.

a.         FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Fire Extinguishers are portable devices used to put out fires of limited size. Such fires are grouped into four classes, according to the type of material that is burning.

Class A fires include those in which ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, and paper are burning.

Class B fires are those in which flammable liquids, oils, and grease are burning.

Class C fires are those involving live electrical equipment.

Class D fires involve combustible metals such as magnesium, potassium, and sodium. Each class of fire requires its own type of fire extinguisher.

Each extinguisher is rated as to both type and size of the fire extinguished. For example, a 20-B extinguisher should extinguish a flammable-liquids fire that is 20 times the size of a fire that an extinguisher rated 1-B would extinguish. Extinguishers that cannot extinguish the minimum size test fires are not listed or rated. Some extinguishers will put out only one class of fire; others are used for two or even three classes; none is suitable for all four classes.

Fire extinguishers may go unused for many years, but they must be maintained in a state of readiness. For this reason, periodic inspection and servicing are required, and that responsibility rests with the owner. Your local Fire Officer checks at periodic intervals to see that extinguishers are present where required by law and that they have been serviced within the specified time period.

Extinguishers should be located in conspicuous positions, on brackets or stands (with the extinguisher carrying handle about 1m from the floor) and should be sited such that no point on the floor is more than 30m travelling distance from the nearest suitable extinguisher. Where a specific hazard or hazardous area can be identified, suitable extinguishers should be sited in a prominent position near to the hazard or area concerned but they should not be so close as to be inaccessible in the event of fire. If a specific hazard is contained in a confined space it is generally advisable to position the extinguishers outside that space.

The extinguisher label gives operating instructions and identifies the class, or classes, of fire on which the extinguisher may be used safely. Approved extinguishers also carry the labels of the laboratories at which they were tested.

Before starting to fight the fire, be sure to take these steps:

• Sound fire alarm if available and make sure the fire brigade has been called
• Make sure everyone has left, or is leaving the building or site and congregated at the designated Assembly Area
• Be sure that the fire is confined to a small area and is not spreading
• Plan an unobstructed escape route to which the fire will not spread
• Know how to properly use a fire extinguisher
• Make sure the fire extinguisher is the proper one for the job
• Be sure the fire extinguisher is fully charged and able to extinguisher the fire

FIGHTING THE FIRE UNDER ANY OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES IS DANGEROUS!!! LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY AND MAKE SURE IT IS SEALED OFF!!!

FIGHTING THE FIRE:

Keep P.A.S.S. in mind:

WHEN NOT TO FIGHT A FIRE

• If the fire could block your only exit!
• If the fire is spreading too quickly!
• If the type or size of the extinguisher is wrong!
• If the fire is too large!
• If you don’t know how to use your fire extinguisher!

If any of the above conditions exist, leave immediately!!!

CODE OF PRACTICE

FIRST AID

Introduction.

It is the duty of the Company to ensure adequate supply of First Aid Resources. First Aid Boxes will be provided in the workplace ad should be stocked with the appropriate first aid supplies. All first boxes will be stocked in accordance with guidelines issued by the Health and Safety Authority.  Training will be carried out by an organisation competent to do so. Refresher training will be provided at intervals of not greater than 3 years. Each First Aid Person shall be responsible for the maintenance of appropriate first aid supplies. When first aid is given, a record of the injury and details of treatment must be documented by the First Aid person, and a copy left in the accident / incident register.

First Aid Supply.

The following is a list of recommended supplies which should be contained in First Aid Boxes and Kits:

CODE OF PRACTICE

BULLYING IN THE WORKPLACE

Introduction.

Bullying is widely regarded as being a health and safety issue and has links with harassment and sexual harassment (please refer to separate Code of Practice’s covering Harassment / Sexual Harassment and the Company Anti-Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Harassment Policy). Among the possible human hazards listed by the HSA is bullying. For this reason, when the company is carrying out risk assessments, we check if bullying is a hazard.

Definition

‘Workplace bullying is repeated inappropriate behaviour, direct or indirect, whether verbal, physical or otherwise, conducted by one or more persons against another or others, at the place of work and/or in the course of employment, which could reasonably be regarded as undermining the individual’s right to dignity at work.  An isolated incident of the behaviour described in this definition may be an affront to dignity at work, however as a once off incident is not considered to be bullying’.

(This definition is taken from the Task Force Report on the Prevention of Workplace Bullying and is cited in both the HSA’s Code and the Labour Relations Commission’s Code of practice.)

Bullying is characterised by the misuse and abuse of power causing the target of bullying to be especially vulnerable. This power imbalance is pinpointed by researchers as a common feature of bullying. Being bullied is noted to be a traumatic and emotional experience for any individual. The bullied feel helpless, powerless and isolated. Reluctance to report is exacerbated by fear of the consequences. The target is afraid of being labelled a troublemaker, or of being accused of lying.

As with Harassment, the Company believes that prevention is the best policy. The Company recognises that bullying, when repeated or significant enough could lead to harmful effects. The Company is committed to a workplace free from bullying in any form, and all our employees have the right to be treated with dignity at work. Complaints will be treated with fairness and sensitivity and in as confidential a manner as possible, and any form or harassment, be it by employers, employees or non-employees will not be tolerated and could lead to disciplinary action.

Forms of Bullying

Bullying experts have identified five different types of bullying:

Pressure Bullying: when negative interaction is due to the stress of the moment but this does not constitute workplace bullying.

Corporate Bullying: when the employer feels free to bully because measures of accountability are ineffective or absent.

Serial Bullying: when the perpetrator targets one person after another or the same person regularly.

Pair Bullying: when the serial bully conspires with a colleague and one person usually becomes more dominant than the other.

Gang Bullying: when a serial bully encourages others to join in the bullying over a period of time.

The following list, though not exhaustive, indicates types of bullying behaviour:

• Undermining an individual’s right to dignity at work
• Humiliation
• Intimidation
• Verbal abuse
• Victimisation
• Exclusion and Isolation
• Intrusion by pestering, spying and stalking
• Repeated unreasonable assignments to duties, which are obviously unfavourable to one individual
• Repeated requests giving impossible deadlines or impossible tasks
• Implied threats

Consequences of Bullying at Work.

1. Effects on the Individual.

Exposure to bullying can be short in duration but extremely intense. It can also be less intense but stretched out over a long period of time. Bullying need not last long to cause severe stress and anxiety. Stress and ill health have been found to become part of the daily life of individuals who are bullied. Lack of intervention can put victims at risk of nervous breakdown and suicide.

Physiological symptoms can include:

Headaches / migraines; Sweating / shaking; Feeling / being sick; Disturbed sleep; Loss of energy; Loss of appetite.

Psychological symptoms include

Anxiety / Worry / Fear; Panic attacks; Depression; Loss of confidence / self esteem.

Behavioural Changes:

Becoming aggressive; becoming irritable; becoming hypersensitive to criticism; becoming emotionally drained.

2. The effects on the organisation as a whole can include:

Bullying should not be considered as merely the problem of the individuals involved, research throughout Europe has shown that it affects not only those directly involved but the workplace as a whole. It is well known that people working in a climate of fear and resentment do not perform to their optimal level. Signs of workplace bullying in any organised setting include:

• Reduced efficiency;
• Reduced quality and quality control
• Low morale among staff
• Atmosphere of tension
• High rates of absenteeism
• Drop in productivity and profits
• Lack of creativity and initiative
• Increase in cases taken to court

CODE OF PRACTICE

HARASSMENT / SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Management fully supports the aims and provisions of the Employment Equality Act 1998, and adopts the principles outlined in the Equality Authority’s Code of Practice on Sexual Harassment and Harassment at Work (SI 78/02). (Please refer to the Company Anti-Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Harassment Policy).

