Risk Assessment Policy (Trust, Summer, Senior and Prep School & EYFS)

Transcription

1 Risk Assessment Policy (Trust, Summer, Senior and Prep School & EYFS) Introduction St Bede s School Trust (hereafter referred to as Bede s) clearly recognises that a failure to take reasonable safety precautions in relation to identified hazards would represent a serious risk to staff, visitors, general public and contractors and, in particular, pupils, and expose the Trust to the possibility of prosecution. The aim of this Policy is to set out the systematic approach for suitable and sufficient risk management throughout Bede s. This policy has particular regard for ensuring the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted at all times and appropriate action is taken to reduce risks and potential risks that are identified. The purpose of risk assessment is to identify hazards and evaluate any associated risks. This includes such areas as: Safeguarding (including Prevent) Pupil Welfare (including attendance, bullying, supervision of pupils, medical needs, and SEN/D) Health and Safety (including premises, equipment and public rights of way) Security (including premises and grounds assessments ASRA S) Fire Safety (including Fire Risk Assessments, and Arson Attempt) Critical incidents (including identification of significant areas of risk, potential and likelihood) School Trips (including supervision levels and meeting pupil s medical needs) Lessons and Activities (including emotional and physical risks) Boarding (including overseas pupils and pupils with EAL) Pupils with onerous demands (including Legat School of Dance and Elite Athletes programme) Staff Recruitment (including DBS Disclosures and suitability to work in a school) Risk assessments do not have to be complicated. The level of detail contained in them should be relevant to the level of the risks involved with the activity. In many cases a risk assessment will lead to clarification and the documenting of protocols and procedures that are often already in place, following best practice and relevant industry standards where applicable. Risk assessments can also assist in the identification of requirements for levels of instruction, information, training and supervision that may be required for the activity. (See Appendix 1 Risk Assessment and Control Process Map) In addition, some topic specific risk assessments are required by legislation for example those concerning fire safety, pupil supervision, school trips, manual handling, display screen assessments, substances hazardous to health, provision and use of work equipment, asbestos, and security assessments. This list is in no way exhaustive. Page 1 of 11

2 Where relevant these risk assessments will be completed using industry standard assessment templates or guidelines. All other Bede s risk assessments should be completed using the Trust wide standard risk assessment template. (See Appendices 2, 3 and 4) (See separate Bede s General Health & Safety Policy and relevant topic specific policies for further information and guidance on specific risk assessments) 1. Responsibilities a) Employees are responsible for: Assisting with and participating in the process of risk assessment and adhering to any risk control measures of which they are made aware. b) A risk assessment author is responsible for: Identifying and implementing control measures and effectively communicating the significant risks and relative control measures to employees and others as appropriate. c) Heads of Departments / departmental managers are responsible for: Ensuring that risk assessments are completed for their departments / areas of control. They may do so by delegating the task to others. Allocating resources in response to risk assessments completed within departments and determining a course of action should it be identified that a risk cannot be suitably controlled so far as is reasonably practicable. Setting up frameworks for decision making and corporate strategies which incorporate risk assessment principles. This will ensure that decisions made take into account relevant risk factors. Ensuring that those who are tasked with completing risk assessments are suitably trained to do so. Ensuring that a suitable mechanism exists to communicate the safe systems of work identified as part of the risk assessment procedures. Typically these are likely to be in the form of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) or Bede s own guidelines such as those set out in Bede s policies, procedures, handbooks and codes of conduct. Make suitable representation to the relevant Health & Safety Committee or SMT Committee if risk assessments identify an outstanding need which cannot be resourced within existing departmental resources. c) The Risk Review Audit Committee are responsible for: Monitoring and reviewing the activity of risk assessment taking place within the organisation. Page 2 of 11

