1. Policy Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to set out the arrangements, responsibilities, and procedures for ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all learners, staff, contractors, visitors, and any other individuals who may be affected by the activities of SCTNI Limited.
SCTNI Limited is committed to complying with all relevant health and safety legislation in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland and to promoting a proactive culture of safety, wellbeing, and risk awareness across all areas of its operations.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all activities carried out by SCTNI Limited, including training delivery, assessment activities, administrative functions, and any work undertaken at external venues or employer premises.
It applies to all staff, learners, contractors, assessors, internal quality assurers, visitors, and partner organisations associated with SCTNI Limited.
3. Definitions
For the purposes of this policy, health and safety refers to the prevention of harm to individuals and the promotion of physical and mental wellbeing within the workplace and training environments.
A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm, while risk refers to the likelihood of that harm occurring and the severity of the outcome.
Risk assessment refers to the systematic process of identifying hazards, evaluating risks, and implementing appropriate control measures in accordance with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000.
4. Policy Statement and Principles
SCTNI Limited is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy working and learning environment in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978.
The organisation will:
- Comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and guidance issued by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI)
- Identify hazards and manage risks effectively
- Provide appropriate training, instruction, and supervision
- Promote a culture of shared responsibility for health and safety
- Continuously review and improve health and safety practices
All reasonable steps will be taken to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health.
5. Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the Centre Director or Centre Manager in accordance with legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978.
The centre will ensure that:
- Safe systems of work are established and maintained
- Risk assessments are completed in line with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000
- Staff are competent and adequately trained
- Appropriate equipment and resources are provided and maintained
- Accidents and incidents are reported, recorded, and investigated
Staff are responsible for:
- Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others
- Cooperating with the employer to meet legal obligations
- Reporting hazards, incidents, or concerns promptly
Learners are responsible for:
- Following health and safety instructions
- Using equipment safely and as directed
- Reporting any hazards or incidents
6. Risk Assessment and Control Measures
SCTNI Limited will carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments in accordance with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000.
These assessments will:
- Identify hazards associated with activities and environments
- Evaluate the level of risk
- Implement appropriate control measures to reduce risks to an acceptable level
Risk assessments will be reviewed regularly and updated where there are significant changes.
7. Safe Working Practices
SCTNI Limited will ensure that safe working practices are implemented across all operations in line with relevant legislation, including the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1993.
This includes:
- Providing clear instructions and supervision
- Ensuring the safe use, handling, and storage of equipment and materials
- Maintaining clean, safe, and suitable working environments
- Ensuring that all equipment is fit for purpose and regularly inspected
Where applicable, the centre will also comply with:
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 (PUWER)
- Manual Handling Operations Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1992
8. Communication
SCTNI Limited recognises the importance of clear communication in maintaining health and safety standards.
Information relating to health and safety will be communicated through:
- Inductions for staff and learners
- Training sessions and briefings
- Signage and written procedures
All individuals will be informed of relevant risks, control measures, and emergency procedures in accordance with legal requirements.
9. Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, near misses, and hazards must be reported promptly in accordance with centre procedures.
SCTNI Limited will:
- Maintain accurate records of incidents
- Investigate incidents to identify causes and prevent recurrence
- Comply with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997 (RIDDOR NI)
Emergency procedures, including fire safety and evacuation arrangements, will comply with the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and associated fire safety regulations.
10. Equality, Fairness, and Inclusion
SCTNI Limited is committed to ensuring that health and safety arrangements are inclusive and take account of individual needs.
The organisation will comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (as applicable in Northern Ireland) and ensure that reasonable adjustments are made where necessary to enable safe participation in training and work activities.
11. Records and Documentation
Accurate records will be maintained in relation to:
- Risk assessments
- Training and inductions
- Accidents and incidents
- Equipment inspections and maintenance
All records will be stored securely and in accordance with data protection requirements.
12. Monitoring and Review
This policy will be reviewed at least annually and updated as required to reflect:
- Changes in legislation or HSENI guidance
- Organisational changes
- Feedback from staff, learners, and external bodies
Health and safety performance will be monitored to ensure continuous improvement and ongoing compliance.
13. Contact Details
Any queries regarding this policy should be directed to SCTNI Limited.