Definition

Sexual harassment is defined in the Equality Authority Code by reference to the Employment Equality Act, which the Authority has summarised. The definition notes that

Sexual harassment includes an act of physical intimacy, request for sexual favours, and / or other act or conduct including spoken words, gestures or the production, display or circulation of written words, pictures or other material that is unwelcome and could be reasonably regarded as sexually offensive, humiliating or intimidating’.

The Code states that prevention is the best policy. It provides that employers should adopt, implement and monitor a comprehensive, effective and accessible policy dealing with the issues of sexual harassment and harassment.

Employers are liable for the acts of employees carried out in the course of employment, whether or not the acts were done with the employer’s knowledge. An employer is also liable for agents of the company.

The Company recognises sexual harassment as unwelcome or offensive sexual behaviour that when repeated or significant enough could lead to harmful effects. This can make the victim of such harassment feel angry, anxious, embarrassed, fearful, frustrated, guilty, and vulnerable. The Company is committed to a workplace free from sexual harassment / harassment, and all our employees have the right to be treated with dignity at work. Complaints will be treated with fairness and sensitivity and in as confidential a manner as possible, and any form or harassment, be it by employers, employees or non-employees will not be tolerated and could lead to disciplinary action.

Sexual harassment is against the law. If you are being subjected to sexual harassment and you have been unable to stop it, contact a senior member of management, a supervisor, the Equality Authority or if necessary the Gardaí.

How to deal with Harassment at Work:

If you feel you are being bullied there are a number of steps that you can take to deal with it.

1. Do not blame yourself. The fault lies with the ‘Harasser’.

2. Keep calm under verbal attack, respond quietly and coherently.

3. Do not hide the fact you are being harassed. Ask colleagues if they have the same problem. It helps if you can take joint action.

4. Keep a written record of all the things said and done to you. It is a good idea to keep confidential notes about the harassment. Write down your own feelings as well as dates, times, circumstances and any witnesses.

5. Confront the harasser and tell them to stop. This has proven to be the most effective way of countering the problem. This can be difficult, as people who bully, tend to deny their actions. They may also counter attack, accusing you of harassing them or they may play the victim.

6. Write a letter or memo to the ‘harasser’ if you are unable to confront him or her. Keep copies of all correspondence.

7. Speak to someone in higher authority whom you trust and ask for help.

8. Request a trained third party, mediator.

9. Contact your trade union representative, if you have one.

.

10. Enquire about the company’s code of conduct and policy on bullying.

11. If all efforts fail consider taking legal action.

Your employer has a duty to make sure that sexual harassment / harassment does not happen in your workplace. If you think you are being sexually harassed / harrassed at work, or have been in the past, you can do something about it.

You should expect to be listened to carefully and treated with sensitivity by your employer or contact person if you choose to complain.

Why you should act

1. You don’t have to put up with sexual behaviour or harassment that you don’t like.

2. Sexual harassment / harassment is often repeated unless action is taken.

3. Sexual harassment / harassment may affect your ability to work.

4. Sexual harassment / harassment can lower self-esteem.

5. Other people in your situation may have experienced similar behaviour, but felt unable to act.

Victimisation

It is unlawful to penalise an employee for taking action pursuant to the enforcement of the legislation, for example, referring an equality claim or giving evidence in proceedings under equality legislation.

CODE OF PRACTICE

VIOLENCE AT WORK

Violence at work can include:

• Verbal abuse, such as shouting, threats and insults
• Racial or sexual harassment or discrimination.
• Physical attacks.

Violence at work can cause physical injury, disability, stress and depression. Employees who commit violent acts can lose their jobs and face criminal charges. It may also lead to low staff moral, high absenteeism and high staff turnover. All of these lead to lower productivity and lower profits.

Factors, which can give rise to workplace violence, may include:

• Frustration or anger – this often happens when people have to wait, or when they feel they are being ignored.
• Resentment – some people resent those in positions of authority.
• Lack of training – without proper training, employees may not have the skills needed to keep operations running smoothly.
• Poor systems – examples include:
• Lack of communication/information.
• Poor supply.
• Unexplained delays.
• Wrong information.
• Rigid rules and regulations.

The following tips can help when dealing with customers, colleagues and the public:

• Be friendly – smile, show confidence and make frequent eye contact. Your pleasant attitude can make a difference.
• Be honest – give reliable information. Admit any uncertainties or delays when they exist. Never hesitate to apologise if you’ve made a mistake.
• Be consistent – uniform treatment of customers, members of the public and colleagues is the best rule.
• Be fair – people are less likely to become abusive or violent when they’ve been treated fairly.
• Be efficient – if you do your job well and on time, people are less likely to get angry.

When reviewing your workplace for the potential for violence always think about the attacker, the victim and the work environment and how these might come together to create a violent situation.

1. The company must have a policy in place if there is a potential risk from violence at the workplace e.g. from persons queuing, persons who have the potential to be violent or persons who handle money etc, so as to keep them informed to alleviate stress.
2. If some of the companies’ employees work alone outdoors, ensure you have a contact system in place to monitor their whereabouts.
3. Ensure outdoor staff do not unnecessarily carry valuable goods such as laptop computers, tools or medicines.
4. Ensure good office planning, reduction in heavy workloads etc.
5. For staff who work at night, ensure the grounds, car park and access / egress areas are adequately lit and do not work alone.
6. Ensure security staff are competent in their work and capable of dealing with a difficult situation.
7. The company must make arrangements for counselling staff who have suffered violent attack e.g. Employee Assistance Programmes.
8. Staff must be trained to handle such difficult situations if at high risk.

SAFEGUARDS

There are some ways that workplaces and jobs can be reorganised to reduce problems and include:

1. Screens and partitions can be used to improve protection from physical assault. Exclusion of the public by using coded door locks and secure refuges for employees may be used.
2. The installation of video surveillance and personal panic alarms and other emergency communication equipment can help deter attackers.
3. Changing layout of public waiting rooms, improving lighting, providing reading material.
4. Interview rooms should have an exit behind the staff member and a desk between the employee and client and glass / perspex panels should allow visual contact of the employee to other employees or have an appropriate panic button.
5. Cash free systems e.g. cheques, credit cards, tokens, etc should be used. Time locked safes can proved useful where cash is held and signs signifying this should be posted.
6. Providing appropriate information to those waiting for attention.
7. Introducing automated systems for tickets, change etc.
8. Having telephone and postal enquiries instead of direct contact.

If you make home visits or travel for business, take special precautions:

• Know where you are going and how to get there.
• Be aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards.
• Get to know clients in advance, if possible.
• Take a colleague with you, if this can be arranged.
• Report your plans – for example, location and arrival and departure times. Call your office regularly.
• Consider morning visits – this may be a safer time of day.

TRAINING

Training must be given in the recognition and avoidance of violent situations. Techniques of distraction and empathy as well as break away techniques and training in physical restraint can be used.

