Health & Safety Policy

Health and Safety Policy for Rxbuild Mental Health and Wellbeing Foundation

Last Updated: FEB 2025

Rxbuild Mental Health and Wellbeing Foundation is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all individuals who use our services, including staff, volunteers, clients, and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy outlines our commitment to ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone involved in our activities, and to complying with all relevant health and safety legislation and best practices.

 1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

- Ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all employees, volunteers, clients, and visitors associated with Rxbuild Mental Health and Wellbeing Foundation.
- Establish a clear framework for health and safety responsibilities and procedures.
- Prevent accidents, injuries, and ill-health caused by work activities.
- Comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and regulatory requirements.

2. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, contractors, and visitors to Rxbuild's offices, services, and any other premises where we operate or deliver services. It covers all activities that take place in the course of our operations, including but not limited to:

- Office-based work
- Outreach services
- Community and event-based activities
- Workshops and training programs
- Home visits and any other service-related activities

3. Health and Safety Responsibilities

The Foundation acknowledges the importance of health and safety, and we all have a responsibility to create and maintain a safe working environment. Our responsibilities are as follows:

- Board of Trustees:  
  The Board is ultimately responsible for ensuring that health and safety standards are met and that resources are allocated to ensure a safe working environment. The Board will regularly review and monitor health and safety performance.

- Health and Safety Officer (HSO):  
  The HSO is responsible for overseeing the implementation of health and safety policies and procedures, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation. The HSO will ensure regular safety audits and provide guidance to staff and volunteers on health and safety matters.

- Managers and Supervisors:  
  Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that health and safety policies and procedures are followed within their areas of responsibility. They must provide training, supervision, and support to staff and volunteers, ensuring they understand and comply with health and safety practices.

- Employees and Volunteers:  
  All employees and volunteers are responsible for maintaining their own health and safety and that of others. This includes:
  - Following health and safety procedures and instructions.
  - Reporting hazards, incidents, or near misses.
  - Using equipment and materials safely and properly.
  - Attending health and safety training as required.
  - Cooperating with safety inspections and audits.

- Visitors:
  All visitors to Rxbuild premises are expected to adhere to our health and safety procedures, follow the instructions of staff, and report any hazards or concerns to the staff on duty.

4. Risk Assessments

Risk assessments will be carried out regularly to identify hazards in the workplace and service settings, and appropriate measures will be implemented to minimize or eliminate risks. Risk assessments will cover the following:

- Workplace hazards (e.g., fire, electrical, manual handling)
- Service delivery activities (e.g., home visits, events)
- Mental health risks (e.g., managing aggression or challenging behavior)
- Use of equipment and materials (e.g., office equipment, therapeutic tools)
- Emergency procedures (e.g., fire evacuations, first aid)

The results of risk assessments will be documented and communicated to all staff, volunteers, and contractors. Control measures identified in the risk assessments must be followed and periodically reviewed.

5. Health and Safety Training

Training is a critical component of our health and safety approach. We will ensure that all staff and volunteers receive relevant training in health and safety, including:

- Induction Training:  
  All new employees and volunteers will receive induction training that includes health and safety policies, emergency procedures, risk assessment awareness, and other key safety information.

- Ongoing Training:  
  Regular updates and refresher training will be provided to ensure staff and volunteers remain knowledgeable about health and safety practices, including how to handle specific risks related to mental health and wellbeing services.

- Specialized Training:  
  Employees and volunteers who are responsible for specific activities (e.g., home visits, manual handling) will receive additional, role-specific training.

6. Accidents and Incident Reporting

All accidents, incidents, injuries, and near misses must be reported immediately to the designated Health and Safety Officer (HSO). A written report should be completed and submitted, detailing the nature of the incident, the individuals involved, the location, and any immediate actions taken.

- Accident Reporting Procedures:  
  In the event of an accident, the following steps should be taken:
  1. Ensure the safety of all individuals involved.
  2. Seek immediate medical attention if necessary.
  3. Report the incident to the HSO.
  4. Complete an accident report form.
  5. Investigate the incident to determine its cause and implement corrective measures.

- Incident Review:  
  Following an incident, the HSO will review the situation, identify the causes, and take steps to prevent recurrence. All incidents will be recorded, and any corrective actions will be tracked.

7. Emergency Procedures

Emergencies such as fire, medical emergencies, or other critical situations must be handled promptly. The following procedures will be in place:

- Emergency Contact Information:  
  All staff and volunteers should be familiar with emergency contact numbers, including local emergency services, and have access to relevant first aid or emergency equipment.

- Fire Safety:  
  Fire exits, fire extinguishers, and fire assembly points will be clearly marked in all premises. Regular fire drills will be conducted to ensure that everyone knows how to respond in the event of a fire.

- First Aid:  
  A trained first aider will be available during working hours. First aid kits will be accessible in key locations, and staff will be trained in basic first aid as part of their induction.

- Evacuation Plan:  
  An evacuation plan will be established and communicated to all staff and volunteers. In the event of an evacuation, all individuals should follow the designated emergency exits and assemble at the specified assembly point.

8. Workplace Environment and Equipment

We are committed to providing a safe and comfortable working environment. This includes:

- Office Environment:  
  Regular inspections of the office premises will be conducted to identify potential hazards such as trip hazards, equipment malfunctions, and cleanliness issues.

- Ergonomics:  
  Staff will be encouraged to arrange their workstations ergonomically to prevent musculoskeletal injuries, and equipment such as chairs, desks, and computer setups will be evaluated periodically.

- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):  
  Where applicable, staff will be provided with the necessary PPE, such as gloves, masks, or protective clothing, to minimize the risk of injury.

9. Mental Health and Wellbeing of Staff

We recognize that our work involves supporting individuals with mental health issues, and staff may experience stress or emotional challenges. As part of our commitment to the health and safety of our employees:

- Support Systems:  
  We offer access to counseling or employee assistance programs (EAP) to support mental health and wellbeing.
  
- Work-Life Balance:  
  We encourage a healthy work-life balance and ensure that staff are not overburdened with workloads.

10. Review of Health and Safety Practices

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to ensure compliance with health and safety legislation and to reflect any changes in our operations. Regular health and safety audits and consultations will be held to maintain a safe working environment.

11. Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about health and safety procedures, please contact:

Health and Safety Officer (HSO):
Rob Smith - Rob@Rxbuild.co