H&S

Health, Safety & Welfare 2013

Our objective is to develop a positive
health and safety culture across the
company, involving and engaging our
workforce at all times.

Contents

02

Introduction

03

Our objectives

04

Health and Safety Policy Statement

05

Health and safety organogram

0613

Responsibilities for health, safety and welfare

1420

Arrangements for health and safety

14

Legal requirements

1420

Implementation and operation

20

Measuring performance

20

Reviewing performance

/01
01

Introduction

Viridor is a wholly
owned subsidiary of
Pennon Group Plc and
operates in accordance
with the groups health
and safety policies.

The Pennon Group Board periodically

reviews the health, safety and welfare
policies and arrangements of the whole
group and requires each subsidiary
board to establish and comply with all
relevant statutory provisions and codes
of practice relevant to health,
safety and welfare issues.
The Viridor Board ensures that it is kept
informed of and alerted to relevant
health and safety risk management
issues. The Chief Executive has overall
responsibility for the executive
management of health and safety
and the Operations Director has been
appointed as the Health and Safety
Director, in accordance with the
recommendation of the Health and
Safety Executive, to ensure that all
relevant health and safety risk
management issues are properly
addressed, both by the Board and
also throughout Viridor.
The Chief Executive ensures that the
Operations Director has the necessary
competence, resources and support
of every Board member in carrying
out his functions. In addition, every
other executive Board member has
responsibility for specific areas of
health and safety risk management
within their own business area. Viridor
provides essential waste management,
renewables and recycling services to
customers across the UK.

02

We provide these services to the

highest operational and environmental
standards. As with any leading company,
we recognise that our greatest asset
is our workforce, and the health,
safety and welfare of our employees
is of the utmost importance. Our aim
is to provide a working environment
that is free of accidents, ill health and
loss to property and equipment.
We recognise that health and safety
has positive benefits to the organisation
and that commitment to a high level of
safety makes good business sense.
We also recognise that health and
safety is a business function and must
therefore continually progress and
adapt to change.
The Board of Directors leads a positive
culture on health, safety and welfare
issues, which is actively supported
by management and is expected to
be acted upon by every employee.
This policy document provides a
summary of Viridors approach to
health, safety and welfare management.
Where more specific information is
required, this can be provided on request.

Our objectives

To develop a positive
health and safety
culture across the
company, involving
and engaging our
workforce at all times.

03

To achieve a level of health and

safety performance equal to that
of the best performers within the
UK waste, renewables and recycling
sector and to meet the objectives
of the industrys Accident
Reduction Charter

To ensure, so far as is reasonably

practicable:
the provision and maintenance of
plant and systems of work that are
safe and without risks to health;

To prevent injury and ill health and

to continually improve our health
and safety performance

arrangements for ensuring the

safety and absence of risks to
health in connection with the use,
handling, storage and transport of
articles and substances;

To develop a positive health and

safety culture across the company,
involving and engaging our
workforce at all times

the provision of such information,

instruction, training and supervision
as is necessary to ensure the health
and safety at work of our employees;

To apply best practice across the

company, to work with our
regulators and industry bodies to
demonstrate Viridors leadership
within our industry as a best
practice employer

the maintenance of any place of

work under our control in a
condition that is safe and without
risks to health, and the provision
and maintenance of means of
access to and egress from it that
are safe and without such risks;

To comply with statutory

requirements and strive to exceed
these where appropriate.

the provision and maintenance of

a working environment that is safe,
without risks to health, and
adequate as regards facilities and
arrangements for welfare at work.

Health and Safety

Policy Statement
Performance
Viridor is committed to continually
improve health and safety standards
and performance. To this end
we endeavour to ensure that all
relevant statutes, regulations and
codes of practice are complied with.
The minimum standards that are
adopted by the company are those
required by law, although we will
always seek to exceed these where
there is a demonstrable benefit.

Responsibilities
The Chief Executive has overall
responsibility for the executive
management of the Operations
Director who has been appointed
Health and Safety Director in
accordance with the recommendation
of the Health and Safety Executive,
to ensure that all relevant health
and safety risk management issues
are properly addressed, both by the
board and also throughout Viridor.

