Health & Safety Policy
Overall Companies Purpose
We are construction resourcing and trade solutions provider committed to people’s interests and well-being first. We give back to communities and work with charitable entities in New Zealand by providing employment opportunities for men, women and high-school leavers looking to get into the construction and trades industry.
Important Information
The employee will work within the Auckland region as defined by the Auckland City Council. The employer may ask the employee to travel for work from time to time, but they don’t have to agree. The employee is entitled to paid rest breaks and unpaid meal breaks based on the number of hours worked. Rest breaks are 10 minutes and meal breaks are 30 minutes. The employer and employee will take breaks at times agreed to or when the law says breaks must be taken. The employee must have their own tools of the trade to be able to perform their job. The tools and/or equipment to be supplied by the employee are: High Visibility Vest and Some Small Tools. The employee will be paid into the employee’s nominated NZ bank account. The employer may change how often the employee is paid, and will give notice in writing. Themselves must record the hours of work performed by the employee in the manner determined by the employer. The employer following the procedure for competence training and awareness will proportion any further training required for the employee to him. All policies and procedures will be available to see in the company’s app.
Purpose, Scope and Users
This Health & Safety handbook has been prepared to inform employees of the policies and procedures of this company and to establish the company’s expectations. It is not all-inclusive or intended to provide strict interpretations of our policies; rather, it offers an overview of the work environment. This handbook is applicable to the contractors and sub-contractors of Buildhub Limited. The company reserves the right to
unilaterally revise, suspend, revoke, terminate or change any of its policies, in whole or in part, whether described within this handbook or elsewhere, in its sole discretion. If any discrepancy between this handbook and current company policy arises, conform to current company policy.
Every effort will be made to keep you informed of the company’s policies. Feel free to ask questions about any of the information within this handbook.
Workplace Safety
The company takes every reasonable precaution to ensure that employees have a safe working environment. Safety measures and rules are in place for the protection of all employees. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of each employee to help prevent accidents. To ensure the continuation of a safe workplace, all employees should review and understand all provisions of the company’s workplace safety policy. Employees should use all safety and protective equipment provided to them and maintain work areas in a safe and orderly manner, free from hazardous conditions. Employees who observe an unsafe practice or condition should report it to a supervisor immediately. Employees are prohibited from making threats against anyone in connection with his/her work or engaging in violent activities while in the employ of the company.
In the event of an accident, employees must notify a supervisor immediately. Report every injury, regardless of how minor, to a supervisor immediately. Physical discomfort caused by repetitive tasks must also be reported.
Quality Policy
We have established this quality policy to be consistent with the purpose and context of our organisation. It provides a framework for the setting and review of objectives in addition to our commitment to satisfy applicable customers’, regulatory and legislative requirements as well as our commitment to continually improve our management system.
Customer focus: As an organisation we have made a commitment to understand our current and future customers’ needs; meet their requirements and strive to exceed their expectations.
Leadership: Our Directors and Project Partners have committed to creating and maintaining a working environment in which people become fully involved in achieving our objectives.
Engagement of people: As an organisation we recognise that people are the essence of any good business and that their full involvement enables their abilities to be used for our benefit.
Process approach: As an organisation we understand that a desired result is achieved more efficiently when activities and related resources are managed as a process or series of interconnected processes.
Improvement: We have committed to achieving continual improvement across all aspects of our quality management system; it is one of our main annual objectives.
Relationship management: We recognise that an organisation and the relationship it has with its external providers are interdependent and a mutually beneficial relationship enhances the ability of both to create value. Our policy is also to meet the requirements of other interested parties and in meeting our social, environmental, charitable, regulatory and legislative responsibilities. This policy is communicated to all interested parties as well as being made available to the wider community.
Health and Safety Policy
Buildhub is committed to safeguarding the Health, Safety and Welfare of all its employees by providing a safe and healthy environment for all persons affected by the organisation’s operations. As a responsible employer we believe that effective health and safety practices contribute directly to the better performance of the organisation as a whole. Our aims are not simply to comply with Health and Safety legislation but to attain higher standards through the adoption of recognised good practices and to provide industry leadership through our Health and Safety performance.
The organisation is fully committed to achieving this through a programme of continuous improvement, positively promoting a proactive approach to accident and ill-health prevention. The organisation recognises that the principal means for adequate accident prevention is the
development of a safe system of work. The organisation has therefore produced systems and procedures for designing safe systems of work for all
aspects of its principal activities, which have been identified as high risk.
