A risk assessment is required for each task that you undertake, it makes not the slightest difference if its a regular task on the same site or if its a one time task on a site that you will never visit again. (there is a clue on how to save time in the above)!
A H & S Policy statement is a one or two page statement relating to health & Safety, this is the min required by law, this applies to the self employed, sole trader or small ltd company, we include ours in our tender packs as a matter of course. Clients have a legal duty of care to ask for this at the bare minimumn, though seldom do, the same goes for your insurance. they should always ask for copies of your insurance.
A Health & Safety Policy is required by law in writing if you employ 5 or more people, ours is over 300 pages and rising each quarter! This is the real meat on the bones, so to speak, and covers every possible task that any staff member could end up doing, it also states the procedures and systems that are to be put in place before starting any work on site, it also has copies of all risk assessments and method statements. Also it details our obligations to others who may be affected by our work whilst on clients sites, it contains copies of our accident reports, near misses etc, etc.
Louisa, weather you meant to break the law or not, does not excuse you, like at least 80% of the industry, you are breaking the law! The course that you are going on this week will hopefully open your eyes, to just how important this subject is.
Can I suggest that you then take a course that covers employment legislation, or farm out that particular part of the equation.
Getting any of the above wrong, can lead not only to death or serious injury, but a costly fine that could quite easily lead to bankruptcy.
If you send me via e-mail your R/A I will have a look for you, but, you must attend a recognised course asap.
Regards,
Rob
