Health and Safety Policy

1. Policy Statement


The Alternative Studio Limited acknowledges its health and safety responsibilities under various legislative acts and common law duties. We are dedicated to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees and visitors to our premises. This commitment extends to both paid employees and work experience participants.

Our policy is to:

  • Take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all individuals on our premises.

  • Provide suitable working conditions and facilities that minimize risks to health and safety.

  • Maintain safe plant, equipment, and work systems.

  • Offer adequate information, instruction, training, and supervision to enable everyone to contribute to their own safety and health.

  • Provide specific training to personnel with health and safety responsibilities.

  • Implement measures to protect the health and safety of the general public.

  • Assess and address risks for new or expectant mothers and young people under eighteen.

This policy may be altered by management at any time.

1.1. Statutory Duty of the Company

The Alternative Studio Limited will comply with its duty to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of its employees and visitors. Specifically, we will:

  • Ensure workplaces are safe.

  • Establish and follow safe work practices.

  • Safely handle articles and substances.

  • Provide necessary information, instruction, training, and supervision for health and safety.

  • Assess risks to health and safety.

  • Implement health and safety measures.

  • Maintain records of risk assessments.

  • Create a health and safety policy statement.

  • Appoint a competent person for health and safety.

  • Establish emergency procedures.

  • Provide First Aid facilities.

  • Ensure compliance with health, safety, and welfare requirements.

  • Maintain suitable work equipment.

  • Prevent exposure to hazardous substances.

  • Take precautions against flammable or explosive hazards, electrical hazards, noise, and radiation.

  • Conduct health surveillance as needed.

  • Ensure appropriate safety signs are provided and maintained.

  • Report injuries, diseases, and dangerous incidents to the relevant authorities.


1.2. Statutory Duty of the Company's Employees

Employees also have legal responsibilities, including:

  • Taking reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others.

  • Cooperating with the company on health and safety matters.

  • Not interfering with health and safety provisions.

  • Reporting injuries, accidents, or dangerous occurrences.

  • Acknowledging that health and safety laws apply to employees inside and outside the workplace and to those who use community buildings accessible to the public.


1.3. Health and Safety Rules

All employees must take ordinary care to prevent accidents and comply with general and additional rules published by the company.


1.4. Accident Forms and Book

Any injury suffered by an employee or visitor on the company's premises, no matter how minor, must be recorded on an accident form. This form should be stored securely after completion.


1.5. Fire Precautions

Personnel must familiarize themselves with fire escape routes and procedures and adhere to company directions regarding fire safety.


1.6. Equipment and Appliances

Employees should only use equipment and appliances provided or authorized by the company and follow usage instructions accurately.

1.7. Safety Clearways

Corridors and doorways must remain unobstructed and well-lit.


1.8. Maintenance

Defective equipment, furniture, and structures must be reported promptly.

1.9. Display Screen Equipment

The company is committed to ensuring the well-being of employees who frequently use display screen equipment. Employees are advised to take regular breaks and can request eye tests if they experience vision issues due to screen use.

1.10. Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco

Smoking, drug use (except under medical supervision), and alcohol consumption during working hours are prohibited.


Appendices

Appendix 1: Health and Safety Assessment


1.1. Risk Assessment

  • Risk assessments relate to activities within the premises or grounds.

  • Assessments are required for all activities, whether involving groups, individuals, or paid staff.

  • Special attention is given to employees under eighteen and expectant mothers.

  • New activities require new risk assessments.

  • Assessments should be revisited when circumstances change.

1.2. Display Screen Equipment

  • Regulations apply to employees who use display screen equipment regularly.

  • Criteria for determining 'user' status include the necessity of screen use for the job and regular use.

  • Users are entitled to eye tests and basic spectacles, with reimbursement by the employer.

Appendix 2: Employees' Entitlement

  • Employees have the right to request eye tests, with reimbursement for basic spectacles.

  • The employer is not obligated to reimburse costs beyond eye tests and reports.

  • Employees pay the optician and then seek reimbursement from the employer.