St Christopher's Hospice
Health & Safety Policy
Health & Safety Policy
This statement sets out the Health and Safety Policy of the St. Christopher’s Hospice and the means through which that policy is to be implemented.
Our objective is to provide safe and healthy environment in all activities undertaken on behalf of St. Christopher’s Hospice can be carried out.
Our approach to Health & Safety as far as is reasonably practicable will be:
- To provide safe places to work or hold activities on behalf of the company.
- To identify and control hazards.
- To prevent as far as is reasonably possible, any improper conduct or behaviors likely to put Health & safety at risk.
- To consult with volunteers on all health and Safety matters.
- To provide protective clothing as necessary.
- To provide appropriate information on a continuous basis.
Company Responsibilities
The responsibility for the provision of a safe environment for the activities of the company rests with the board of the St. Christopher’s Hospice.
Specifically these responsibilities are:
- To maintain a safe and healthy environment for all those volunteering on behalf of the HAI
- To maintain a vigilant and continuing interest in all Health and safety matters.
Note: When third parties organise fundraising events independently of St. Christopher’s Hospice, they are independently responsible for the health and safety of their volunteers.
Volunteer Responsibilities
Volunteers have a responsibility to themselves to carry out duties in a safe and considerate manner.
They should:
- Maintain a safe environment.
- Comply with any direction given for health and safety including those in this policy.
- Report any potential hazards and not carry out activities in any hazardous situation.
- Not take part in any horseplay or prank likely to lead to injury to self or to others.
Manual handling is a major cause of accidents. It is St. Christopher’s Hospice policy to minimise manual handling so it should be avoided as far as reasonably possible. If there is a necessity to lift loads the weight should be checked before any lifting is attempted and if it is considered too heavy assistance should be sought.
Reporting of Accidents
All accidents or incidents that occur in the course of volunteering must be reported to the Board Secretary <info@stchristophershospice.ie> and an accident form filled in.
The following details should be recorded:
- Date, time and place of incident.
- Name, address, and age of the injured person.
- Circumstances, including cause, nature of injury and arrangements made for treatment.
All accidents will be investigated by a member of the company and a written report prepared. Corrective action will be taken to avoid a re-occurrence.
Implementation of the Policy
St. Christopher’s Hospice will ensure that all those undertaking activities on behalf of the Charity will have access to the Health and Safety Policy. Each person will be given a copy of the general policy, together with a copy of the advice for health and safety for charity events (walks, runs etc.).