Communication and control

The Chief Executive has overall
responsibility for the executive
management of health and safety.
I am the Health and Safety Director
appointed by the Viridor Board
and have full responsibility for the
implementation of this policy. It is the
responsibility of all the Directors and
management teams to ensure that
appropriate systems are developed
and maintained for the effective
communication of health and safety
matters throughout the company,
and to liaise and work with all
necessary persons to ensure high
standards of health and safety. The
company also ensures so far as is
reasonably practicable that adequate
arrangements are in place for ensuring
the health, safety and welfare of
visitors, members of the public and
other businesses that come into
contact with our operational activities.

Health and safety is an integral part

of every managers function and their
performance is monitored on a regular
basis. Managers have specific duties
and responsibilities to comply with
company policy. Furthermore, Viridor
educates all employees and expects
them to recognise that there is a
clear duty on them to exercise selfdiscipline and accept responsibility to
do everything they can to prevent injury
to themselves and others and loss to
the company, and to co-operate with
management in achieving the standards
required. This duty is additional to
the employees legal duty to take
reasonable care of their own health and
safety and that of others who could
be affected by their acts or omissions.

04

Monitoring and review

Appropriate monitoring and
review of the implementation of the
health and safety policy is carried
out. An appropriate audit process
forms part of the overall management
system with the audit results being
reviewed by the Board of Directors.
The Health and Safety Policy is
formally reviewed on an annual
basis. However, amendments may
be introduced at any time.

Mark Burrows-Smith
Operations Director
Viridor
February 2013

Organisation and
responsibilities
for health and safety
Our approach
Line management is primarily
responsible for maintaining safe
working environments and safe
systems of work. However, general
health and safety responsibilities are
allocated and set out in this section.
The organogram illustrates the network
for health and safety information and
feedback throughout the organisation.

Pennon Group
Board

Viridor Board

Chief Executive
Officer

Executive
Directors

Operations
Director

Regional Directors
and Heads of...

Head of
Compliance

Regional Area
Management

Regional Health and

Safety Advisors

Management

Unit / Site /
Department Managers
and Supervisors

Employees

05

Corporate Responsibility
and Regulatory Director

Advice

Representatives for
Employee Safety (RES)

Responsibilities
for health, safety
and welfare
The Chief Executive has
overall responsibility
to ensure that the
company complies with
all appropriate health
and safety regulations
and standards.

Chief Executive and Viridor Board

The Chief Executive has overall
responsibility for the executive
management of health and safety
and ensures that the Operations
Director, as the designated Health
and Safety Director, has the necessary
competence, resources and support
of the Viridor Board to enable him to
ensure that the company complies
with all appropriate health and
safety regulations and standards.
Operations Director
In accordance with his responsibilities
as the designated Health and Safety
Director, the Operations Director
determines the requirements of the
Health and Safety Policy, ensures
that there are sufficient resources
(both financial and personnel)
available and generally ensures that
the required standards of health,
safety and welfare are achieved.
In fulfilling this role, the Operations
Director will be advised and supported
by the Corporate Responsibility and
Regulatory Director, ensuring that all
relevant matters are brought to the
attention of and considered by
the Board.
Executive Directors
Executive Directors (including the
Operations Director) are accountable
to the Chief Executive, and while
the Corporate Responsibility and
Regulatory Director will lead on assuring
the health and safety framework,
executive directors must ensure that:

06

The company has a health, safety

and welfare policy and a structure,
and that arrangements are in place
to ensure the policy is appropriate,
implemented, monitored and reviewed
Adequate resources are made
available to ensure the company
can meet its legal obligations under
The Health and Safety at Work etc.
Act 1974 and other subordinate
health and safety regulations
All Viridor employees are
aware of the health and safety
responsibilities to themselves,
their colleagues, and others who
may be affected by their actions
and the companys undertakings
Employees receive training
appropriate to their work and
responsibilities, which enables
them to carry out their work
in a safe manner
Appropriate recording and
reporting mechanisms exist within
the company to meet legislative
requirements and assist the company
in prioritising and targeting resources.
This ensures the health, safety and
welfare of our employees and those
affected by our undertakings
Arrangements are in place to
enable full consultation on health
and safety issues and that employees
representatives can carry out
their duties.