Conflict resolution and non-confrontational styles of approach can be taught to staff – keeping the palms open, using a clam voice, empathising and providing alternative means or routes of appeal to disappointed customers.

Warning signs that employees should be trained to recognise are rapid breathing, clenched fists, clenching the jaw, irrational behaviour (such as getting upset over minor issues), loud talking, restlessness or pacing which should alert them to possible violent intent of customers.

Staff should be trained in the use of security measures and devices such as silent alarms etc. They should not try to resist if cash or goods are the obvious motive for the attack.

IF VIOLENCE HAS OCCURRED

Part of the safeguards in place must be supporting the victim after violence. These must be known to all staff before problems occur. Adequate first aid and emergency treatment support arrangements must be available.

CODE OF PRACTISE

STRESS MANAGEMENT

GENERAL POLICY

Under the 2005 Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, employers have a responsibility for the health of their employees at work, including psychological wellbeing.

There are a number of different definitions of stress and work related stress, each emphasising on different aspects. Stress can be broadly defined as the adverse reaction people have to aspects of their working environment.

Work-related stress simply refers to such reactions related to pressures within the working environment.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Under the law, employers are obliged to put into place systems of work, which protect employees from hazards, which could lead to mental or physical ill health.

There is also an obligation, in terms of ‘a duty of care’ to protect employees from avoidable harm.

The effects of stress are different for different individuals. Usually, the effects of stress can be identified as :

• mental,
• physical,
• behavioural,
• cognitive.

POLICY REVIEW

Employers have a duty to assess the environment for systems and practices that lead to stress and to put in place preventative measures. The following five stages can be utilized to establish the risks:

• Identify the hazard.
• Assessment of the associate risk.
• Implementation of appropriate control strategies.
• Re-assessment of risk.
• Review of information and training needs of employees exposed to hazards.

The HR Director will review and monitor this policy on an ongoing basis.

AUDITING

Welfare facilities will be monitored on an ongoing basis and formally inspected as part of Plant/Inspection Audit.

CODE OF PRACTICE

COVERING OFFICES

1. Furniture & Fittings

Office fitments (floor coverings, electrical fittings, heating, lighting and ventilation systems) and office equipment (desks, chairs, drawers and filing cabinets) must be selected for the task for which they are intended. Careful selection reduces the risk that unsuitable fitments or equipment will be brought into use on the premises.

2. Layout of Workplace

The layout of the office area is critical for its safe use.

• Position all office equipment so as to avoid risks, falls or collisions when in use.
• Position all power cables where possible so as to avoid risks of trips or falls. Tape or fasten all phone lines, cables and extensions under the desk or along the base boards. A cable cover is fitted when it is absolutely necessary that a cable run across a passageway.
• Provide adequate means of access to, and exit from, the workplace including adequate means of escape in case of a fire (which must be clearly marked).

3. Housekeeping

The removal of hazards to safety and health requirements in the office depends greatly on the maintenance of appropriate standards of housekeeping. See separate Code of Safe Working Practice Covering Good Housekeeping in this regard.

4. Smoking

Strict restrictions and regulations are in force covering this activity. These must be complied with legally. Where smoking is permitted, comply with the following: –

• Avoid or reduce smoking to the minimum. Ensure that adequate supplies of clean, fresh air are always available.
• Use proper ashtrays. Never use waste bins for disposal of cigarette ends, cigarette ash, burnt matches and the like.
• Clean ashtrays regularly.
• Do not deposit spent gas lighters in internal waste bins, containers or incinerators.

5. Installation of machines

Machines must be positioned in a well ventilated area away from doorways. The main isolating switch must be accessible at all times. The manufacturer’s manual is available at all times.

6. Minor repairs

Minor repairs, such as removing blockages from the photocopier, may be carried out by office staff where clear instructions exist and the action presents no hazard. Whilst machines may be fitted with interlocking systems to prevent electrocution, they still must be switched off and unplugged before gaining access to the interior. Care is needed to avoid hot surfaces. 

7. Major faults

Major faults, including any electrical faults, frayed wires etc., must be reported to the departmental manager or supervisor. No attempt should be made by office staff to repair electrical faults. In such cases, isolate the machine until repaired by a qualified electrician.

8. Maintenance

Qualified maintenance personnel carry out basic maintenance of machines. This includes replenishment of toner and silicone oil. Where replacement of toner involves more than cartridge replacement, rubber gloves must be worn. A First Aider is called in the event of accidental inhalation, swallowing or entry into eyes.

9. Filing Cabinets

• Do not use defective cabinets.
• Ensure cabinets are placed on even and secure supports.
• Use only one drawer at a time. Close each drawer prior to extracting another one.
• Do not overfill drawers.
• Do not leave drawers pulled out and unattended.
• Use mechanical means to move or transport empty and full cabinets.
• Store heavier items in the bottom drawer.
• Fill the bottom drawer first.
• Always use the drawer handles to open and close drawers.

10. Miscellaneous

• Do not use chairs, desks or other unsuitable means to access heights. Use only step ladders or purpose built stairs or platforms.
• Avoid storing files, office supplies and other equipment on overhead open-sided shelves.
• The temporary depositing or storage of used cups and containers on or close to electrical appliances is prohibited because of the risk of electrical shock caused by spillage.
• Report any breakage’s, floor obstructions, or other hazards to your supervisor immediately on becoming aware of them.
• Ensure that bulk supplies of stationery, adhesives and other combustible material are stored in an orderly way and preferably in a self-contained non-combustible area.

CODE OF PRACTICE

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes – eye, ear, head, respiratory, hand, arm, leg, foot and whole body protective equipment. PPE is intended to be used by a person to provide protection against risks to the health and safety of that person.

A definition of PPE include those intended to be worn or held by a person at work to protect them against one or more risks to health or safety, and any addition or accessory designed to meet that objective.

PPE should only be used as a last resort. An employer must have first considered all other ways of controlling the risks i.e. elimination, substitution, engineering controls etc.

The PPE must comply with recognised standards i.e. IS, BS etc. The manufacturers’ recommendations of suitability and use must be complied with.

Before choosing PPE, an assessment should be undertaken to determine which type of equipment is best for protecting the person. The assessment must consist of:

• An analysis and assessment of the risks present which cannot be avoided by other means.
• Define the characteristics of the PPE.
• Ensure the PPE does not present additional risks itself.

Where it is necessary for an employee to use PPE, the employer shall determine the conditions of use of such equipment, on the basis of

• The seriousness of the risk (noise levels between 85dB and 90dB).
• The frequency of the exposure to the risk (once a day or once a month).
• The characteristics of the workstation of each worker (workstations may differ by design).
• The period for which it is worn (fatigue, stress etc).

Personal protective equipment must be used only for the purposes specified, except in specific and exceptional circumstances. Where it is necessary for an employee to wear more than one item of PPE, his employer must ensure that such items of personal protective equipment are compatible with each other and continue to be effective against the risks involved.

Maintenance and Replacement

The employer must ensure that all PPE provided is maintained in good working order and satisfactory hygienic condition, by means of any necessary storage, maintenance, repair or replacement.

The employer must normally ensure that the use of an item of PPE provided by him is normally confined to one employee. If PPE has to be shared by more than one employee then the employer must ensure that the PPE does not create health or hygiene problems for any user.

