Health and Safety Policy
**Health and Safety Policy**
**Apostolic Praise Centre**
77 Carron St., Fenton, ST4 3DT
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### **1. Policy Title: Apostolic Praise Centre Health and Safety Policy**
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### **2. Policy Purpose**
The purpose of this Health and Safety Policy is to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of all members, employees, volunteers, visitors, and contractors at Apostolic Praise Centre. Our commitment is to provide a safe and secure environment that reflects our values of care, responsibility, and respect for all individuals.
The Apostolic Praise Centre recognizes its legal and moral obligations under health and safety legislation and is committed to adhering to all relevant standards and regulations to prevent accidents, injuries, and illness.
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### **3. Scope**
This policy applies to:
- All employees, contractors, and volunteers working at Apostolic Praise Centre.
- Congregation members, visitors, and any individuals participating in activities, events, or services held at the Centre.
- All activities, equipment, and premises owned, managed, or utilized by Apostolic Praise Centre, including external venues when events are hosted elsewhere.
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### **4. Definitions of Terms**
- **Health and Safety**: The prevention of harm, injury, or illness within the workplace or environment.
- **Employee**: Any individual employed by Apostolic Praise Centre (full-time, part-time, or temporary).
- **Volunteer**: Any individual offering their time or skills without financial compensation.
- **Contractor**: A third-party individual or organization performing tasks or services on behalf of Apostolic Praise Centre.
- **Risk Assessment**: A systematic process of identifying potential hazards and implementing measures to prevent harm.
- **Hazard**: Anything with the potential to cause harm (e.g., unsafe equipment, fire risks, or slippery floors).
- **Incident**: An accident, injury, or near-miss occurring on the premises or during Centre-related activities.
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### **5. Policy Guidelines and Requirements**
#### **5.1 General Health and Safety Principles**
Apostolic Praise Centre is committed to:
- Maintaining a safe, clean, and hazard-free environment.
- Conducting regular risk assessments and addressing identified risks promptly.
- Complying with all applicable health and safety legislation and standards.
- Providing adequate training and resources to ensure awareness and adherence to health and safety practices.
- Promoting a culture of proactive safety, where everyone takes responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others.
- Investigating and addressing all incidents to prevent recurrence.
#### **5.2 Responsibilities**
- **Management**: Responsible for implementing this policy, conducting regular reviews, and ensuring compliance.
- **Employees and Volunteers**: Must follow health and safety guidelines, report hazards or incidents immediately, and attend required training.
- **Visitors and Members**: Encouraged to follow health and safety instructions and report any concerns to staff or management.
#### **5.3 Facilities and Equipment**
- Ensure all facilities, including worship areas, meeting rooms, kitchens, and restrooms, are safe and well-maintained.
- Regularly inspect and maintain equipment, electrical appliances, and fire safety systems.
- Provide appropriate safety signage and access to first aid kits at designated locations.
#### **5.4 Emergency Preparedness**
- Emergency evacuation routes must be clearly marked and accessible.
- Fire drills will be conducted at least twice annually.
- Designated fire wardens and first aid personnel will be trained and readily available.
#### **5.5 Risk Assessments**
- Risk assessments will be conducted periodically for all areas and activities.
- Risks identified will be documented, and control measures will be implemented and monitored.
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### **6. Procedures and Processes**
#### **6.1 Reporting Hazards and Incidents**
- All hazards or unsafe conditions must be reported immediately to management.
- In the event of an incident or accident, complete an incident report form and submit it to management within 24 hours.
- Serious incidents must be escalated to emergency services if required.
#### **6.2 Training and Awareness**
- All employees and volunteers must complete health and safety induction training upon starting.
- Refresher training will be conducted annually, or as needed based on policy updates or new risks.
#### **6.3 Cleaning and Maintenance**
- Cleaning schedules will be maintained for all areas to ensure hygiene and safety.
- Maintenance checks will be performed regularly to identify and address any structural or equipment-related issues.
#### **6.4 Safeguarding Vulnerable Individuals**
- Additional safety measures will be in place for children, elderly individuals, and those with disabilities.
- Clear policies will govern the supervision of vulnerable individuals during events and activities.
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### **7. Compliance Requirements**
#### **7.1 Legislative Compliance**
This policy aligns with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and other applicable UK health and safety regulations. The Centre will remain informed of legislative updates and amend this policy as required.
#### **7.2 Non-Compliance Consequences**
- Non-compliance with this policy may result in disciplinary measures, including termination of employment (for employees) or revocation of volunteer privileges (for volunteers).
- Intentional disregard for safety measures may lead to exclusion from Centre activities and events for members and visitors.
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### **8. Disclaimers and Legal Considerations**
Apostolic Praise Centre will take all reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of individuals on its premises. However, individuals also share the responsibility of adhering to safety guidelines and reporting concerns. The Centre is not liable for injuries or damages resulting from negligence or willful disregard of health and safety procedures by individuals.
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### **9. Approval, Effective Date, and Revision Information**
- **Policy Approved By**: [Insert Name and Title of Approving Party]
- **Effective Date**: [Insert Date]
- **Policy Review Schedule**: Annually, or as required by changes in legislation or operational needs.
- **Last Reviewed On**: [Insert Date]
- **Next Scheduled Review**: [Insert Date]
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This Health and Safety Policy is a reflection of Apostolic Praise Centre's commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for all. We thank all members, staff, and visitors for their cooperation and vigilance in upholding the highest standards of safety.
**Apostolic Praise Centre**
**77 Carron St., Fenton, ST4 3DT**
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