Our Objectives

Corporate
Responsibility
CAN WE
ADD FEW
and Regulatory Director
WORDS
HERE??
(reporting to the
Chief
Executive Officer)

The Corporate Responsibility and

Regulatory Director oversees the health
and safety function and is responsible
for ensuring that health and safety
policies, procedures and arrangements
are in place and kept up to date.
The Corporate Responsibility and
Regulatory Director shall

07

Report to the Board on any

matters which require a change
in the corporate policies for health
and safety
Report on a regular basis on
relevant aspects of health and
safety performance
Ensure that the necessary resources
for health and safety are planned
into forward budgetary programmes
Ensure that the necessary resources
of staff, facilities and finance are
provided to implement the Health
and Safety Policy Statement and
any supplementary policies adopted
by the Board
Arrange for the necessary
information, instruction and
training to be made available
to staff to fulfil their roles

Arrange for the provision of up-todate information to employees on

health and safety matters and for
this to be recorded where required
Make appropriate arrangements
for the keeping of statutory
records on health and safety and
for the reporting, when necessary,
of injuries, diseases or dangerous
occurrences in accordance with
statutory requirements
Ensure that appropriate
arrangements are put into effect
to consult with employees and to
encourage their active participation
on matters concerned with their
health and safety at work
Ensure that the company reports
on our progress with regard to
health and safety issues and
meeting performance targets in
the annual report in accordance
with HSE guidance and
Government Strategy.

General responsibilities
of all managers
All managers are expected to actively
support the Board in the development
and proper implementation of the
companys Health and Safety Policy and
objectives. All managers, regardless of
management position, are expected
to demonstrate their commitment to
health and safety by setting a good
example themselves and by ensuring
that health and safety is the number
one priority when compared to other
aspects of management activities
within their own areas of control.
Certain personnel have designated
management responsibilities for
implementation of the companys
Health and Safety Policy. These
responsibilities are summarised
in the following sections.

Regional, divisional
and owned
Viridor
is a wholly
departmental directors and
subsidiary
of Pennon
heads of...
Group Plc and operates
Must
in accordance with the
n Implement
the objectives
groups
health
andofsafety
this policy
policies.
n

By leadership and personal example,

foster positive attitudes towards
health and safety throughout their
region, division or department.
Directors will ensure that health and
safety is given the same priority and
importance as any other corporate
or business line objective
Consider the health and safety
implications for employees and
non-employees of decisions made
at either a strategic or operational
level and act accordingly

n Where health and safety issues

cannot be effectively dealt with at
their level, ensure that the matter is
drawn to the attention of the Board.

Regional and area managers

(applies equally to operations managers)
Managers falling within this category
will also have line management
responsibilities for staff and working
practices directly under their control.
They must
n

Ensure that their management

team know, understand and are
held accountable for their individual
responsibilities under the companys
Health and Safety Policy

Ensure that their management teams

are provided with the appropriate
resources in order to fulfil their
health and safety responsibilities
including the provision of
information, instruction and training

Establish appropriate mechanisms

to allow the dissemination of
information, and communication
and consultation on matters which
affect the health and safety of
employees within their region,
division or department

n
n

08

Make the necessary arrangements

to ensure that safe systems of
work are implemented for all work
activities and processes within their
division, region or department and
that their effectiveness is monitored
and reviewed at timely intervals

By leadership and personal example,

foster positive attitudes towards
health and safety and demonstrate
commitment not only in words
but through visible action within
their teams
Consider the health and safety
implications for employees and nonemployees of decisions made at
either a strategic or operational
level and act accordingly
Ensure that all individuals reporting
to them know, understand and
are held accountable for their
responsibilities under the companys
Health and Safety Policy and are
provided with appropriate resources
including training, information
and instruction