Information, Training and Instruction

All employees issued with PPE must be:

• Informed of the risks against which the wearing of the equipment protects them.
• Provided with adequate information on the personal protective equipment provided.
• Provided with instruction on the use of such personal protective equipment.

Trained with appropriate demonstrations in the wearing of such equipment

CODE OF PRACTICE

THE USE OF VISUAL DISPLAY UNITS

Whilst there are no known cases of serious accidents or injuries involving the use of this equipment, it is known that in some instances their prolonged use can cause stress, pain or discomfort. In view of this, the use of display screen equipment is extensively covered under Part VII of the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 1993.

These Regulations are designed to provide safe and comfortable working conditions and they are summarised in the attached drawing which is provided by the Health and Safety Authority as part of their Guidelines on the Safe Operation of Visual Display Units. These guidelines are available from the Safety Co-ordinator if required.

The Company is committed to complying with the legal requirements in this area to the full. If any person operating visual display units is suffering from any discomfort as a result of using this equipment, they should refer the matter immediately to their supervisor.

IN GENERAL

Figure 1:

1. Adequate lighting.
2. Adequate contrast, no glare or distracting reflections.
3. Distracting noise minimised.
4. Leg room and clearances to allow postural changes.
5. Window covering.
6. Software: Appropriate to task, adapted to user, provides feedback on system status, no undisclosed monitoring.
7. Screen: Stable Image, Adjustable, Readable, Glare / Reflection Free.
8. Keyboard: Usable, Adjustable, Detachable, Legible.
9. Work Surface: Allow Flexible Arrangements, Spacious, Glare Free.
10. Work Chair: Adjustable.

FIGURE 2

Seating and Posture for typical Office Tasks.

1. Seat Back Adjustability.
2. Good Lumbar Support.
3. Seat Height adjustability.
4. No excess pressure on underside of thighs and backs of knees.
5. Foot support if needed.
6. Space for postural change, no obstacles under desk.
7. Forearms approximately horizontal.
8. Minimal extension, flexing or deviation of wrists.
9. Screen height and angle should allow comfortable head position.
10. Space in front of keyboard to support hands / wrists during pauses in keying.

SPECIFIC ITEMS:

a). Display Screen

1. The display characters must be easily read and of suitable size.
2. The screen must be constantly stable and free from flickering.
3. There must be controls for brightness/darkness and for changing display position.
4. The screen must be free from glare and reflections and it also must be capable of being tilted and swivelled.
5. A screen cleaning kit should be provided.

b). Keyboard

1. The keyboard characters must be easily identifiable and the keyboard on a flat surface.
2. The layout of the keys must be easy to use and the symbols easy to read.
3. There must be enough space in front of the keyboard to rest the wrists and arms.
4. The keyboard must be tiltable and separate from the screen and allows the user to find a comfortable working position which avoids fatigue in the arms and hands.

c). Work Desk Surface

1. The work surface must have low reflection and be large enough for all equipment.
2. A stable and adjustable document holder must be provided.
3. The work must be positioned to lessen head/eye movements.
4. There must be enough space for employees to find a comfortable position.
5. The electrical cables/equipment must be in good condition.
6. The cables must be tidy and prevented from trailing.

d). Work Chair

1. The chair must be stable.
2. The chair must allows for ease of movement and a comfortable position.
3. The seat height must be adjusted while sitting.
4. The seat back must be adjustable, both for height and tilt.
5. All VDU operators must place their feet flat on the floor.
6. A stable footrest must be available.

e). Environment

1. There must be enough space for the employee to change position and vary movement.
2. Room and workstation must be adequate for both the task and employee with no extremely dark or bright areas.
3. The lighting must not cause glare and the workstation must be adjustable to avoid glare and reflections.
4. Windows must have adjustable blinds or coverings.
5. The workstations must be free from excessive noise from equipment.
6. The equipment must not produce excess heat.
7. Radiation must be below regulatory levels.
8. There must be a constant, adequate level of humidity.
9. The temperature/ventilation must be comfortable all year round.

f). Operator and Computer Interface

1. The software must be suitable for the task, easy to use and be adaptable to the employee’s level of knowledge and experience.
2. The system must not provide employees with feedback on their performance.
3. The pace of screen information must be adjustable to the employee.
4. The employee must be fully trained in the use of the software.

g). General

1. The employee must have an eyesight or eye test provided.
2. The employee must be fully trained in the use of the workstation.
3. The employee must receive awareness training covering the possible risks involved in display screen work.
4. A system of permitted breaks should be set up with a designated break area, away from workstations.

h). Other Items

1. Too much time must not be spent at the screen.
2. The screen information must not be complex.
3. The work should not require extreme concentration.
4. The employee must not suffer from stress or fatigue. The employee must not gets aches, pains,
5. pins & needles etc. in the neck, back, shoulders or upper arms.
6. The employee must not have restricted joint movement.
7. The employee must not have problems with vision – headaches, sore eyes, problems with focusing, etc.

CODE OF PRACTICE

WELFARE FACILITIES

This Code of Practice gives guidance on:

• First Aid including First Aid Equipment
• Sanitary Provisions
• Rest Rooms
• Pregnant Women & Nursing Mothers
• Supply of Drinking Water
• Shelters
• Toilet Facilities
• Facilities for Meals
• Cloakrooms
• Waste Disposal
• Health Surveillance

FIRST AID INCLUDING FIRST AID EQUIPMENT

1. Trained first aid personnel are responsible for the upkeep of first aid boxes.
2. First aid personnel must be continuously available in the workplace.
3. Records of all first aid measures and treatments must be kept in the workplace.
4. First aid rooms must be fitted with essential first aid equipment and facilities with easy access for stretchers.
5. The names, telephone extensions and location of all first aiders must be prominently displayed in the workplace.
6. Emergency contact lists must be placed in each first aid box and include details on first aiders, doctors, local hospitals etc.
7. First aiders should be trained in artificial respiration techniques, particularly for electricians on site.
8. If chemicals are commonly used on site, then special provisions such as safety showers, eye wash units etc. should be provided.
9. First aiders must be trained in the use of resuscitation equipment in the workplace.

Then deciding the numbers of occupational first aiders consider the following:

• Specialist first aid training should be given to occupational first aiders in places of work with special identifiable risks: meat factories, woodworking factories, risks from biological and chemical exposure, mining etc.
• Distance to medical services.
• Employees working away from the employer’s premises.

An occupational first aider must hold a certificate in first aid, issued in the past three years by a person who is recognised as an occupational first aider instructor.

• First Aid Kits & Boxes
• First aid kits or boxes, as appropriate, should be provided at the workplaces and on motor vehicles, locomotives and speeders, and be protected against contamination by dust, moisture, etc.
• The minimum contents of first aid kits and boxes should comply with guidance issued by the HSA.
• First aid kits and boxes should not contain anything besides material for first aid in emergencies.
• First aid kits and boxes should contain simple and clear instructions to be followed.
• First aid kits and boxes should be in the charge of a responsible person who is qualified to render first aid.
• The contents of every first aid box should in inspected regularly by the person in charge of it, and the box should be kept stocked.

• Stretchers or Carrying Baskets
• Stretchers or carrying baskets so constructed that persons can be transported without having to be transferred from the stretcher or the carrying baskets should be readily available.
• Two clean blankets should be provided for each stretcher or carrying basket.

