Health and Safety Policy (full)

Appendix 1 – Health and Safety Policy

[ Church name ] church

Health and safety policy

Policy Statement

[ CHURCH NAME ] Church is dedicated to creating and maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all staff, volunteers, members, visitors, and contractors. We recognise that effective health and safety management is not only a legal duty but also a moral obligation and a reflection of our Christian values of care and stewardship.

Our Commitment

We will, so far as is reasonably practicable:

1. Provide and maintain a safe and healthy work environment for all people who work at or visit our church facilities
2. Identify, assess and control workplace hazards and risks through systematic risk management processes
3. Provide adequate information, instruction, training and supervision to enable all staff and volunteers to work safely
4. Consult and cooperate with staff, volunteers and others on health and safety matters
5. Provide adequate facilities for the welfare of all people at our workplace, including first aid facilities and emergency equipment
6. Monitor and review our health and safety performance and continuously improve our systems and procedures
7. Comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, regulations, and codes of practice
8. Allocate adequate resources to implement and maintain effective health and safety management systems

Responsibilities

Church Leadership (Elders/Board) will: - Provide leadership and governance oversight of health and safety. Ensure sufficient resources are allocated for health and safety. Monitor health and safety performance. Ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Senior Pastor/Church Manager will: - Implement this policy and ensure compliance. Provide leadership in health and safety matters. Ensure staff and volunteers receive appropriate training. Report on health and safety performance to church leadership.

Health and Safety Champion will: - Coordinate the implementation of health and safety procedures, conduct workplace inspections and risk assessments, investigate incidents and organise corrective actions, and maintain health and safety records and documentation.

All Staff and Volunteers will: - Take reasonable care of their own health and safety. Ensure their actions do not harm others. Follow safe work procedures and use safety equipment as required. Report hazards, incidents, and safety concerns promptly. Participate in health and safety training and consultations.

Implementation

This policy will be implemented through: - Developing and maintaining safe work procedures - Conducting regular workplace inspections and risk assessments - Providing appropriate training and information - Establishing incident reporting and investigation procedures - Conducting regular reviews and fostering continuous improvement processes

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or when significant changes occur to ensure it remains current and effective.

Signed: ___________________________ Date: _______________

Name: ___________________________

Position: Senior Pastor / Church Manager

Policy Approved by Church Leadership

Signed: ___________________________ Date: _______________

Name: ___________________________

Position: Chair of Elders / Board Chair

Date of Issue: _______________

Next Review Date: _______________

Version: 1.0