Make the necessary arrangements

to ensure that health and safety
risk assessments are carried out for
all work activities and processes
within their area(s) of control, and
ensure that safe systems of working
are identified, recorded where
appropriate, implemented, and
that their effectiveness is monitored
and reviewed at timely intervals

Establish mechanisms to ensure

that safe working practices are at
all times maintained to ensure the
health and safety of employees
and others who may be affected

Where managers have

responsibility for buildings, plant
and equipment, ensure that all
statutory regulations and codes of
practice are adhered to and that
such plant and equipment is
effectively maintained to a safe
standard, including statutory
inspections where required

Establish and maintain mechanisms

to allow the dissemination of
information and communication
and consultation on health and
safety issues

Where health and safety issues

cannot be effectively dealt with at
their level, ensure that the matter
is drawn to the attention of their
respective regional, divisional
or departmental director

Make the necessary arrangements

to ensure that representatives
for employee safety are appointed
and can effectively carry out
their duties.

Our Objectives

Line
managers
CAN
WE ADD FEW
(This applies to unit, site and
WORDS
departmentalHERE??
managers)
Line managers are responsible for
effective health and safety management
in the areas falling within their control
and for people that they supervise.
They are responsible for the detailed
implementation of the companys
Health and Safety Policy at a local level.
They must
n By leadership and personal example,
foster positive attitudes towards
health and safety and demonstrate
commitment not only in words
but through visible action within
their sections or teams

Consider the health and safety

implications for employees and
non-employees of decisions
made at an operational level and
act accordingly

n Ensure that all personnel under

their control, including temporary
and agency workers know and
understand their responsibilities
under the companys Health
and Safety Policy
n Ensure that all personnel under
their control are adequately trained
and competent to perform the task
required and are made fully aware
of all known hazards associated
with their work. This applies
particularly to new employees,
temporary workers, agency workers
and contractors

09

n Ensure that staff are provided with

correct personal protective equipment
and clothing for the task and work
activities that they are expected
to undertake

Ensure that new employees,

temporary and agency workers
are inducted for health and
safety immediately upon their
commencement and that
contractors are fully inducted
prior to them commencing a
work activity

n Ensure that competent persons

complete risk assessments for
all work activities and processes
falling within their areas of
control that include employees
and non-employees, and that safe
operating procedures are put in
place which incorporate the
significant findings of risk assessment
n Ensure that any health and
safety measures introduced as a
result of the risk assessments are
monitored to ensure they are
effective and that reviews are
undertaken as and when necessary

Ensure that all accidents,

incidents and near miss events
falling within their areas of
responsibility are promptly reported
and appropriately investigated

n Where managers have responsibility

for workplaces, buildings, plant
and equipment, ensure that all
statutory regulations and codes of
practice are adhered to and that
such workplaces, buildings, plant and
equipment are effectively maintained
to a safe standard, including
statutory inspections where required
n Ensure that any health and
safety matter brought to their
attention by an employee,
representative of employee
safety or other person, receives
prompt and appropriate attention

Ensure that any health and safety

matter which cannot effectively
be resolved by them is brought to
the attention of senior management.

Head of Compliance
(reporting to the Corporate
Responsibility and Regulatory Director)
The Head of Compliance has functional
responsibility for the health and safety
team in addition to advising and
supporting Directors and management
teams on all aspects of health and
safety, in line with the companys
health and safety strategy.
The Head of Compliances activities
and key responsibilities will include
Interpreting new and existing
UK and EC legislation relating to
health and safety matters so far as
they affect Viridor as an employer

Preparing policies, procedures,

codes of practice and guidance
on health and safety matters for
approval and adoption within Viridor

Monitoring the application of

policies, procedures, codes of practice
and guidance notes and updating
them as and when appropriate
n

Providing support and advice to

the Board on health and safety,
in particular assisting senior
management teams in their duties
to manage health and safety
within their areas of responsibility

Maintaining statistical information

on work related accidents and ill
health and ensuring that statutory
duties to report under the Reporting
of Industrial Diseases and Dangerous
Occurrences Regulations 1995
(RIDDOR) (as amended) are
complied with
n

F ormulating and publishing the

annual Corporate Health and
Safety Strategy and identifying
SMART objectives for health
and safety

As necessary assist in the investigation

of accidents and incidents with a
view to identifying measures to
prevent recurrence and liaise with
the enforcement agencies on health
and safety
n

Maintaining liaison with external

professional contacts, the Health
and Safety Executive, external
authorities, and other relevant
bodies on health and safety matters
and communicating relevant
information internally.

