
Policy
Health and Safety Policy
FORFIRM is committed to maintaining a Safe, Healthy and Suitable Working Environment for Employees, Contractors, Clients and Visitors.
Purpose
FORFIRM is committed to providing and maintaining a safe, healthy and suitable working environment for employees, contractors, customers and visitors. The purpose of this policy is to: • prevent work-related injuries, illnesses and unsafe conditions; • promote a culture of safety, awareness and personal responsibility; • ensure that health and safety risks are identified, assessed and appropriately managed; • define the responsibilities of employees, managers and the organisation; • ensure compliance with applicable health and safety legislation and organisational requirements. FORFIRM believes that effective health and safety management requires the involvement and commitment of all employees.
Applicability
This policy applies to all FORFIRM employees at all levels of the organisation, including managers and senior management. The principles of this policy apply to: • FORFIRM offices and workplaces; • customer and third-party locations where employees perform activities; • business travel and work-related activities; • remote working environments under the Smart Working Policy. Where applicable, the principles of this policy may also be extended to contractors, consultants, temporary workers and other third parties working with or representing FORFIRM. This policy should be read in conjunction with: • • Smart Working Policy; • Company Assets Policy; • Clean Desk and Physical Data Protection Policy; • Drugs & Alcohol Policy; • Disciplinary Policy.
Definitions
Health and Safety The protection of employees and others from workplace risks that may affect physical or mental wellbeing. Hazard A situation, activity, substance or condition that has the potential to cause injury, illness or damage. Risk The combination of the likelihood of an event occurring and the possible consequences. Incident An unexpected event that results in injury, damage or disruption. Near Miss An event that could have caused injury, damage or harm but did not result in an actual incident. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Equipment designed to protect employees from specific workplace risks where required.
Roles and Responsibilities
Employees are responsible for taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. • Employees must follow safety instructions, report hazards and cooperate with health and safety measures. • Line Managers are responsible for ensuring that employees understand applicable safety requirements, addressing concerns and promoting safe working practices. • Human Resources (HR) is responsible for supporting health and safety processes, maintaining related documentation and ensuring consistent application of this policy. • Management is responsible for providing appropriate resources, identifying risks and ensuring that suitable health and safety arrangements are implemented. All employees share responsibility for creating and maintaining a safe working environment.
Standard of Conduct
Employees must: • • comply with health and safety instructions and procedures; • take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of colleagues; • report hazards, unsafe conditions, incidents and near misses promptly; • use equipment and company assets correctly and safely; • maintain a safe and organised working environment; • attend required training and follow safety guidance provided by FORFIRM. Employees must not: • intentionally create unsafe situations; • misuse equipment or safety devices; • ignore identified risks or safety instructions; • work under the influence of alcohol or drugs in accordance with the Drugs & Alcohol Policy; • engage in behaviour that could endanger themselves or others.
Personal Dashboard
Risk Identification and Prevention
FORFIRM will identify and manage workplace risks through appropriate measures, including: • workplace assessments; • employee feedback; • incident reviews; • corrective and preventive actions. Employees are encouraged to actively contribute by reporting potential risks and suggesting improvements.
Reporting Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses
Employees must immediately report: • • workplace accidents; • injuries or health concerns related to work activities; • unsafe conditions; • equipment failures; • near misses. Reports will be reviewed to identify causes and implement appropriate corrective actions where necessary. Employees must cooperate with any investigation carried out following an incident.
Workplace Conditions
Employees must maintain a safe working environment by: • keeping work areas clean and organised; • ensuring emergency exits and access routes remain clear; • using equipment according to instructions; • avoiding unsafe practices. FORFIRM will ensure that workplace conditions are regularly reviewed and maintained according to applicable requirements.
Ergonomics and Display Screen Equipment
FORFIRM encourages employees who work regularly with computers or other display screen equipment to maintain appropriate working conditions. Employees should: • adjust workstations according to ergonomic guidance; • maintain suitable posture and positioning; • take appropriate breaks during prolonged computer work; • report discomfort or ergonomic concerns. Employees working remotely should also ensure that their home working environment is suitable for safe and effective work.
Emergency Situations
Employees must follow emergency procedures established by FORFIRM, including: • evacuation procedures; • emergency instructions; • reporting of incidents. Employees must not interfere with emergency equipment or procedures.
Training and Awareness
FORFIRM will provide appropriate information and training to support employee awareness of health and safety responsibilities. Employees must participate in required training and apply the knowledge gained during their work activities.
Continuous Improvement
FORFIRM will periodically review health and safety arrangements to ensure effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement. Feedback from employees, incident analysis and operational experience will be considered as part of continuous improvement activities.