• Rescue & Resuscitation Equipment
• When workers are employed underground or in other conditions in which they may need to be rescued, suitable rescue equipment should be readily available at or near the construction site.
• When rescue equipment may be needed, a sufficient number of trained rescue workers should be constantly available at or near the construction site.
• When workers are exposed to risks of drowning or gassing, suitable resuscitation equipment should be kept readily available at or near the construction site.
• When resuscitation equipment may be needed, a sufficient number of persons trained to use it should be constantly available at or near the construction site.

SANITARY PROVISIONS

1. There should be an adequate number of lavatories and wash basins provided in the workplace with hot and cold water.
2. Soap, clean towels and other suitable means of cleaning and drying must be provided in the workplace.
3. Facilities must be conveniently accessible and kept clean and in an orderly condition.
4. Showers must be provided if the nature of work requires it.
5. Showers must be equipped with hot and cold water.
6. Where workers are exposed to skin contamination by poisonous, infectious or irritating substances, or oil, grease or dust, there should be a sufficient number of shower baths supplied with hot and cold water.
7. Shower bath equipment should be thoroughly cleaned at least once in every day of use and effectively disinfected.

REST ROOMS

1. If necessary, rest rooms must be provided in the workplace.
2. They should be large enough and equipped with tables and chairs.

PREGNANT WOMEN & NURSING MOTHERS

1. Pregnant women and nursing mothers must be able to lie down to rest in appropriate conditions.
2. Additional risk assessments must be carried out in accordance with the 1995 Regulations.

SUPPLY OF DRINKING WATER

1. Adequate supply of wholesome drinking water from a public main or other approved source must be provided.
2. All drinking water should be from a source approved by the competent health authority.
3. Where such water is not available, the competent health authority should ensure that the necessary steps are taken to make any water to be used for drinking fit for human consumption.
4. Suitable cups or drinking vessels at each point of supply with facilities for rinsing them in drinking water must be provided.
5. Drinking water for common use, if stored, should only be stored in closed containers from which the water should be dispensed through taps or cocks.
6. Where practicable, hygienic drinking fountains should be provided.
7. Supplies of water that is unfit to drink should be conspicuously indicated by notices prohibiting workers from drinking it.
8. There should be no means of connecting a supply of drinking water with a supply of water that is unfit to drink.
9. Water from wells should not be used for drinking unless it has been approved by the competent health authority.
10. Salt drinks or tablets should be supplied to workers working in great heat, and should be take as prescribed by a doctor.
11. If a treatment and purification system is installed to provided drinking water, the system should be approved by the competent health authority before it is used.
12. If drinking water from an approved public supply has to be transported to the work site, the transport arrangements should be approved by the competent health authority.
13. The transport and storage tanks and dispensing containers should:
14. Be made of non-corrodible and non toxic materials, be airtight and be easy to clean;
15. Be cleaned and disinfected at suitable intervals,; and
16. Be disinfected in a manner approved by the competent health authority.
17. Transported and stored drinking water should at all times have a free chlorine residual of not less than one part in a million.
18. All water dispensed from transport or storage tanks and dispensers should be maintained free from bacteriological contamination.

SHELTERS

1. Suitable shelters should be provided to afford protection for workers in bad weather.
2. Shelters should, as far as practicable, provide suitable facilities, unless such facilities are available in the vicinity:

• For washing.
• For taking meals.
• For drying and storing clothing.

3. Shelters on the surface should be provided for underground workers.

TOILET FACILITIES

1. Adequate toilet facilities should be provided for the workers at easily accessible places.
2. Toilet facilities should be separate for each sex.
3. When practicable, water flush toilets connected to public sewage systems should be provided.
4. No toilet other than a water flush toilet should be installed in any building containing sleeping, eating or other living accommodation.
5. If a public sewage system is not available, a temporary sewage system should be provided in accordance with the requirements of the competent health authority.
6. Toilets should be so constructed as to screen the occupants from view and afford protection against the weather and falling objects.
7. Toilets, including privies, should have a smooth and impervious floor.
8. For person cleansing, toilets should be provided with an adequate supply of toilet paper or, where conditions require, water.
9. Plumbing and other toilet fixtures should comply with the requirements of the competent health authority.
10. Adequate washing facilities should be provided as near as practicable to toilet facilities.
11. A sufficient quantity of disinfectants and deodorisers should be provided for chemical closets.
12. If water flush toilets cannot be provided and privies have to be built:

• Each privy should be in a fly-tight box over an earth pit with impervious wall.
• Urinals should discharge directly into the pit through a fly-tight drain.

13. No privy should be built within 30m of any well, or within such greater distance as may be made necessary by the quality of the soil.
14. Privies should be disinfected daily.
15. The contents of earth-pit privies should be covered daily with sand, lime, wood ash or other suitable material.
16. When the contents of an earth pit are within 60cm of the surface of the ground it should be filled with earth.
17. The contents of privy pits should only be removed or buried in compliance with the requirements of the competent health authority.
18. Privy pans should have a double flap seat that forms a flyproof joint when closed.
19. Chemical closets should comply with the of the competent health authority.

FACILITIES FOR MEALS

1. Where more than five people are employed, provisions for boiling water and eating meals seated must be provided.
2. Meal rooms should be provided with:

• A sufficient number of tables and chairs or benches;
• Drinking water;
• Adequate facilities for cleaning utensils, table gear, etc;
• Adequate facilities for heating food and boiling water; and
• Covered receptacles for the disposal of waste food and litter.

3. Receptacles for waste should be emptied after each meal and thoroughly cleaned and, if necessary, disinfected.
4. Meal rooms should not be used for any other purpose.
5. The floor of meal rooms should be easily washable.
6. Dining tables should be covered with suitable non-absorbent washable material and kept clean.
7. Meal rooms should be cleaned daily.
8. Tables should be cleaned after each meal.
9. Canteen should be provided where workers can obtain hot meals.
10. Where necessary, suitable provision should be made to prevent the entry of insects and vermin.

CLOAKROOMS

1. Cloakrooms should be provided for the workers at easily accessible places.
2. Cloakrooms should not be used for any other purpose.
3. Cloakrooms should be provided with:
4. Suitable facilities for drying wet clothes;
5. Where necessary to avoid contamination, suitable lockers separating working from street clothes;
6. Benches or other suitable seats.
7. Suitable arrangements should be made for disinfecting cloakrooms and lockers in conformity with the requirements of the competent health authority.

WASTE DISPOSAL

1. A sufficient number of receptacles should be provided as suitable places for the disposal of rubbish
2. Receptacles for waste should be covered, non-corrodible, fly-tight and easy to clean.
3. Waste receptacles should be kept closed and emptied at suitable intervals.
4. Waste receptacles should be cleaned and disinfected at suitable intervals.
5. The contents of waste receptacles should be incinerated, buried or otherwise harmlessly disposed of at suitable intervals.
6. Garbage should not be placed or kept elsewhere than in the containers provided.