3 2. Scope For the purpose of this policy the following definitions apply: a) Hazard: Something with the potential to cause harm b) Hazardous Outcome: A description of how someone could be hurt or damage could occur as a result of interacting with the hazard c) Risk Rating: The overall judgement of the level of risk which may arise from the hazard, based upon the likelihood of the event occurring and the potential severity of the consequence d) Control Measures: Method used to reduce or control risks arising from identified hazards e) Residual Risk: The level of risk remaining once control measures have been applied to reduce risks so far as is reasonably practicable. 3. Legal aspects of Risk Assessment There are clear duties for risk assessment under acts such as the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations1999. The following requirements are laid down in those regulations and can be applied to other areas of risk assessment; The risk assessment shall be suitable and sufficient and cover both employees and non-employees affected by the employers undertaking (e.g. contractors, members of the public, pupils, etc) The term suitable and sufficient is important as it defines the limits to the risk assessment process. A suitable and sufficient risk assessment should: Identify the significant risks and ignore the trivial ones; Identify and prioritise the measures required to comply with any relevant statutory provisions; Remain appropriate to the nature of the work and valid over a reasonable period of time; Identify the risk arising from or in connection with the work. The detail should be proportionate to the risk. The significant findings that should be recorded include a detailed statement of the hazards and risks; the preventative, protective or control measures in place; and any further measures to reduce the risks present. Page 3 of 11

4 4. Risk Assessment Bede s has a responsibility to ensure that the risks posed to staff, pupils, property, contractors and the public are reduced, so far as reasonably practicable. Risk assessment is a subjective but logical process which can be broken down into 5 steps: Step 1 Identify the hazard Step 2 Decide who or what might be harmed and how Step 3 Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions Step 4 Record significant findings and implement them Step 5 Review the assessment and update if necessary When conducting a risk assessment, line managers should adopt a team approach to risk assessment whenever possible and involve staff members who have practical experience (as they often have the best awareness and understanding of the hazards involved with the activity and how the activity is actually carried out.) 5. Types of Risk Assessment All significant risks shall be assessed. Although the principles of assessment remain the same their application can differ. There are 3 recognised methods of assessment; a) Formal A written method of evaluating the risk of harm (as described above). b) Generic An evaluation of risk that can be applied to common tasks. In unusual circumstances, when an unforeseen risk presents itself (a previous Formal or Generic risk assessment not having been compiled and / or in use) an employee may be required to use a dynamic risk assessment. c) Dynamic A mental assessment of risk for use when any delay would increase the risk from harm. 6. Training Bede s as a responsible employer will provide appropriate risk assessment training for staff as necessary, as identified by their line manager. Those who have a responsibility for the completion of risk assessments will initially be provided with basic (online and / or internally coached) risk assessment training. This foundation training covers the processes and key stages of risk assessment including the rationale behind the risk assessment; application of suitable and sufficient control measures to mitigate risk; communication of the risk assessment; record keeping and incident management. The Trust Health & Safety (Fire Safety) Coordinator will assist staff as necessary to enable them to complete their assessment. Page 4 of 11

5 Specialised risk assessment training will be provided to staff as required ensuring appropriate expertise, monitoring and supervision. 7. Communication Relevant information identified in the risk assessment regarding the hazards, their associated risks to the Trust and the appropriate control measures must be effectively communicated, and be readily accessible to, employees and others as appropriate. 8. Monitoring Managers or appropriate persons shall monitor the effectiveness of control measures and ensure that physical control measures are used, installed correctly and suitably maintained where applicable. Likewise checks should be made to ensure that agreed control measures and safe systems of work are being followed correctly. 9. Record Keeping Risk Assessments and associated documents must be kept for a minimum period of three years from the date which they are superseded as they may be required in the event of a litigation claim for compensation (note that claims for compensation can, generally be made up to 3 years from the date of the incident occurring). It should be noted that risk assessments which relate to the use of substances may need to be kept for 40 years, in order to trace exposure to substances which are known to have ill health effects e.g. asbestos. 10. Review of Policy This policy will be reviewed biannually or at an earlier date if changes are required due to changes in our risk assessment process or legislation and/or guidance. Doc Ref: RAP- 04 Owned by: Authorised by: Director of Estates Governing Body Policy Ratified: November 2017 Review Date: November 2019 Circulation: All Staff Parents on request Page 5 of 11

6 Date Review Comments Reviewed By Transfer of Ownership of Policy from Director of Estates to Trust Health & Safety (Fire Safety) Coordinator. Trust H&S Co-ordinator Appendix 3 & 4 added for staff guidance. This policy is a requirement of the Independent School s Inspectorate (ISI page 39) and is submitted to Bede s Governing Body for ratification Policy reviewed No changes Trust H&S Co-ordinator necessary Additional bullet points and reference to Trust H&S Co-ordinator areas of potential risk included to Introduction and Statement of Intent with due regards to ISI Part 3 Paragraph 16 (207) Risk Assessment Minor changes to 1. Responsibilities Trust H&S Co-ordinator Page 6 of 11

