Maydencroft Health and Safety 1

 This post is going to explore a bit about the Health and Safety procedure which I have been introduced to in my first week at Maydencroft. This ranges from PPE to procedure and actions to take in case of an incident and also training we have been given.

PPE: 

Here is the PPE I have recieved since starting at Maydencroft

This is the safety helmet that I recieved upon starting, it also has built in ear-defenders and a visor for protecting the face from debris, for me this comes in most helpfully for leafblowing, strimming or hedgecutting. Many of my colleagues opt to have each part separately so they can mix and match for tasks where you may not need a hard hat or ear defenders for example.

My pair of Site workboots. Safety features include: Steel toe caps, Penetration-proof soles, Anti-static soles and reinforced heels. One should not work without them under any circumstances.

2 Sets of work gloves, a waterproof more insulated pair on the left, a more general pair on the right. These are very important for all the main work site activities I do. Not only do they provide a small level of protection such as from abrasions, small minor cuts, contact with brush or debris when strimming, for example, they are also a protective layer against harmful substances (Like animal waste) making contact with the skin on the hands,which then could potentially spread to the eyes, nose or mouth if it gets on my hands. I would say these are essential for litterpicking, leafblowing, hedgecutting and strimming, which are the main tasks I did on my first week.

Me in PPE with my helmet, boots, gloves and one of my Hi-Viz Waterproof coats on. (EDITOR'S NOTE I ALSO HAVE PROTECTIVE GLASSES BUT DID NOT WEAR THEM FOR THE PICTURE)

Procedures:

Upon starting, new employees are also given a card, detailling what to do exactly if there is an emergency on site or a spillage

A screenshot of a page of the Maydencroft Dynamic Risk Assessment, one of these must be carried out at every site and signed by all operatives before work begins. I haven't had to do one myself yet as it is usually the team leader's responsibility. I know a risk assessment also has to be carried out whenever taking a what could be a 'substance hazardous to health' too or refuelling a vehicle on the yard.

Company approaches to Health and Safety:

This is the risk control hierarchy that employees should keep in mind to make working as safe as possible. Though it refers to PPE as the last line of defence, the chart is impying many more risk lowering methods should be employed in a task before solely relying on PPE.

Water-safe working:

We are taught to follow the Talk, Reach, Throw, Row, Go, Don't Go method. 

Talk (to the person to assess the situation) -> Reach (With a long object, pole etc) -> Throw (With a ring, rope, throwline etc) -> Row (on a boat to rescue) -> Go (swim out to pull the individual) -> Don't go (They cannot be rescued) 

When it comes to water based incidents in order to minimise danger to others in a situation where a water rescue may be required.

Regulatory compliance:

Maydencroft also complies with PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations), LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) and COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) acts. 

I do not know much of the specifics as I believe that is down to the employer make sure these regulations are followed. I know that when using loud, vibrating equipment we are encouraged to take breaks and share the task in order to minimise hearing damage and the potential for developing Hand-Arm vibration syndrome and white finger. There are also the aforementioned restrictions at the company regarding substances affected by COSHH; the company must assess the substance before employees can use it on sites AND a risk assessment must be filled out whenever it is used too.