HEALTH SURVEILLANCE

1. Health surveillance should be made available to employees appropriate to the health and safety risks that may be involved at the place of work.
2. Health surveillance must be made available:
3. Before or shortly after entering employment for the first time and
4. Periodically, at such intervals which the competent authority should prescribe taking due account of the risks inherent in the work, and the conditions under which the work is performed (periodical re-examination).
5. All medical examinations should:
6. Be made free to all workers and
7. Include, if necessary, x-ray and laboratory examinations.
8. Workers under 18 years of age should receive special medical supervision, including regular periodical medical re-examination.
9. The data obtained by medical examinations should be suitably recorded and kept for reference.
10. When the work presents a special risk to the health of a worker, he should not be employed on that work.
11. When a worker is found at the medical examination to constitute a risk to the health or safety of other workers, he should not be allowed to work whilst the risk remains but, if practicable, he should be assigned to work free from such risks.
12. Workers who have been severely injured or ill should not return to work without permission from a doctor.
13. Heath surveillance in relation to manual handling must take account that the employee may be at risk if he:

• Is physically unsuited to carry out the task in question.
• Is wearing unsuitable clothing, footwear or other personal effects.
• Does not have adequate or appropriate knowledge or training.

CODE OF PRACTICE

THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

1) Design and Layout

Ensure:

1. People and vehicles are segregated where practicable.
2. Traffic routes internally and externally are clearly marked.
3. One way traffic systems are implemented where practical.
4. Emergency exits are clearly marked, easy and immediately accessible and unobstructed.
5. Emergency exits open in line with the route of exit.
6. Fork lift trucks and other vehicles are used on flat surfaces only where practicable.
7. Awkwardly sited doors or tight corners are avoided as far as is possible.
8. Storage areas and aisles are clearly marked on the floor.
9. Aisle ways are wide enough to ensure that mechanical handling equipment can be easily maneuvered.
10. Staircases and ramps used for pedestrian access are provided with suitable handrails.
11. Seats and benches at a sensible height.
12. Seats of suitable design, construction and dimensions with a backrest supporting the small of the back and, if needed, a footrest.
13. Machine controls and instruments designed and arranged for best control and posture
14. Engineering controls, like local exhaust ventilation systems, to reduce health risks from dangerous substances and noise.
15. Special tools and good design of working areas to reduce hand and forearm injury caused by repetitive movements.
16. Furniture placed so that sharp corners don’t present a hazard to passers-by.

2) Floors and Gangways

Ensure:

1. Floors are capable of bearing the load placed on them.
2. Floor are constructed and designed to withstand the use to which they are subjected, for example physical damage from fork lift trucks and wheeled equipment.
3. Mezzanine floors are clearly and conspicuously marked with their safe load bearing capacity.
4. All openings and edges of raised floors, or mezzanine floors are guarded to prevent any goods or people falling.
5. Safe means of access is provided to mezzanine areas.
6. A suitable guard is installed at loading areas on the mezzanine floor for forklift truck access.
7. Suitable footwear or working platforms provided where necessary.
8. Ramps kept dry and with non-skid surfaces
9. Gangways and roadways well marked and kept clear.
10. Level, even surfaces without holes or broken boards.
11. Floor load capacities posted in lofts, storage areas etc.
12. Salting/sanding and sweeping of outdoor routes during icy or frosty conditions.
13. Steps, corners and fixed obstacles clearly marked e.g. by black and yellow diagonal stripes.
14. Floor openings, e.g. vehicle examination pits, kept covered when not in use and the edges clearly marked.

3) Heating

Ensure:

1. Effective provision of heating and maintaining a reasonable temperature in all work areas.
2. The design of the heater prevents the escape of any harmful or offensive fumes into the work place.

4) Lighting

Ensure:

1. Good lighting, whether natural or artificial, is provided in all areas with no glare.
2. Lighting is not obstructed by storage in the racking.
3. The lighting is inspected and maintained at regular intervals.
4. Ensure local lighting for dangerous processes to reduce eyestrain and fatigue.
5. Ensure no flickering from fluorescent tubes (it can be dangerous with some rotating machinery).
6. Provide adequate emergency lighting.
7. Provide specially constructed fittings for flammable or explosive atmospheres e.g. during paint spraying.
8. Ensure outside areas are satisfactorily lit for work and access during hours of darkness for security as well as safety.
9. Provide light coloured wall finishes to improve brightness, or darker colours to reduce arc welding flash, for example.

5) Ventilation

Ensure:

1. Good ventilation is ensured where combustion equipment such as oil or gas fired heaters and fork lift trucks with internal combustion engines are used.

6) Sanitary Accommodation

Ensure:

1. Suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences are provided for employees.
2. Sanitary conveniences are:

• Kept clean and properly maintained.
• Well ventilated and lit and not communicated directly with the workroom.
• Partitioned off for privacy with suitable doors and fastenings.
• Readily accessible from workrooms.
• Screened that urinals are not visible when the door to the room is open.
• Good drainage in wet processes.

7) Washing and Welfare Facilities

Ensure:

1. Washing facilities are provided which are both adequate and suitable.
2. Wash facilities are:

• Kept clean and properly maintained.
• Provided with running hot and cold water together with soap or other proprietary hand cleaner and suitable drying facilities.
• Provided at convenient locations that are sufficiently lit.

1. Drinking water is provided at conveniently accessible points (not within a toilet cubicle or close to a urinal).
2. Suitable accommodation for clothing not worn at work is provided.
3. Suitable facilities, for example a heated and adequately lit room with a sink, hot and cold water, tables and chairs is provided for employees to use during meal and tea breaks.
4. Separate toilets for each sex, marked appropriately.
5. Ventilated space between toilet and any workroom.
6. Soap and towels (or electric hand dryer).
7. Waste bins (emptied daily).
8. Special hygiene precautions where necessary (e.g. showers, or long handled taps where food is handled).
9. Drying space for wet clothes.
10. Lockers or hanging space for work/home clothing.

8) General Housekeeping

Ensure:

1. Stock or other items does not project or accumulate in isles or gangways.
2. Spillage’s are cleaned up immediately.
3. Suitable signs are displayed when the floor is being washed or is wet.
4. Premises, furniture and fittings kept clean.
5. Good housekeeping to clear trade waste, dirt and refuse daily.
6. Rubbish and food waste covered and regularly removed to keep premises clear of pests.
7. Internal walls and ceilings washed or painted regularly.
8. No tripping hazards (trailing wires etc.)
9. Emergency provisions e.g. lift belts/jackets for work near water, means of escape from freezer rooms.
10. Comply with the separate Code of Practice covering Good Housekeeping.

9) Comfort

Ensure:

1. Comfortable working temperature – usually above 17.5ºC for sedentary occupations.
2. Suitable clothing in high or low temperatures (e.g. freezers rooms) or a heated restroom (e.g. tyre changing premises).
3. Good ventilation (avoiding draughts) particularly in high humidity.
4. Mechanical ventilation where fresh air supply is insufficient.
5. An easily read thermometer in the workroom.
6. Heating systems should not give off fumes into the workplace.
7. Noise levels controlled to reduce nuisance as well as damage to health.
8. Heat stress reduced by controlling radiant heat (especially near head level and local ‘hot spots’.
9. Rest areas (and arrangements to protect people from the discomfort of tobacco smoke).
10. Rest facilities for pregnant women and nursing mothers.

CODE OF PRACTICE

ERGONOMICS

Much pain and suffering and many accidents and injuries are caused by incorrect body mechanics and posture.

Work can involve pushing, shoving, pulling and lifting and a basic knowledge of body mechanics and posture can either avoid the difficulties associated with these activities or substantially reduce them. The following are recommended:-

• Where possible, the worker should maintain an upright and forward facing posture.

