Health and Safety Policy.
South Asian Heritage Trust is committed to ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all trustees, staff, volunteers and members of the public who attend or participate in our events, programmes and activities. We accept our legal responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and all associated regulations.
This policy applies to all activities undertaken by or on behalf of South Asian Heritage Trust, including events, community programmes, meetings and any other activities where trustees, staff, volunteers or members of the public may be present. It applies regardless of whether activities take place in our own premises, at partner venues or in other locations.
The Trustee Board holds ultimate responsibility for ensuring that this policy is implemented and that adequate resources are made available to meet our health and safety obligations.
The Chief Officer is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of this policy, including ensuring that risk assessments are carried out, that staff and volunteers receive appropriate information and guidance, and that incidents are properly recorded and reported.
All trustees, staff and volunteers are responsible for:
- Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others
- Complying with all health and safety instructions and procedures
- Reporting hazards, near misses and incidents to the Chief Officer promptly
- Not interfering with or misusing anything provided for health and safety purposes
The Trust will carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments for all activities where there is a foreseeable risk to health and safety. This includes events open to the public, activities involving volunteers and any other situations where hazards may be present.
Risk assessments will be reviewed regularly and whenever there is a significant change to an activity, venue or the nature of participation.
For all events and public-facing activities, the Trust will ensure that:
- A named individual is responsible for health and safety on the day
- Emergency procedures are understood by all those involved in delivering the activity
- First aid provision appropriate to the size and nature of the event is in place
- Venue capacities and fire safety requirements are observed
- Any specific access or mobility requirements of attendees are considered in advance
- Volunteers and staff are briefed on relevant procedures before the event begins
All accidents, incidents, near misses and hazards must be reported to the Chief Officer as soon as reasonably practicable. The Trust maintains a written record of all reported incidents.
Where an incident is reportable under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), the Chief Officer is responsible for ensuring the appropriate report is made to the Health and Safety Executive.
South Asian Heritage Trust recognises that health and safety encompasses the mental and emotional wellbeing of those involved in our work, as well as their physical safety. We encourage open conversations about stress, workload and support needs, and will make reasonable adjustments where possible to support the wellbeing of our staff and volunteers.
This policy will be reviewed at least every two years, or sooner following a significant incident, a substantial change to our activities, or an update to relevant legislation.
