Health and Safety Policy Statement

1. General Policy Statement

Town and County Scaffolding Ltd. is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of all our employees, contractors, clients, and others who may be affected by our scaffolding operations. We recognise that scaffolding presents high-risk activities and therefore place safety at the heart of our business operations. Our aim is to:

• Prevent accidents and work-related ill health.
• Maintain safe and healthy working conditions.
• Promote a proactive safety culture across all levels of the company.
• Comply fully with all relevant UK health and safety legislation and codes of practice.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are significant changes in our operations or legislation.

2. Responsibilities for Health and Safety



2.1 Directors and Senior Management

The Directors of Town and County Scaffolding Ltd. hold overall responsibility for health and safety and are committed to ensuring the implementation of this policy. Their responsibilities include:

• Providing leadership and resources for health and safety.
• Appointing competent persons to manage safety.
• Ensuring that safety policies and procedures are regularly reviewed and updated.
• Ensuring all staff receive appropriate training and supervision.

2.2 Site Supervisors / Chargehands

Site supervisors are responsible for day-to-day safety on site and must:

• Carry out risk assessments and method statements (RAMS).
• Monitor safe working practices.
• Carry out daily toolbox talks and briefings.
• Ensure equipment and PPE is used correctly and maintained.

2.3 Scaffolders and Operatives

All employees and subcontractors must:

• Follow safety procedures and site rules at all times.
• Use PPE and safety equipment correctly.
• Report hazards, near misses, and unsafe conditions immediately.
• Attend all required training and toolbox talks.

3. Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS)

We undertake site-specific risk assessments and method statements before any work begins. These documents will:

• Identify potential hazards.
• Evaluate risks.
• Specify control measures and safe working practices.
• Be communicated to all staff before work commences.

RAMS are reviewed periodically and updated as required, especially in response to site changes or incidents.

4. Working at Height

Scaffolding inherently involves work at height. Town and County Scaffolding Ltd. complies fully with the Work at Height Regulations 2005, ensuring:

• All scaffolds are designed, erected, altered, and dismantled by CISRS-qualified personnel.
• Scaffolding is inspected before use, weekly, and after adverse weather conditions.
• Safe access and egress are maintained at all times.
• Guardrails, toe boards, and brick guards are used as required.
• Harnesses are used where collective protection is not sufficient.

5. Scaffold Design and Loadings

Where complex or bespoke scaffold structures are required, designs will be completed by a qualified scaffolding engineer. All scaffolds will:

• Meet TG20:21 compliance standards (or be design scaffold structures where TG20 is not applicable).
• Have a load class specified and observed.
• Be erected according to design drawings and calculations.

6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All personnel must wear appropriate PPE, which includes:

• Hard hats (EN 397)
• Safety boots (EN ISO 20345)
• Hi-vis clothing
• Safety gloves
• Safety glasses (where applicable)
• Fall arrest harnesses (EN 361) when required

PPE is provided free of charge, regularly inspected, and replaced when defective or worn.

7. Equipment and Plant Safety

• All scaffolding equipment (tubes, fittings, boards, ladders, etc.) is regularly inspected and maintained.
• Damaged or defective equipment is removed from service immediately.
• Vehicles and lifting equipment are maintained and inspected in line with current regulations.

8. Training and Competence

Town and County Scaffolding Ltd. ensures that:

• All operatives are CISRS certified (e.g., Part 1, Part 2, Advanced).
• Supervisors and inspectors are trained in Scaffold Inspection.
• Training records are kept up to date.
• Toolbox talks and refresher training are held regularly.
• Apprentices work under supervision of experienced scaffolders.

9. Emergency Procedures

All employees are trained in emergency procedures, including:

• Site-specific evacuation plans.
• Rescue procedures for fallen workers.
• First aid provision (trained first aiders on site).
• Fire safety, including extinguishers and hot work permits.

10. Accident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported and recorded in the company’s Accident Book. All incidents will be:

• Investigated thoroughly.
• Root causes identified.
• Corrective actions implemented and monitored.
• Reported under RIDDOR where required.

11. Drugs, Alcohol and Behaviour

• Strict zero-tolerance policy on drugs and alcohol.
• Random testing may be carried out.
• Any aggressive or unsafe behaviour will lead to disciplinary action or removal from site.

12. Welfare and Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our workforce’s wellbeing by providing:

• Adequate rest areas, toilet and washing facilities on-site.
• Mental health support and signposting services.
• Encouragement of open dialogue about stress or fatigue.

13. Subcontractors and Visitors

All subcontractors and visitors must:

• Follow company safety rules.
• Be inducted before working on site.
• Provide evidence of competence and insurance.
• Work under the supervision of Town and County Scaffolding Ltd. site management.

14. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

Health and safety performance will be monitored via:

• Regular site audits and inspections.
• Feedback from staff and clients.
• Near-miss reporting and trend analysis.
• Periodic reviews of safety procedures.

15. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually by the Directors of Town and County Scaffolding Ltd. or when significant changes occur.