7 Appendix 1 Risk Assessment and Control Process Map List the activities undertaken in the area of responsibility. Establish a program (based on risk) to undertake the risk assessments. Undertake the risk assessments. Risk Assessment and Control Process Identify the hazards, who may be harmed and how. Monitor and review as appropriate. Retain records. Identify existing control measures and assess the risk. Risk Adequately Controlled? YES Record the findings and communicate information. NO Identify additional control measures required. Develop and implement action plan. Page 7 of 11

8 Generic Risk Assessment Template Significant Hazards Persons / Property at Risk Risk Residual Risk Control Measures Risk L S DR L S DR LIKELIHOOD (L) = Frequent (5) Probable (4) Occasional (3) Improbable (2) Remote (1) SEVERITY (S) = High (5) Significant (4) Moderate (3) Low (2) Minimal (1) Degree of Risk (DR) = likelihood x severity Person completing Assessment: Signature: Position: Date: Date of Revision Page 8 of 11

9 Appendix 3 Risk Assessment & Risk Matrix Risk Assessment Looking at an activity or situation, identifying hazards, evaluating risk levels and implementing measures to eliminate or reduce the risk, so far as is reasonably practicable Focus on significant risks and ignore trivial risks A hazard is something with the potential to cause harm A risk is the likelihood of harm being caused combined with potential severity Risk assessment considers: how likely harm is to be caused the degree of harm the number and type of people who may be affected Risk Control Measures Remove or eliminate hazard Substitute a hazardous material or process with a non-hazardous or less hazardous one Separate or isolate people from the hazard Use safe systems of work Wear personal protection as a last resort Ensure everyone involved is trained, instructed and supervised accordingly Risk Matrix LIKELIHOOD (L) = Frequent (5) Probable (4) Occasional (3) Improbable (2) Remote (1) SEVERITY (S) = High (5) Significant (4) Moderate (3) Low (2) Minimal (1) Degree of Risk (DR) = likelihood x severity 1 25 (See Matrix below) Page 9 of 11

10 Appendix 3 Risk Rating Degree of Risk Risk Treatment (1-2) Minimal Acceptable risk. No further action or additional controls are required. Risks at this level should be monitored and reassessed at appropriate intervals (3-6) Low A risk at this level may be acceptable. If not acceptable, existing controls should be monitored or adjusted. No further action or additional controls are required. (7-10) Moderate Not normally acceptable. Efforts should be made to reduce the risk, provided this is not disproportionate. Establish more precisely the likelihood of harm as a basis for determining the need for improved control measures. (11-19) Significant Very unlikely to be acceptable. Significant resources may have to be allocated to reduce the risk. Where the risk involves work in progress urgent action should be taken. (20 25) High Unacceptable. Immediate action must be taken to manage the risk. Control measures should be put into place which have the effect of reducing the impact of an event or the likelihood of an event occurring. A number of control measures may be required. Page 10 of 11

11 Appendix 4 RETENTION OF ASSESSMENTS Risk assessments must be retained for a minimum of 3 years. START TASK Hazard Identification Hazards must have the potential to cause harm. Trivial safety consequences or improbable circumstances should not be subject to further risk assessment. Undertake task. Task to be reassessed if influencing factors Significant hazards present Dynamic Risk Assessment A mental assessment of risk for use when any delay would increase the risk from harm. Dynamic assessment can also be used as the initial step in formal risk assessment. It can also be used when the likelihood of a significant consequence of the risk associated with the hazards is unlikely or very unlikely. The number of people who may be affected by a hazard is a relevant consideration during risk estimation. Formal Risk Assessment When assessing a risk all influencing factors must be considered. Follow the guidance in this policy to complete your assessment. Generic Risk Assessment Some common tasks may have been assessed by line managers that are highly relevant to similar locations. If the line manager considers that the influencing factors of a previously conducted assessment are the same as in his/hers location and that the controls would adequately control the risk, then the assessment may be used, saving time and effort. Record Assessment REVIEW OF ASSESSMENT Risk assessments are to be reviewed annually following an accident / incident or when it is believed the control measures are no longer Accident / Incident Investigation In the event of an accident / incident a copy of the risk assessment shall be kept with the accident Is the level of risk acceptable Inform those exposed to hazard of the risk assessment findings and ensure control measures are adopted Consider additional control measures and re-assess Undertake Page task 11 implementing of 11 monitoring and supervising control measures Additional controls Seek guidance from the Trust Health & Safety Co-ordinator if necessary