• Where vision is a requirement of the task, the necessary work points must be adequately visible with the head and trunk upright or with just the head inclined slightly forward.

• Where possible, arrange your work activities so that you can adopt several different, but equally healthy and safe postures, without reducing capability to do the work.

• Where possible, arrange your work so that you can chose to do it in either a seated or standing position. When seated you should be able to use the back rest of the chair at will without necessitating a change of movements.

• The weight of the body when standing should be carried equally on both feet.

• Work activities should be performed with the joints at about the mid point of their range of movement. This applies particularly to the head, trunk and upper limbs.

• Where muscular force has to be exerted, it should be by the largest appropriate muscle groups available and in a direction collinear with the limbs concerned.

• Work should not be performed consistently at or above the level of the heart; even the occasional performance where force is exerted above heart level should be avoided. Where light hand-work must be performed above the heart level, rests for the upper arms are required.

• Where force has to be exerted repeatedly, it should be possible to exert it with either of the arms or either of the legs without adjustment to the equipment.

• Rest pauses should allow for all loads experienced at work including environmental and information loads and the length of the work period.

CODE PRACTICE

MANUAL HANDLING

It is the policy of the company that no person is expected to lift a load that would be likely to cause him/her injury. Furthermore the company minimises the risk of injury to employees by meeting legal requirements in this area.

Mechanical lifting equipment (pallet trucks, hand trucks and trolleys) are available.  These must be utilised in preference to manual handling where it is feasible to do so. The wearing of safety footwear is compulsory for employees involved in activities where they are exposed to risks from heavy objects, chemical or hot substances. Safety gloves are also used as a protection against metal staples, wire and the like.

Every employee must be familiar with the correct lifting techniques. These are attached in diagram form but they may be summarised as follows:

• Lift in easy stages – floor to knee then from knee to carrying position.
• Hold weights close to body.
• Don’t jerk, shove or twist body.
• Grip load with palms – not fingertips.
• Don’t let the load obstruct your view.

The risk of injury from manual handling is further reduced by having each employee ensure that the working environment is maintained in a safe condition. This includes gangways and floors being kept in a good condition and free from obstruction.

ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS

1. Only manually lift loads which you know you can lift easily, comfortably and safely. If in doubt ask a colleague for assistance.
2. Examine the load before lifting. The obscure sides could contain exposed and dangerous staples, wire, and other objects which could cut or puncture the skin.
3. Factors which could make manual lifting dangerous are as follows:-

• Characteristics of the load

The manual handling of a load may present a risk, particularly of back injury if it is:

• Too heavy or too large.
• Unwieldy or difficult to grasp.
• Unstable or has contents likely to shift.
• Positioned in a manner requiring it to be held or manipulated at a distance from the trunk, or with a bending or twisting of the trunk, or likely, because of its contours or consistency (or both) to result in injury to employees, particularly in the event of a collision.

• Physical effort required

A physical effort may present a risk particularly of back injury if it is:

• Too strenuous.
• Only achieved by a twisting movement of the trunk.
• Likely to result in a sudden movement of the load.
• Made with the body in an unstable posture.

• Characteristics of the Working Environment

The characteristics of the work environment may increase a risk, particularly of back injury if:

• There is not enough room, in particular vertically, to carry out the activity.
• The floor is uneven, thus presenting tripping hazards, or is slippery in relation to the employee’s footwear.
• The place of work or the working environment prevents the handling of loads at a safe height or with a good posture by the employee.
• There are variations in the level of the floor or the working surface, requiring the load to be manipulated on different levels.
• The floor, or footrest, is unstable.
• The temperature, humidity or ventilation is unsuitable.

• Requirements of the Activity

The activity may present a risk, particularly of back injury, if it entails one or more of the following requirements:

• Over-frequent or over-prolonged physical effort involving in particular the spine.
• An insufficient bodily rest or recovery period.
• Excessive lifting, lowering or carrying distances.
• A rate of work imposed by a process which cannot be altered by the employee.

               (v)           Personal Factors

The employee may be at risk if he/she:

• Is physically unsuited to carry out the task in question.
• Is wearing unsuitable clothing, footwear or other personal effects.
• Does not have adequate or appropriate knowledge or training.

If you have reason to believe that any of these factors are relevant in any circumstance, refer the matter to your Supervisor before attempting to complete a lift.

SAFE LIFTING

1. Keep the test certificate for all lifting machinery and tackle showing its safe working load, and the fourteen or six-monthly examination reports.
2. Use only certified lifting equipment (marked with its safe working load) which is not overdue for examination
3. Never exceed the safe working load of machines or tackle. Remember that the load in the legs of a sling increases as the angle between the legs increases.
4. Do not lift a load if you doubt its weight or the adequacy of the equipment.
5. Before lifting an unbalanced load find out its centre of gravity. Raise it slightly off the ground and pause – there will be little harm if it drops.
6. Never use makeshift, damaged or badly worn equipment – chains shortened with knots, kinked or twisted wire ropes, frayed or rotted fibre ropes.
7. Provide suitable packing to protect slings from damage by sharp edges of loads and do not allow tackle to be damaged by being dropped or dragged from under a load.
8. Take care to avoid snatch or sudden loads, particularly in cold weather.
9. Cranes should have the correct counter weight, load radius indicator and/or automatic safe load indicator. Have a responsible slinger or banksman and use a recognised signalling system.
10. Make sure that people or loads can’t fall from a high level when using lifting machines like lifts, hoists or cranes.
11. Have properly interlocked or key-controlled access to motor rooms and service pits of hoists and lifts.

SAFE STACKING

1. Chock objects which may roll, such as drums and keep heavy articles near floor level.
2. Inspect pallets, containers and racks regularly for damage.
3. Prevent damage from fork-lift trucks and other vehicles.
4. Stack palletised goods vertically on a level floor so they won’t overbalance.
5. “Key” stacked packages of uniform size like a brick wall so no tier is independent of another.
6. Use a properly constructed rack where possible – and secure it to a wall or floor.
7. Do not allow items to protrude from stacks or bins into gangways.
8. Never climb racks to reach upper shelves – use a ladder or steps.
9. Never lean heavy stacks against structural walls.
10. Never de-stack by throwing down from the top or pulling out from the bottom.
11. Exceed the safe loading of racks, shelves or floors.

CODE PRACTICE

WORKING AT HEIGHTS

1. Always use proper scaffolding.
2. Safety belts and harnesses and/or safety nets must be used for working at heights where the work cannot be safely carried out from a building or structure, or where it is not practicable to provide standard working platforms, gangways etc. They must be continuously attached to suitable and securely fixed anchorage’s.
3. Use crawling boards or roof ladders for work on sloping and fragile roofs.
4. Never walk on fragile materials such as asbestos cement sheeting or glass (beware – the glass may have been painted over).
5. All openings in floors must be protected by guard rails and toe boards.
6. Where there is a danger of persons being struck by falling material or debris,
7. A catch platform is provided below the working level.
8. Do not place materials where they are likely to fall.
9. Make sure materials are securely stacked and withdrawn in the correct order.
10. Never throw things down from heights to others working on the ground.
11. Always wear safety boots and safety helmets in hazardous areas.
12. Unless absolutely necessary, do not go onto roofs in bad weather.

