HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY

Gils Construction

1. Statement of Intent

Gils Construction is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of all employees, subcontractors, clients, and members of the public affected by our work.

We will comply with all relevant UK legislation, including the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), and follow guidance issued by the Health and Safety Executive.

We recognise that construction work is high risk and will take all reasonably practicable steps to:

·        Prevent accidents, injury, and ill health

·        Identify hazards and control risks

·        Provide safe systems of work

·        Ensure competent, trained workers

·        Continuously improve our safety performance

2. Organisation & Responsibilities

2.1 Directors / Senior Management

Directors are responsible for:

·        Overall implementation of this policy

·        Ensuring adequate resources for health & safety

·        Monitoring compliance with legislation

·        Ensuring competent persons are appointed

2.2 Site Supervisors / Managers

Responsible for:

·        Planning, managing, and monitoring site activities

·        Ensuring risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) are followed

·        Conducting site inductions and toolbox talks

·        Enforcing PPE and site rules

·        Preventing unauthorised access

2.3 Employees & Operatives

All workers must:

·        Take reasonable care of themselves and others

·        Follow site rules and safe systems of work

·        Use equipment and PPE correctly

·        Report hazards, accidents, and near misses

2.4 Subcontractors (when engaged)

We will ensure that any subcontractors we use:

·        Are competent and suitably trained

·        Provide risk assessments and method statements

·        Hold appropriate insurance

·        Comply with our health & safety policy and site rules

·        Are monitored and supervised during works

3. Arrangements for Health & Safety

3.1 Risk Assessments & Method Statements (RAMS)

·        All work activities will be assessed for risks before starting

·        Control measures will be implemented and communicated

·        RAMS will be reviewed regularly

(HSE requires risks to be identified and managed before work begins)

3.2 Competence & Training

We will ensure all workers:

·        Have the skills, knowledge, experience, and training required

·        Hold relevant qualifications (e.g. CSCS cards where required)

·        Receive site-specific inductions

·        Attend toolbox talks

3.3 Communication & Coordination

We will:

·        Cooperate with clients, principal contractors, and other trades

·        Share relevant safety information (hazards, site rules, etc.)

·        Attend site meetings where required

3.4 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

·        Suitable PPE will be provided and worn as required

·        PPE requirements will be based on risk assessments

·        Typical PPE may include: helmets, boots, gloves, hi-vis, eye protection

3.5 Welfare Facilities

We will ensure access to:

·        Toilets and washing facilities

·        Drinking water

·        Rest areas

(as required under CDM and HSE guidance)

3.6 Plant, Equipment & Materials

·        All equipment will be suitable, maintained, and inspected

·        Operators will be trained and authorised

·        Hazardous substances will be controlled (COSHH)

·        Safety data sheets will be available

3.7 Site Safety & Housekeeping

·        Work areas will be kept clean and tidy

·        Waste will be removed regularly

·        Safe access and egress will be maintained

·        Traffic routes and segregation will be followed

3.8 Accident Reporting & Investigation

·        All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported

·        Investigations will be carried out

·        RIDDOR reporting will be completed where required

3.9 Emergency Procedures

We will ensure:

·        Emergency procedures are in place and communicated

·        Fire safety measures are implemented

·        First aid provision is available

3.10 Monitoring & Review

·        Regular site inspections will be carried out

·        Safety performance will be reviewed

·        This policy will be reviewed annually or after significant changes

4. Subcontractor Management (Key Section for Your Business)

As a subcontractor, we will:

·        Plan, manage, and monitor our work safely

·        Comply with the Principal Contractor’s Construction Phase Plan

·        Provide RAMS before starting work

·        Ensure our workers are competent and trained

·        Inform the Principal Contractor of any hazards identified

·        Follow site inductions and safety procedures

We understand that subcontractors are at higher risk and must operate to the highest standards of safety

5. Documentation & Records

We will maintain:

·        Health & Safety Policy

·        Risk Assessments & Method Statements

·        Training records

·        Accident records

·        Insurance certificates

6. Review

This policy will be reviewed:

·        Annually

·        After accidents/incidents

·        When legislation or operations change