All levels of management and operational staff are required to comply with the organisation’s safety rules and procedures and to contribute to their further development. The organisation also recognises that cooperation and consultation at all levels is essential in promoting a positive Health and Safety. In order to achieve the above principles, the organisation has put in place the resources and developed in-house systems to achieve the following aims:
1. To execute organisational operations without harm to personnel, equipment or the environment.
2. To monitor new developments and existing compliance with all relevant legislation approved codes of practice and the Safety Policy as a minimum and to continually improve the performance standards specified.
3. To make Health and Safety an integral part of the management of the organisation.
4. To carry out our operations with due regard for the health and safety of non- employees, and to provide them with prescribed information regarding those operations which may affect their health and safety.
5. To ensure employees take reasonable care for their own and others’ safety; are competent; and appropriately trained to meet individual responsibilities and needs.
6. To involve and consult with employees and where appropriate their representatives to effectively communicate with them on health and safety matters.
7. To sustain and develop this Policy by the implementation of an accredited health and safety management system.
8. To review the Safety Policy on an annual basis and implement appropriate improvements.
9. To bring changes to the Safety Policy to the attention of all employees and interested parties.
10. We are committed to comply with applicable legal requirements and with other requirements to which the organisation subscribes that relate to its OH&S hazards. This policy statement is supported by documents and procedures detailing the organisation’s organisation of responsibility and the arrangements for implementing the strategy for health and safety management.
Our Culture and Our Behaviours
At Buildhub we all contribute to the Culture of the site in many different ways, and this culture is defined as the way we do things around here. Each one of us has a part to play in the development and the shape of our culture. We can all make a contribution to our behaviour that helps promote an open and proactive culture. A culture is developed by the interaction of all on site and can be easily destroyed by the cynicism of others. Who leads the charge to have a culture that improves our health, Safety, environment and Wellness, we do. Each and every one of use is responsible to different levels and degrees for shaping and developing the culture. In order to succeed we must first Define Our Culture. Monitor and review its performance, meet early and meet often to keep our culture alive and this will give us results.
Our Culture
To ensure Buildhub is striving to achieve the “next level” each person has a role to play.
There are three key areas that will take us there.
• Systems: A fully integrated and robust systematic approach to what we all do.
• Education/Equipment: To educate and equip our people with the skills and tools to succeed.
• Behaviour: To respect, question and discuss to deliver our culture.
Employee Health & Safety Responsibilities
Under the Health & Safety Act, your duties are to take step that are reasonably practicable to ensure your own health and safety and to ensure nothing you do harms any other person. You have specific responsibilities to:
1. Consider the safety of yourself, your fellow employees and anyone in the vicinity of your workplace at all times and to act in a safe manner at all times.
2. Know about and abide by our workplace’s health and safety practices and procedures as set out in this document.
Including reporting of:
• Work related accidents
• Near misses that could have caused harm
• Illnesses and injuries
• Hazards
3. Only operate equipment or undertake tasks that you are qualified to do so or where internally you are recognised as being competent.
4. Use machinery, equipment tools etc. only for the designated purpose and maintain your tools and equipment in good working order.
5. Wear and use the personal protective and safety equipment provided as and when safety rules, legislation and conditions dictate – this is a condition of your employment.
6. Co-operate with the monitoring of workplace hazards and employee’s health.
7. Comply with any improvement and prohibition notices issued for our workplace.
Hazard Identification Reporting
A hazard is “An activity, arrangement, circumstance, event, occurrence, phenomenon, process, situation or substance that is an actual or potential cause or source of harm”.
The company has developed and implemented a method to:
• Systematically identify existing hazards to employees at work
• Identify new hazards that may arise in the workplace.
There are 3 areas where you are likely to encounter Hazards
1. Hazards within the workshop/offices and yard.
2. Hazards within the tasks/activities that are carried out.
3. Hazards with using existing equipment.
Everyone is responsible for Hazard identification.
If in your opinion a hazardous situation exists and it is minor, correct it yourself if possible. If you cannot make things safe, report the hazard immediately to your supervisor.
Hazard identification forms are available in the Operations office/Head Office/Place of Business.
1. If you identify a new Hazard, it should be eliminated if possible. e.g. if you find a grinder that has been left on the floor pick it up and put it away.
2. If eliminating the Hazard is not practical then it must be isolated. This may entail doing something to the problem that doesn’t actually eliminate it but instead makes it safe. E.g. if you find a grinder that has a damaged power cord, take it to the supervisor for repair. Don’t leave it in the shop for someone else to use.
3. If you cannot either isolate or eliminate the Hazard then it must be minimised. E.g. if you are using a grinder in an awkward position minimise the risk to yourself by using the appropriate PPE [full face mask, gloves and ear muffs].Hazards have been identified in all areas of the workshop, offices and yard and you should have these explained to you before you commence work. We sub-contract to a number of customers and we are required to have acceptable Health and Safety Practices and we must be active in promoting Health and Safety in the Workplace. Our customers i.e. the Principal must take all practical steps to ensure that no employee of a subcontractor is harmed while doing any work that the contractor was engaged to do.
