Dated: 17 May 2023
POLICY TITLE: Health and Safety
OWNING DIRECTORATE: People Services and Development
AUTHOR: Health & Safety Manager
CONTACT DETAILS: 101
EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT: Complete
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AIM OF POLICY:
To ensure the health, safety and welfare of all Northumbria Police officers and employees so far as is reasonably practicable by complying with the Health & Safety at Work Act; and all secondary legislation, relevant codes of practice and guidance and also ensure the health, safety and welfare of those persons who are not in the employment of Northumbria Police but who may be affected. This policy will apply to all:
- police officers;
- police staff;
- members of the Special Constabulary and volunteers;
- other extended police family members irrespective of rank, grade or position.
All of the above will be referred to as "employees" for the purposes of this policy.
BENEFIT OF POLICY: To create a safe working environment and effectively manage organisational risk in terms of Health and Safety.
REASON FOR POLICY: As an employer under current legislation, i.e. the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Northumbria Police is required to state how it will provide a safe working environment for employees.
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The Chief Constable of Northumbria Police acknowledges the duty placed upon them by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Police (Health and Safety) Act 1997 and all other relevant statutory provisions and approved codes of practice and guidance.
It is the policy of the Chief Constable of Northumbria Police to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable:
- the health, safety and welfare at work of all Northumbria Police employees and those affected by Northumbria Police activities;
- that persons not in the employment of Northumbria Police Chief Constable, but who may be affected by their undertakings, are not thereby exposed to risks to their health and safety;
- employees are aware of their personal responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
This policy will be achieved, through the provision and maintenance of:
- leadership, resources, information, training and supervision as is needed for these purposes.
- the management of risk through a robust health and safety management system.
- the assessment of health and safety risk and mitigation to as low as reasonably practicable in relation to operational delivery.
- the provision of safe and healthy resources, working conditions, equipment and systems of work for all employees.
The Chief Constable expects all members of the police service - police officers, police staff and members of the special constabulary, irrespective of rank, grade or position - and all contractors working on behalf of the service, to co-operate fully in the achievement of this policy. In addition, the expectations set out in this policy are underpinned by the principles and high standards of behaviour which are fully detailed in the Police Conduct Regulations and Code of Ethics.
The allocation of responsibilities for health and safety matters and the particular arrangements made to implement the policy are set out in the Health and Safety Policy Document.
Northumbria Police will ensure that health and safety performance is reported to the force health and safety management group on a quarterly basis and to the People and Organisational Justice Board as required for operational delivery and efficiency.
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SOURCE DOCUMENT: Human Rights Act, Health and Safety Legislation, NPCC and Home Office guidance.
GROUPS AFFECTED: All staff
ACCESS AND DISCLOSURE RESTRICTIONS: None
