Health & Safety Policy

Our commitment

Ultimate responsibility for health and safety rests with the Managing Director, and we treat it as equal in importance to any other part of our business. We comply with all applicable UK health and safety legislation, including:

• The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015)
• The Building Safety Act 2022 and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
• The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended 2022)

We provide safe equipment and safe systems of work, the right training, information and supervision, suitable PPE, and the resources needed to keep improving our performance.

Responsibilities

Anyone working for LCC may stop work and move to a place of safety if they believe there is serious or imminent danger, without any disciplinary consequence.

Planning the work safely

• Site-specific risk assessments for every project, considering workers, visitors and the public.
• Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) for all significant tasks, approved before work starts.
• CDM 2015 duties met on every project, including construction phase plans where required.
• Asbestos surveys obtained before any refurbishment or strip-out, with asbestos managed by licensed specialists where required.
• COSHH assessments and a register of hazardous substances with safety data sheets.

Key site controls

• Working at height: avoided where possible; otherwise planned, with trained operatives (PASMA, IPAF or equivalent) and suitable access equipment.
• Manual handling: assessed, with mechanical aids and team lifts used to reduce risk.
• Noise and vibration: noise assessments and hearing protection, and Hand Arm Vibration controls and health surveillance where needed.
• Electrical safety and equipment: competent electricians, regular inspection of equipment and portable appliance testing.
• Fire safety: fire risk assessments, clear escape routes, hot works controls and emergency procedures briefed at induction.
• PPE: suitable PPE provided, maintained and enforced, in a range of sizes so that it fits properly.
• Housekeeping: clean, tidy sites to prevent slips, trips and falls.

Training and communication

• Every worker receives a site induction covering hazards, emergency procedures, welfare and site rules.
• Supervisors and operatives hold relevant qualifications such as CSCS, SMSTS and SSSTS.
• Regular toolbox talks keep teams briefed on current risks.
• Safety information is communicated in a way all workers understand, including those with limited English.
• Staff are consulted on health and safety and encouraged to suggest improvements.

Welfare, first aid and emergencies

• Welfare facilities provided in line with CDM 2015, including on domestic and occupied-building projects.
• Trained first aiders and first aid equipment on our projects.
• Emergency and evacuation procedures for every site.
• Risk assessments for young workers and for new and expectant mothers.
• A clear policy on alcohol and drugs: no one may work under the influence.

Accidents and monitoring

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported immediately, investigated and, where required, reported under RIDDOR. Lessons learned are shared with the team.

Site Managers carry out regular inspections, and the Managing Director monitors performance, keeps records and reviews this policy at least annually. Our health and safety management is independently assessed through SSIP schemes including CHAS and SafeContractor.