Health and Safety Advisors

(operating in each region reporting
to the Head of Compliance)
Health and Safety Advisors are
responsible for advising and supporting
regional management teams on all
aspects of health and safety, including
risk assessment, accident prevention
and the implementation of health
and safety legislation, statutory
regulations and codes of practice.
The Health and Safety
Advisors activities and key
responsibilities will include

I n consultation with the department

heads, assist in the identification
of training needs and provision of
health and safety training

Developing and facilitating information

flows relating to health and safety
throughout the company, through
the production of briefing notes,
bulletins and training

Monitoring the effectiveness of

arrangements for any external
specialist health and safety
support used by the company

Ensuring that appropriate

arrangements are put into effect
to consult with employees and to
encourage their participation on
matters concerned with health
and safety at work

Interpreting new and existing

UK and EC legislation relating
to health and safety matters
so far as they affect Viridor as
an employer
Providing support and advice
to regional management on
health and safety, in particular
supporting unit management
in their duties to manage health
and safety within their areas
of responsibility

10

Participating in the investigation

of accidents and incidents with a
view to identifying measures
to prevent recurrence and liaising
with the enforcement agencies on
health and safety where necessary

 Reviewing information on
work related accidents, ill health,
hazards and near-miss incidents
and ensuring that statutory duties
to report under the Reporting of
Industrial Diseases and Dangerous
Occurrences Regulations 1995
(RIDDOR) (as amended) are
complied with

onducting periodic inspections of

C
the workplaces and work activities in
conjunction with line management
with a view to maintaining standards
and identifying and advising on the
elimination or control of the risks to
health and safety

All employees
Every employee has a legal obligation
to take reasonable care of their
own health and safety and for that
of others who may be affected by
what they do or do not do. Viridor
recognises the valuable contribution
every employee can make through
a positive influence on everyone
they come into contact with.

Providing assistance and guidance

to line management in the production
of risk assessments, safe operating
procedures and safe systems of work

onitoring and appraising safe

M
working practices and making
recommendations to regional
management for their consideration

Assisting Regional Managers

to organise and conduct quarterly
representative for employee
safety (RES) and safety
representative meetings

n Maintaining liaison with external
professional contacts, the Health
and Safety Executive, external
authorities and other relevant bodies
on health and safety matters,
and communicating relevant
information internally.
n

11

Specific responsibilities include

n

Not putting themselves or others

at unreasonable risk to their health
or safety and to stop work if unsafe,
to make safe if possible and to notify
people who may immediately be
affected and then to report it
promptly to their line manager if
such circumstances arise

n Complying with safe working methods,

instructions and training given

Setting an example by their approach

to safe and healthy working
Viridors contr
n Complying with guidelines on the
proper use of tools, machinery,
plant, equipment and personal
protective equipment
n

n Complying with local health

and safety procedures while on
premises or sites under the
control of someone else
n Remaining alert to health, safety
and security risks while at work and
acting accordingly

n Reporting to their supervisor or

manager the need for additional
health and safety procedures or for
the improvement of existing ones
n Not interfering with or misusing
anything provided in the interest
of health and safety
n Being fit to work safely and not
affected by alcohol, drugs or
medicines which could affect the
safety of themselves or others.

