health and safety

Our policy is designed in accordance with the requirements of BS OHSAS 18001:2008. This has been developed in response to customer demand for a recognisable occupational health and safety management system standard against which management systems can be assessed and certified, and for guidance on the implementation of such a standard. 

The aim is to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment and systems of work for all our employees, and to provide such information, training and supervision as they need for this purpose. We also accept our responsibility for the health and safety of other people who may be affected by our activities. 

Thameside Fire Protection ensures that all work activities have a site - specific method statement and risk assessment prepared. All engineers and other site based workers receive a copy of both documents electronically and usually receive a hard copy on site. They also receive a site briefing on the contents and sign an acknowledgement slip confirming they are aware of the risks and hazards present in every workplace. 

Method statements and risk assessments need to be sufficiently detailed and reviewed by a competent person in order to ensure they are current and are consistent with best practise. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 were introduced to reinforce the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The MHSWR places duties on employers and employees including those who are clients, designers, principal contractors or other contractors. 

Toolbox Talks (TBT) are a short, sharp and an effective way to communicate important safety messages to our engineers in the field. We have a comprehensive TBT manual which covers just about every conceivable workplace hazard imaginable with do’s and don’ts and general safety information. All of our major projects have weekly TBT’s delivered and the whole business is now receiving them on a regular basis. 

TBT’s also are an opportunity to feedback information on accidents, incidents, near-misses and dangerous occurrences as well as our achievements and successes. The engineers in the field are a key business resource and as they are rarely in the office or can be out-of-the-loop when it comes to these matters. TBT’s are an efficient way of communicating with the workforce without taking them off the front line. It also makes sure they receive valuable and important updates from time to time.