Health & Safety Services
MRA is able to provide clients one-off or structured (Health & Safety Management Plan - HSMP) health and safety audits.
The health and safety audit will incorporate an initial in depth health & safety Inspection to identify all legal shortfalls. The quality of the inspection will comply with the HSC requirements of the LAC 67/1 (rev 2) document that all Health & Safety inspectors have to follow. This audit will also examine and inform you of any legal documents that you must have in place under the Act. The HSMP includes the carrying out of a general risk assessment for the client premises, a COSHH assessment, a written safety policy, manual handling risk assessment, and annual portable appliance testing for which a certificate is issued. A Certificate of Audit is also issued.
The Health & Safety Management Plan will include the following services:-
Portable Appliance Testing
We test all your portable electric appliances to ensure correct functioning and compliance with the law. A certificate is provided for this.
Workplace Health & Safety Audit
This entails a full inspection of your workplace under the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and other regulations. The quality of the inspection will comply with the HSC requirements of the LAC 67/1 (rev 2) document that all Health & Safety inspectors have to follow. This audit will also examine and inform you of any legal documents that you must have in place under the Act.
General Risk Assessment
Regulation 3 of the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 requires you (the employer) to carry out an assessment of the risks to your employees and anyone who could be affected by hazards in your work activity. This could mean hazards associated with the structure, equipment and especially work practices. You then need to implement control measures that will reduce the risks to a safe level. If you employ 5 or more persons, then the assessment must be written. This regulation applies to all businesses (food and non-food).
Health & Safety Policy
It is a legal requirement to have a policy in place and where you employ 5 or more persons the policy must be in writing. The policy must contain details of your arrangements to ensure the health, safety and welfare of your employees whilst at work. That is, it should list your responsibilities; arrangements for risk assessments; consultation with employees; ensuring safe plant and equipment; safe handling and use of substances; provision of information, instruction and supervision; competency for tasks and training; provisions for accidents / first aid; monitoring work conditions and emergency procedures.
COSHH Assessments
You must also consider what hazardous substances are handled at work and if these cannot be substituted with a less hazardous type, then you must carry out an assessment of the risks arising from the use of the substance(s). Examples include the use of Beer line cleaner, Bleach and other cleaning chemicals. You should provide this assessment in writing and train your employees in the control measures.
Manual Handling
If there are hazardous manual handling activities at work, then you must provide an assessment of the risks to your employees. The hazards could arise from lifting and carrying heavy loads, which is why it is important to assess the individual as each person differs in their capabilities. Injuries to the back from manual handling are very common and are an important cause of long-term sickness absence at work.
Training
We are also able to provide you with Health & Safety training. If you find that you need help with understanding the above legal duties, then we can provide you with the necessary training.