Health and Safety Policy for MindfulnessUK

Introduction

MindfulnessUK is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all its employees, volunteers, students, and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy outlines our approach to managing and mitigating health and safety risks in all our activities, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and promoting a culture of safety and mindfulness.

Policy Statement

MindfulnessUK recognizes its duty to provide a safe and healthy working environment. We will:

• Comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, including but not limited to:
  1. Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
  2. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
  3. Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
  4. Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992
  5. Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013
• Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981
• Implement and maintain health and safety management systems.
• Provide information, instruction, training, and supervision to ensure the health and safety of all associated with our operations.
• Promote a positive health and safety culture.

Responsibilities

Management

• Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation.
• Provide resources for effective health and safety management.
• Review and update the health and safety policy annually or as necessary.
• Ensure risk assessments are conducted and reviewed regularly.

Employees and Volunteers

• Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
• Cooperate with MindfulnessUK on health and safety matters.
• Report any health and safety concerns to their supervisor or designated health and safety officer.

Students and Visitors

• Comply with all health and safety instructions given by MindfulnessUK staff.
• Take reasonable care of their own health and safety.

Risk Assessment

MindfulnessUK will conduct risk assessments for all activities to identify potential hazards and implement measures to control risks. Risk assessments will be reviewed annually or when there are significant changes to the activities or environment.

Training

MindfulnessUK will provide health and safety training to all employees and volunteers, ensuring they are competent to carry out their duties safely. Training will include:

• Induction training for new employees and volunteers.
• Regular refresher training.
• Specific training for activities with identified risks.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, accidents, and near misses must be reported immediately. MindfulnessUK will investigate all reports to identify the root cause and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Emergency Procedures

MindfulnessUK will establish and maintain emergency procedures to deal with potential emergencies such as fires, medical emergencies, and other critical incidents. Regular drills will be conducted to ensure preparedness.

Health and Well-being

MindfulnessUK is committed to promoting the health and well-being of its employees and volunteers. This includes:

• Encouraging a healthy work-life balance.
• Providing access to mental health resources and support.
• Creating a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Hybrid Working Practices

MindfulnessUK supports hybrid working practices, allowing employees to work both from home and from the office. To ensure health and safety in hybrid working arrangements:

• Employees will be provided with guidelines on setting up a safe and ergonomic home workspace.
• Regular check-ins will be conducted to address any health and safety concerns related to remote working.
• Employees will have access to mental health support and resources.
• Equipment necessary for safe home working (e.g., ergonomic chairs, screens) will be provided where required.

Remote Working Risk Assessment

• Conduct a risk assessment for the home working environment.
• Provide training on safe home working practices.
• Ensure employees understand their responsibilities for health and safety while working from home.

Review and Monitoring

The Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed annually, and performance will be monitored through regular audits and inspections. Feedback from employees, volunteers, and students will be considered to improve health and safety practices.

Contact Information

For any health and safety concerns, please contact:

Health and Safety Officer
MindfulnessUK
Churchinford, Taunton, Somerset. TA3 7QY

Approved by: Karen Atkinson | MindfulnessUK | 2 July 2024

Appendix

Risk Assessment Template

Incident Report Form