Representatives of employee
safety (RES) and union appointed
safety representatives
The company recognises the benefits
of communicating with its employees
for the benefit of health, safety
and to the business as a whole.
Representatives of employee safety
report to their respective line managers,
but are appointed by the workforce
to represent them in discussions
with management on matters
concerned with health and safety.
Arrangements for trade union
appointed safety representatives
are in principle similar to those for
representatives for employee safety.
Both have a valuable contribution to
improve health and safety standards
and their active participation is
encouraged. However, they act as
representatives of the staff and do
not have executive responsibilities.
Their responsibilities include
n

Representing their fellow employees

on health and safety matters
Communicating regularly with
their fellow employees and the
manager responsible for health
and safety in the area where they
work, to bring any concerns
to the attention of management

ommunicating regularly with their

C
fellow employees and the manager
responsible for health and safety in
the area where they work, to bring
any concerns to the attention
of management
n

12

n Conducting regular inspections

(independently or jointly with their
manager) to ensure compliance
with legislation, policy and
procedures and identify risks to
the health and safety of fellow
employees, contractors and
visitors, and to communicate any
findings with their manager

n Checking that local procedures for

evacuation in an emergency are
adequate, with appropriate signs,
and that their fellow employees
understand these

accident reporting procedures and

calling the emergency services.
First aiders are also responsible for
administering first aid in the
event of an accident.

First aiders must hold a

valid First Aid Certificate, and
are required to undergo
refresher training to maintain
their competence.

n Participation in the investigation

of accidents and near misses

Regional Operational Systems

Controllers (ROSC) are responsible
for the administration of appropriate
health, safety and environmental
compliance control systems.

n Attending and participating in

regular meetings with fellow safety
representatives, to provide these
meetings with information on health
and safety matters from their areas
of r esponsibility, and to communicate
any content of these meetings to
their manager and fellow employees.

First aid and appointed persons

Viridors policy provides information to
managers to allow them to carry out
a first aid needs assessment to decide
whether the risks require an appointed
person or trained first aider. Suitable
first aid resources and equipment
e.g. first aid kits, emergency showers,
eye wash facilities etc are provided as
required on all Viridor premises and
work sites, in addition a suitable first
aid kit is located in all goods vehicles.
n

First aiders and appointed persons

are responsible for checking that
adequate first aid equipment is
available, reporting incidents in
accordance with the company

Regional Operational
Systems Controllers
(operating within each region)

The ROSCs activities and key

responsibilities include
n

By personal example, fostering

positive attitudes towards health,
safety and environmental compliance,
demonstrating commitment not only
in words but through visible actions

n Ensuring full and relevant control

systems as set out in the companys
management system are in place
and maintained for all units
n Assisting unit managers in
maintaining accurate and up to date
health, safety and environmental
compliance documentation
n

Ensuring that action plans are in

place that address areas of system
non-compliance as a result of site
audits, inspections, incidents and
regulatory visits.

Temporary and agency workers

Viridor has the same responsibilities
for the health and safety of temporary
and agency workers as for our own
employees. The geographic spread of
the company makes it impractical to
have one agency supplying additional
operatives. All agency operatives
are provided through a coordinating
provider. The coordinating provider
is aware of the work the company
carries out and the associated risks
and our requirement that only
suitable people are supplied.
This includes screening for health
conditions which could increase risk
to their employees when working
for Viridor and not supplying those
individuals for work of a type which
significantly increases that risk.
Where specific skills or qualifications
are required e.g. plant operator,
administrative specialist line
management has a responsibility to
verify that those temporary and agency
workers are suitably qualified or skilled.
Before temporary employees
commence their duties, they are
given the same safety and health
induction as full time employees and
informed of correct working practices
and safe operating procedures.
They shall be issued with appropriate
personal protective equipment,
clothing/tools etc as required and
instructed in the safe and correct use
of such items. Whilst working for
Viridor, temporary and agency
workers have the same individual
responsibilities for health and safety
as any permanent employee.

13

Arrangements for
health and safety
All new employees
receive health and safety
training as part of our
induction programme.