CODE PRACTICE

WORKING AT HEIGHTS (Excavations)

Introduction

Work associated with excavations is one of the most hazardous construction operations. Every year, people involved in this type of work are killed or seriously injured. These deaths and injuries are caused mainly by the collapse of the side walls of the excavation, the tipping of machinery over into the trench or people being struck by the bucket of the excavator. To ensure the safety of those involved, excavation work has to be properly planned, managed, supervised and executed in order to prevent accidents. Persons involved at all stages should be aware of the hazards involved and the procedures in place to control the risks associated with this type of work. In accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 employers must manage and conduct work activities to ensure safety and health. As excavation activities can involve significant hazards, a high degree of management commitment is required.

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2006 require that anyone in an excavation deeper than 1.25 meters be protected from dislodgement of the sides of the excavation. This protection could be in the form of shoring (support for the excavation), battering (sloping the excavation) or other suitable means. Notwithstanding this, all excavations (including those shallower than 1.25 metres) and the area in the vicinity of an excavation must, when people have access to them, be as far as is reasonably practicable safe and without risk to health. It is a requirement of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 that a risk assessment be carried out in relation to activities being undertaken by persons at a place of work and that a safe system of work be prepared and implemented to protect employees and persons engaged or affected by the activities taking place at a place of work.

The common hazards associated with excavation works are:

1. contact with underground services
2. contact with overhead lines
3. collapse of the excavation’s sides
4. materials falling onto people working in the excavation
5. people and vehicles falling into the excavation
6. people being struck by plant
7. undermining of nearby structures
8. ground water
9. soil
10. access to the excavation
11. fumes
12. accidents to members of the public.

Underground Services and Overhead Power Line

If underground cables or overhead lines cannot be diverted, then the following steps should be taken to avoid contact.

1. Contact the appropriate service providers (ESB, Bord Gáis etc) and ask their advice and obtain relevant drawings.
2. Look around for obvious signs of underground services, e.g. valve covers or patching of the road surface.
3. Use locators to trace any services and mark the ground accordingly. Make sure persons using these scanners are trained and understand their use.
4. Make sure that the person supervising excavation work has service plans and knows how to use them. Everyone carrying out the work should know about safe digging practices and emergency procedures.
5. Survey the area for overhead obstructions such as electricity lines.
6. Erect goal posts and bunting if required.
7. Where work needs to be carried out in close proximity to overhead lines,

contact the ESB for advice.

Excavation Collapse:

Unsupported & Supported Excavation

A range of proprietary trench boxes and hydraulic walls allow trench supports to be put in place without requiring people to enter the excavation. The following is a summary of some of the steps than can be taken to prevent a person becoming engulfed or injured in an excavation:

1. Prevent the sides and the ends from collapsing by battering them to a safe angle.
2. Where it is not possible to batter, support the walls with timber, sheeting or proprietary support systems.
3. Do not go into unsupported excavations that have not been battered to a suitable slope.
4. No vehicle or item of plant is allowed near an edge of an excavation, which is likely to cause collapse.
5. Never work ahead of the support.
6. Remember that even work in shallow trenches can be dangerous. You may need to provide support if the work involves bending or kneeling in the trench.
7. Even work in rock cut excavations may result in boulders falling in on persons at work.

Materials Falling into Excavations

1. Do not store spoil or other materials close to the sides of excavations. The spoil may fall into the excavation and the extra loading will make the sides more prone to collapse.
2. Make sure the edges of the excavation are protected against falling materials. Provide toe boards where necessary.
3. Wear a hard hat when working in excavations.
4. In rock cut excavations where the rock is friable netting should be used.

People and Vehicles Falling into Excavations

1. Take steps to prevent people falling into excavations. Provide substantial barriers, for example guard rails and toe boards.
2. Keep vehicles away from excavations wherever possible. Use brightly painted stop blocks or barriers where necessary.
3. Where vehicles have to tip materials into excavations, use stop blocks to prevent them from over-running. Remember that the sides of the excavation may need extra support.
4. Never have a person in an excavation while machinery is working over it. The extra surcharge from the weight of the machine may induce a collapse.

People Being Struck by Plant or Heavy Items

1. Keep workers away from moving plant such as excavators. Workers should work outside the reach of the excavator bucket. Where this is not possible, use safe systems of work to prevent people being struck.
2. Plant operators should be competent and CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) trained or approved equivalent.
3. Mobile work equipment such as articulated dump trucks that have reduced visibility in their direction of travel must be fitted with auxiliary visibility aids.
4. Attachments for excavators fitted via quick hitch mechanisms must be effectively secured.
5. Check lines should be used to guide items into position and the work carried out under the control of a slinger or signaller who is in possession of a CSCS card.
6. A register of lifting equipment must be kept with appropriate records of statutory tests and examinations.

Undermining Nearby Structures

1. Make sure excavations do not affect the footings of scaffolds or the foundations of nearby structures. Walls may have very shallow foundations that can be undermined by even small trenches.
2. Decide if the structure needs temporary support before digging starts. Surveys of the foundations and the advice of a structural engineer may be needed.
3. If shoring support is required, it should be installed in such a way that the stability of the structure is not compromised at any stage of the installation/excavation process.

Access

1. Provide good ladder access or other safe ways of getting in and out of the excavation. Keep access routes clear from obstruction.
2. A trench will generally be a confined space. Thus emergency and rescue procedures that comply with the Authority’s Code of Practice for Working in Confined Spaces should be adhered to.

Gases

1. Exhaust fumes can be dangerous. Do not site petrol or diesel engine equipment such as generators or compressors in, or near the edge of, an excavation unless fumes can be ducted away or the area can be adequately ventilated. Excavations can have poor natural ventilation so that the presence of, or potential for, a dangerous atmosphere can give rise to typical “confined space” conditions of immediate danger to life and health.

Protecting the Public

1. Fence off all excavations in public places to prevent pedestrians and vehicles falling into them.
2. Where children might get onto a site out of hours, take precautions (for example back-filling or securely covering excavations) to reduce the chance of them being injured.
3. If possible, excavations in public roads or streets should be back-filled or covered over at night to minimize the risk of accidents to the public.
4. Provide adequate guarding, signage and lighting on all footpaths, cycle tracks or roads.
5. Do not leave materials lying beside an area of work. Materials should be stored in a secure compound and removed and used only as required. If material has been removed from the compound but subsequently is not required for imminent use, then that material should be returned to the compound until it can be incorporated into the work.

Supervision

1. A competent person must supervise the installation, alteration or removal of excavation support.
2. Excavation works on a road, footpath or cycletrack must be supervised by a competent person who has been issued wit h a valid construction skills registration card for the guarding and signing of roadworks.
3. People working in excavations should be given clear instructions, through training, on how to work safely.

Inspection and Examination of Excavations

1. All excavations must be inspected by a competent person at least once in every day during which persons are at work in the excavations.
2. Every excavation more than 2 metres deep must be inspected by a competent person at the commencement of every shift.
3. A thorough examination of the excavation must be carried out at least every 7 days.
4. A written report should be made after most inspections. Stop work if the inspection shows the excavation to be unsafe. The results of all inspections should be documented on the appropriate form in accordance with the construction regulations. A checklist should be compiled and gone through to aid the inspection process. Having completed the checklist, the inspection record should be filled in and retained. Other checks may be appropriate depending on conditions. An Approved Form (AF3) should be used to record the thorough examination of excavations.

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