Industrial Health and Safety Policy

1. Introduction
Construction companies face many threats to the life and wellbeing of the personnel working in them. Accidents are inevitable due to the nature of the work they involve. It is therefore important that construction companies make available health and safety procedures to be followed by all personnel working there regardless of position in a quest to ensure the health and safety of the individuals. It is noteworthy that health and safety of employees and clients comes first.

Industrial Building Services (IBS) made provisions for an industrial health and safety policy that is followed by all personnel working there. The safety policy has been drafted by the Safety team under the supervision of the occupation health and safety manager and it outlines the procedures to be followed to avoid emergencies and prevent accidents. It also provides a pathway to be followed in case of an emergency and outlines the first aid measures to be followed.

This document has been developed internally and is applicable to all those clients, fellow contractors and any individuals that come in contact with IBS at every point of their contractual business. It is for this reason that all those coming in contact with IBS be familiar with the provisions in this document as non compliance could cost the contractual agreement to be cancelled.

2. Policy Ojectives
The major objective of this policy document is to make available provisions to ensure the health and safety of the employees and any other individuals contractually dealing with IBS.

3. Scope
The policy covers all aspects of the work environment from office work to the field during site work. It indicates the procedures to be followed to avoid accidents and also provides pathways to be followed in an emergency. It provides that the line of reporting be followed in terms of the responsible personnel in the case of an emergency. Nevertheless all individuals are responsible for their own safety and it is essential at all times to keep safe.

4. Responsibilities

(i). The Managing Director
The Director shall be the overall in charge of the policy enforcing compliance by all individuals at all times. He will order the revisions, corrections and any amendments that may be deemed necessary.

(ii). The Health and Safety Manager
S/He will ensure that all individuals coming in contact with IBS adhere to the dictates as are provided in this policy. He will be responsible for drafting the policy for approval by the MD. He will ensure that the work environment is safe at all times and that human safety is number 1.

(iii). The Operations Manager
The Operations Manager will be responsible for the implementation of the policy and ensuring that all individuals follow through the provisions in this document. He will be charged with handling disciplinary measure for non compliance and reporting the same to the MD.

(iv). The Company Secretary
The role of the company secretary is to ensure that all individuals are trained on the provisions of the policy and that the document is made available to interested third party members with approval from the MD.

(v). Supervisors
The Supervisors shall be exemplary in all aspects being the first to keep safe at all times. They will also ensure that their juniors comply to the said procedures and any non compliance can be reported to either the secretary or the operations manager depending on who is closest at that time.

(vi). All Personnel
All personnel shall at all times observe to do what the document indicates to ensure their safety and that of their colleagues. They are commanded to keep safe at all times and report any behaviours that may lead to non compliance to the dictates of the policy. This provision also considers all that come into contact with IBS regardless of any business dealings with it.

5. Category of works

a. Demolishing works
Demolishing works involve the voluntary destruction of a building for purposes of rebuilding, maintenance or clearance. The work exposes workers to a number of risks including falls, falling material and ergonomic pressure. It is therefore important to protect workers in these kinds of work from injury and fatal accidents. IBS will ensure that:
-> All employees working in demolishing works have the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
-> Only physically able workers are involved in the works
-> Adequate equipment of good quality is utilized and the workers have been trained in its use.
-> Waste is disposed of as specified in the contract document.

b. Building works
Building works will involve all super structure erections, any maintenance works of the same, any road construction works and any works of like nature. Due to the high risk of injuries and accidents on building sites, IBS will employ all safety measures to ensure employee safety and wellbeing. IBS will ensure that:
-> All employees have the adequate PPE
-> There is a provision of a first aid kit around the building site
-> Qualified employees are involved on the site with assistants adequately supported while on training.
-> The supervisor is adequately trained in first aid provision and other health and safety measures.
-> There is provision of a vehicle for transportation in case of any emergency.
-> Appropriate safety equipment such as Scaffolding, safety belts is used.
-> Lifting of heavy materials will be limited to heavy duty lifters such as cranes depending on availability.