Legal requirements
The company maintains a Register of
Legal Requirements that identifies the
various health and safety regulations
applicable to company activities.
Risk assessment
Good risk assessment, effective policies
and the implementation of appropriate
controls will ensure risks are managed
and controlled to a reasonable level.
Risk assessments are carried out by
competent personnel and significant
findings recorded and appropriate
action taken to eliminate or reduce
the risk to an acceptable level.
Risk assessments are reviewed and
updated periodically or when changes
occur, particularly
n Where there have been significant
staff changes
n When an accident/incident
has occurred
n Where there have been significant
changes to the activity or process
or working environment
n When new or different equipment
is being used

The aim is to review risk assessments

and associated safe operating
procedures every two years or at a
frequency appropriate to the risk.
n

14

Implementation and operation

Health and Safety Assistance
(Regulation 7 - MHSWR)
The company has appointed an internal
team of qualified health and safety
professionals to assist and advise
in applying the provision of health
and safety law and, in particular,
devising and implementing measures
to ensure compliance with relevant
health and safety legislation.
External specialist support in
health and safety
The company may, from time to time,
appoint competent external specialist
support to assist with the adequate
discharge of our responsibilities for
health and safety. The Head of
Compliance shall be provided with
details of any such arrangements
made by individual departments
in order to verify competency.
Training
Viridor is committed to investing
in its people and recognises the
importance of an informed, competent
and motivated workforce. The skills,
knowledge and professionalism
of employees are highly valued.
Training needs are assessed based
on risk assessment and reviews of
each type of work that may require
a specific qualification. All new
employees receive health and safety
training as part of our induction
programme, including an awareness
of the hazards associated with
the industry and our operations
and arrangements for first aid, fire
evacuation and emergencies.

All permanent employees will hold a

sector Safety Passport (where these
are applicable to their job role) within
three months of starting work.
Basic skills and specific on-the-job
training and training in health and
safety procedures are provided as
required. Other role/task specific
training requirements include vocational
qualifications and specific skills and
accreditation. Supervisors will achieve
Managing Safely and managers
the NEBOSH General Certificate in
Occupational Health and Safety. Directors
will attend IOSH Directing Safely.
Communication and consultation
The company recognises the need for
effective communications and takes
steps to ensure that all personnel
are well informed on health and
safety matters. In pursuit of continual
improvement of health and safety
performance, the company has various
formal methods of ensuring two way
communication reaches employees at
all levels in good time.

These are held at a frequency

not exceeding
n Board meetings (monthly) Health
and Safety Director and Corporate
Responsibility and Regulatory Director
n Regional health and safety
committee meetings (six monthly)
n Health and safety team meetings
(quarterly)
n Regional health and safety meetings
(quarterly)
n Area operational meetings
(bi-monthly)
n Unit/site/department meetings
(monthly)
n Representative for employee safety
(RES) meetings (quarterly)
n Quarterly health and safety
update in company internal
newspaper, and regular updates
on the intranet as appropriate
n

Notice board updates as appropriate

n Briefings and toolbox talks

as appropriate.

15

Health and safety policy and

strategy review
On a six monthly basis the Corporate
Responsibility and Regulatory Director
presents to the Board a formal review
of the health and safety policy and
an update on the health and safety
strategy including a range of key
performance indicators. This review
highlights any changes needed to the
health and safety policy and is the
forum for directing the health and
safety strategy, bringing forward any
amendments and additions.
Any deviations from the strategy are
also discussed and the action plans
for compliance are recorded. The
Operations Director plays a key role
in this process and together with the
rest of the Board act as the central
policy making body. Minutes of these
reviews form part of the normal Viridor
Board minutes.

Representatives of employee
safety (RES) and union appointed
safety representatives
The value of day-to-day communications
with employees and their representatives
is recognised by the company.
Appropriate training is provided for all
representatives. The RES contribute
to risk assessment, safety inspections
and incident investigations in addition
to representing fellow workers
at meetings.

Workplace safety
All company premises and work
sites are required to meet minimum
standards. Workplace inspection/site
audit checklists are used by managers
to monitor health and safety conditions
and performance. In addition, there
is a system in place for reporting

Contractors
All contractors and their subcontractors
engaged to work on the companys
behalf are given a suitable induction
and issued with our Contractors
Code of Practice, which sets out
the standards expected of them
when working for Viridor. In
addition, information, guidance,
rules and procedures relating to
health and safety and any site
specific hazards are provided.
Visitors
All visitors are made aware of safety
rules and procedures affecting their
health and safety on arrival at a Viridor
facility or work site, given an induction
as necessary and are restricted from
entering hazardous areas.