As an employee of Buildhub before starting work for a principal:
• You may be required to undertake the Customers Site Safety induction.
• Know the methods and safety procedures to be adopted.
• Have the skills and knowledge to carry out the job.
• Have the correct tools and protective equipment to carry out the work.
• Know what to do in an emergency.
• Be advised of the hazards associated with the work.
• The site-specific safety rules and the reporting procedures for accidents and hazards.
Reporting Accidents and Near Misses
You are required to report immediately all accidents or incidents causing harm or near misses that could have caused harm to the employee, or damage to plant, equipment or the environment.
1.0 In Case of an Accident
1.1 Ensure your own safety - Isolate the hazard from all people in the immediate
vicinity. Ensure that the injured person cannot be subjected to any further harm.
1.2 Take whatever steps are necessary to provide first aid to the injured person. Call
Emergency services if required.
1.3 Do not interfere with the equipment related to the accident unless to prevent
causing further harm.
1.4 Notify your immediate Foreman or Supervisor. If the accident is of a serious harm
nature, then the H&S officer must be contacted immediately.
1.5 In some cases of serious harm the H&S Officer will need to be contacted. Serious Harm
Accidents include:
• Broken Bones
• Unconsciousness for any period of time
• Any eye damage requiring medical attention
• Any cuts, bruises or abrasions requiring medical attention
• Any substance to enter the blood stream of the injured person
• Any injury that requires hospitalisation for any period of time.
• Any injury that causes the injured person to be off work for more than two weeks.
1.6 Take steps to prevent a recurrence of this event. Identify, assess, control and monitor the hazard that caused the event.
1.7 All investigation reports are reviewed monthly and reported back to the staff at the H&S debriefs.
1.8 In Case of an “Event” An “event” is an incident that might have caused harm.
1.9 Isolate all people in the immediate vicinity from the hazard.
2.0 Notify your immediate Supervisor.
2.1 Once the situation is controlled complete the Workplace Injury record of Accident form and if necessary, a Notification of Hazard form.
2.2 The Health & Safety officer will complete an investigation. Results to be recorded in the Workplace Injury and investigation register.
2.3 The hazard must be eliminated or suitably isolated before work can re-commence.
2.4 All investigation reports are reviewed monthly.
Emergency Procedures
Reporting Accidents
• Accident register – this is held in the Operations Office.
• On Site – incidents are to be recorded in the site-specific.
• All Accidents and near misses must be reported to the Health & Safety Representative as soon as is practicable [within 48 hours].
• Serious harm accidents – must be reported to the General Manager, H&S
Representative immediately.
1.6 Take steps to prevent a recurrence of this event. Identify, assess, control and monitor the hazard that caused the event.
1.7 All investigation reports are reviewed monthly and reported back to the staff at the H&S debriefs.
1.8 In Case of an “Event”
An “event” is an incident that might have caused harm.
1.9 Isolate all people in the immediate vicinity from the hazard.
2.0 Notify your immediate Supervisor.
2.1 Once the situation is controlled complete the Workplace Injury record of Accident form and if necessary, a Notification of Hazard form.
2.2 The Health & Safety officer will complete an investigation. Results to be recorded in the Workplace Injury and investigation register.
2.3 The hazard must be eliminated or suitably isolated before work can re-commence.
Health and Safety Rules
1.0 Personnel Safety Equipment
1.1 Safety boots must be worn at all times while in the workshop and on site unless specifically authorised otherwise.
1.2 Hard hats must be worn:
• While working in identified hard hat areas, and
• When instructed by your supervisor.
1.3 Safety harnesses must be worn when working at heights above 3m and fixed to a suitable structure.
1.4 Safety glasses must be worn at all times in the defined workshop areas. When on site they must be worn when operating all machinery and when instructed to by a supervisor.
1.5 Welding goggles, gloves and other necessary safety equipment must be worn when using all gas cutting / welding equipment [if applicable].
1.6 Welding helmets gloves and other necessary safety equipment must be worn when using all other welding equipment [if applicable].
1.7 Screens must be positioned prior to commencing any welding or grinding [where necessary] to protect fellow employees from welding arc glare and grinding dust.
1.8 High visibility vest must be worn at all times in defined areas or when instructed to by a Supervisor. When you are undertaking hot work in an area where high visibility vests must be worn, take care to minimise the possibility of welding splatter etc burning the vests, as they are not flame resistant.
1.9 Ear plugs / muffs must be worn as required by the work situation and when instructed by a Supervisor or fellow employee that intends using noisy equipment in close proximity to you.
