Health and Safety Policy

1. Purpose of This Policy

1.1 This policy places duties in respect of health and safety on employees, pupils and on each person who has, to any extent, control of the School premises.

1.2 The management of health and safety extends these duties in various respects.

The School Management, including the Board and Senior Leadership Team (hereafter referred to as “the School”), has the ultimate responsibility to take all reasonably practicable measures to ensure that the premises are safe and that risks to the health and safety of staff, pupils, contractors and members of the public are minimised.

In practice, the Head of School will ensure that appropriate measures are carried out.

All staff must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions and must cooperate with the School on health and safety matters.

Any shortcomings, omissions or errors must be reported immediately to the Head of School.

2. General Rules

2.1 Good housekeeping is an essential part of health and safety. All staff and pupils must actively contribute to maintaining a safe and orderly environment.

• ISJ is a no-smoking campus.
• Corridors, stairways, fire exits and escape routes must be kept clear at all times.
• Fire doors must not be propped open.
• Spillages and breakages must be cleaned immediately and warning signage displayed.
• Safety equipment, fire-fighting equipment, first aid equipment and electrical controls must not be interfered with.
• Dangerous or faulty equipment must be reported immediately and isolated until repaired.
• Extra care must be taken when carrying glassware, hot liquids, chemicals or heavy items.
• Lockers, cupboards and work areas must be kept tidy.
• All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported without delay.

3. Policy Statement on Health and Safety

The School will:

• Establish and maintain a safe working and learning environment.
• Promote awareness of health and safety responsibilities.
• Provide appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision.
• Ensure plant, equipment and systems of work are safe.
• Operate safe procedures for handling, storing and transporting substances.
• Implement effective emergency procedures.
• Conduct and review risk assessments regularly.
• Allocate sufficient resources to meet health and safety requirements.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

4.1 School Management

• Approve the Health and Safety Policy.
• Ensure adequate resources are provided.
• Monitor health and safety performance.

4.2 Head of School

The Head of School ensures that:

• This policy is implemented and monitored.
• Health and safety is given appropriate priority.
• Risk registers are reviewed regularly.
• Inspection, monitoring and audit arrangements are in place.
• Staff who fail to follow procedures are addressed appropriately.

4.5 Staff Responsibilities

All staff must:

• Follow this policy and related procedures.
• Take reasonable care of themselves and others.
• Supervise pupils appropriately.
• Use equipment safely and correctly.
• Wear protective equipment where required.
• Report hazards, defects, incidents and near misses.
• Be familiar with emergency procedures.

4.6 Pupil Responsibilities

Pupils are expected to:

• Follow safety instructions.
• Use equipment responsibly.
• Not undertake unauthorised activities.
• Report accidents or hazards immediately.
• Cooperate during drills and emergencies.

5. Health and Safety Committee

The Health and Safety Committee:

• Oversees policy implementation.
• Reviews incidents and near misses.
• Makes recommendations to Senior Leadership.
• Meets at least once per term.

6. Contractors

Contractors must:

• Comply with this policy.
• Provide risk assessments and method statements where required.
• Use safe, certified equipment.
• Keep work areas tidy.
• Report incidents immediately.
• Follow instructions issued by School representatives.

7. Accident and Incident Reporting

• All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported using the School Incident Report Form.
• Records are retained by the Director of Operations.
• Incidents are investigated to prevent recurrence.

8. Review

This policy is reviewed annually or following a significant incident.