c. Machinery and Equipment Safety
During construction works, various equipment and machinery are used to speed up works and ensure quality. Operation of such machinery poses hazards to those in charge hence the need to restrict such works to only adequately trained personnel. It is equally important to use machinery that is of good quality to prevent exposing works to injuries and accidents arising from defunct machines. IBS will ensure that:
-> Equipment and machinery used are of good quality and adequately maintained.
-> Personnel operating machines are adequately trained to such use.
-> Defunct machinery is not used on site.
-> Records of equipment maintenance are maintained at the office.
-> Old or overused machinery are replaced.
-> Appropriate safety equipment such as Scaffolding, safety belts is used.
-> Lifting of heavy materials will be limited to heavy duty lifters such as cranes depending on availability.

d. Fire Safety
Fire presents as one of the most dangerous hazards that pose a threat to human life and infrastructure. Lack of proper measures for fire safety has resulted in losses to life and general wealth. A myriad of injuries and accidents have resulted due to fire hazards causing economic losses. It is therefore against this backdrop, that IBS remains cautious of fire hazards and the associated risks. In that regard, IBS shall at all times ensure that:
-> At every building site and the offices, there are some firefighting equipment in place.
-> At least two personnel trained in firefighting are available at every given point at both site and office.
-> Workers are trained in management of fire accidents such as exiting during fire.
-> Access to well recognized fire brigade shall be established for easy contact.
-> Firefighting equipment shall be inspected every 6 months to ensure prime condition.
-> Fire records shall be kept to document procedures and for reviewing during accident investigations.

Note: It is important to note that in the case of an accident, the supervisor shall ensure that the affected personnel is provided with the required first aid and is transported to the hospital for further review in case of a grave accident.

6. Emergency Procedures
It is important to draw up an emergency plan that is well suited to be followed in the event of an emergency. Quick and effective action during an emergency may help to reduce the risks and consequencies associated with emergency situations. It becomes expedient to ensure that workers are well trained and competent to manage emergencies, take part in regular and realistic emergency practices and have clearly agreed, recorded and rehearsed plans, actions and responsibilities. With such a huge responsibility to ensure the health and wellbeing of all employees working with IBS, it will ensure that:
-> Emergency contacts are displayed around the office and that personnel have the contacts handy.
-> An emergency alarm is raised by the office assistant or secretary who is consistently in the office and the security guard at the site.
-> Emergency exit routes are free of any obstructions and are clearly marked.
-> A trained personnel is available to assist in evacuation during an emergency.
-> There is a provision of an emergency assembly point where roll call will be made.
-> The relevant emergency company is called and provided with the building plan to locate hazardous places.
-> Due first aid shall be provided to all employees affected.

7. Disciplinary Procedures
Health and safety procedures often work best if followed by disciplinary action for neglect of safety measures and action. It is expected that all personnel are well trained in basic health and safety such that they are well equipped to manage safety procedures. However if in cases that there is due negligence to safety measures in any kind of operation not classified as an accident, the following disciplinary procedures shall be instituted:
-> The personnel involved in such negligence shall be required to write an incident report, which shall be validated by his immediate supervisor.
-> The supervisor shall report to the Director the incident and any damage that is involved.
-> There shall be a disciplinary forum, chaired by the immediate supervisor to allow the involved personnel the right to be heard.
-> The Director shall decide the fate of the personnel involved and any measures to enforce adherence of safety procedures.

8. Monitoring
It shall be the duty of the Director to ensure that there exists a monitoring and evaluation plan for the policy enforcement. His office shall appoint a person who shall be tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that this policy is effected and actions are taken into account by every concerned personnel. The policy shall be reviewed upon changes effected in work conduct or equipment upgrades and any changes to any sections.

9. Training
Under this policy, personnel shall be required to obtain safety training according to the provisions made. Personnel shall be provided with a copy of this policy for their information and guidance. Personnel shall be given room to make suggested to any changes to the policy provided if the same is made through the Director.

10. Corrective Action
Following an adverse event, due corrective action shall be taken in the case of any mishaps or accidents. Disciplinary issues shall be followed by the appropriate corrective actions which shall be validated by the immediate supervisor.

11. Records
IBS shall keep various safety and health records under this policy for information and action purposes. The records shall be duly filed to be used as per the requirements and need. The office of the Secretary shall be responsible for safe keeping of any safety records so produced. Safety data shall be kept confidential unless if permission is obtained from the Director. The Office of the Director shall use such data to enforce safety practices and make provisions of safety measures.