1.10 Hand protection must be worn when lifting or handling sharp objects or when handling or using chemicals.
1.11 Sunblock. You must wear sun block when working outside.
1.12 An employee issued with safety equipment by the company shall be responsible for the equipment at all times. Replacement and consumables equipment can be obtained from a supervisor on a fair wear and tear basis. Employees are not to take equipment from other employees.
2.0 Confined Space
Work permits
When working in a confined space or undertaking Hot Work ensure the following:
Before entering a Confined Space:
NOTE: Below is only a checklist and you must study the detailed procedures/policies before going on site if uncertain of requirements.
• Ensure that current Safe Entry Certificates, which must include a Gas Fee Certificate, has been posted at the entrance of the space.
• If no Gas Free Certificate is displayed; check with your Supervisor or Principal for the Certificate before entering the space.
• All Entrants must carry either a light stick or torch. This is in the event of a black out.
• Make sure a sentry is posted and all entries are monitored.
When leaving the confined space:
Barricade horizontal points of entry during breaks and at the end of the work period ensuring that the entry is sufficiently barricaded to prevent anyone from accidentally falling in.
3.0 Damaged Equipment
Any equipment that needs repair is to be tagged with the details of fault and placed on the bench area for equipment repairs. Ensure that all electrical equipment and power cables are “tagged” before use.
4.0 Prevention of Fire
All employees must identify and eliminate situations, which could create a fire hazard.
• Do not allow combustible materials to accumulate in any area.
• Promptly clean up any oil, solvent or chemical spill as they occur, using safe methods.
• Each employee should locate and remember the position of fire alarm call points, extinguishers, hose reels and be aware of the Evacuation procedures.
• Each employee should be familiar with how to use the different types of extinguishers available and what types of fires can be used on.
• A supply of “Site” extinguishers is kept in the store. Workshop extinguishers are not to be taken out of the workshop. If you require additional extinguishers see your supervisors.
5.0 House keeping
• All employees are responsible for maintaining their work area in a tidy condition.
• Do not leave items lying about that may cause injury by tripping. Pay particular attention to items such as extension leads and off cuts of steel.
• Do not throw items from any elevated position to the floor below.
• Take care when engaged in manual handling. Know your limits when lifting heavy
objects and always adopt safe lifting techniques.
•Clean up any spillages immediately, especially liquid, grease, water and chemical spillage that may cause injury through slipping.
• Fire exits and walkways [yellow painted areas] must be kept clear of obstruction and litter at all times.
6.0 Using Power Tools
• Do not use a tool unless you have been trained to use it safely and know its limitations and Hazards.
• Before you use the tool ensure that the machine is correctly guarded and that it is free of cracks or any other damage and that the cords and triggers / buttons are in good order.
• Electrical compliance tagging is required on all working power tools.
• If a tool is defective or requires tagging remove it from service, tag it with the defect and place it in the area designated for equipment requiring repairs.
• Relevant personal protective equipment shall be worn when using power tools [earplugs, safety glasses, gloves, dust masks, safety boots].
• When using grinders ensure that the correct nut for the disc holds on the disc and that it is fitted the correct way i.e. flanged side down for the grinding disc.
• Do not use tools in wet conditions unless tool is connected to a RCD residual current device or Isolator.
• Use only tagged extension cords. Keep the cords away from heat, water, oil, sharp edges and moving parts [which can damage insulation and cause a shock].
• Do not walk on or allow vehicles or other moving equipment to pass over unprotected cords.
• Follow good housekeeping procedures. Keep your area free of clutter and debris that could cause a slip or a trip hazard.
Hazardous Substances
The Hazardous Substances and New Organisms:
Purpose:
“Protect the environment and health and safety of people and communities by preventing or managing the adverse effects of hazardous substances and new organisms”.
A hazardous substance is any substance that may be:
• Explosive
• Flammable
• Able to oxidize o Corrosive
• Toxic or eco-toxic
In reality, most hazardous substances have more than one hazardous property, i.e., they are hazardous in a number of ways. For example, methylated spirits and petrol are not only flammable but also toxic. Some common garden pesticides not only kill garden pests, but also beneficial organisms and may be toxic to humans.
Critical features of the Hazardous Substances
Persons in Charge
The site owner must appoint this person for each HS location or site.
Test Certificates.
To be issued by independent test certifiers following inspection of compliant site where required under the Act.
There are two types of Certificates
Location Certificates Typically Classes 1 to 5 HS in amounts above trigger quantities
Approved Handlers to be trained and appointed where required under the Act.
Tracking.
Certain substances need to be tracked during the substance life cycle from delivery through to disposal.