Workplace hazards

Defective plant/equipment

Accident/incidents and near misses

Unsafe acts and conditions and

n For monitoring and reviewing

progress of these reports.

Management system
The company management system is
documented, structured and accredited
to the requirements of the Occupational
Health and Safety Assessment Series
(OHSAS) 18001 specification.
Accidents, incidents and
near-miss reporting
The company has implemented
procedures to ensure that all accidents,
dangerous occurrences and near-misses
are reported, reviewed and the results
analysed to identify trends and areas for
further action to prevent a reoccurrence.
Procedures are in place for reporting,
recording and investigation of
accidents and near-miss incidents,
and the reporting of accidents
required under RIDDOR.

16

All accident/incident data is collated

and reviewed for trends at unit/site,
regional and company level. Reducing
the risk of accidents and ill heath
will be achieved through hazard
reporting and behavioural observations
to develop a culture which openly
challenges unsafe acts and conditions.
Health and safety auditing
The company has implemented an
audit programme and has established
auditing procedures that are used
to verify that the health and safety
management system is operated
correctly at all levels.
The audit examines the implementation
of the health and safety system
against established standards. Audit
procedures ensure that corrective
actions are implemented and
recommendations for improvements
are made.
Personal protective
equipment (PPE)
Suitable PPE is provided free of
charge by the company where
risks cannot be controlled by other
means. Requirements are identified
by risk assessment and, where
required, PPE is routinely inspected
to ensure that it is suitable for the
purpose and in good condition etc
to comply with the regulations.

Work equipment
The company has implemented
standards and procedures to ensure
that work equipment is suitable
for the intended purpose, complies
with all relevant regulations and is
regularly inspected and maintained
by a competent person. Where faulty
equipment is identified, it is taken out
of service if unsafe and then repaired.
Maintenance procedures including
Planned Preventive Maintenance
(PPM) are in place for many items of
plant and equipment and across the
business the company is implementing
a common recording and programming
system for PPM. Records of all inspections
and repairs are maintained. Only
appropriately trained and competent
persons may maintain and/or operate
work equipment.
Lifting equipment, lifting
operations and pressure systems
The company has implemented
procedures that ensure that lifting
equipment and pressure systems are
safe to use, are used by appropriately
trained and competent persons, are
suitable for the intended purpose, that
lifting equipment is marked with a safe
working load (SWL) and is inspected
and thoroughly examined and, where
necessary, tested by a competent
person as required by legislation.
Inspection records are maintained.

17

Permit to work and

lock-off systems
The company has identified certain
types of activity that are particularly
hazardous, including (but not limited
to) hot work, electricity, machinery
and maintenance, working near water,
work in confined spaces and exposure
to dangerous substances and explosive
atmospheres, and controls these using
a permit to work system and/or an
appropriate lock-off and isolation
procedure as appropriate.

Workplace transport
Transport plays a key role in the
companys operations and the hazards
from moving vehicles and plant can be
significant. The company ensures that
risks are effectively controlled by

Working in confined spaces

The company has identified certain
operations that require employees
to enter and work in a confined
space. Controls and procedures
have been implemented to minimise
the risks involved. These only allow
such activities to be undertaken by
employees or contractors who are
competent and trained in accordance
with the National Occupational
Standards (NOS) NC1 4 for working
in confined spaces.
Electricity at work
The company has appointed
competent specialists to advise on
the management and control of
electricity and electrical systems and
has implemented procedures to
ensure that all fixed, portable and
transportable electrical equipment and
hard wired installations are correctly
inspected, tested and maintained by
competent persons at appropriate
intervals. Procedures are in place for
the isolation, reporting and repair/
replacement of faulty equipment.

n Segregation of people from mobile

equipment and vehicles
n

Management of transport activities

Training to recognised standards

Selection of equipment.

Transport fleet
Road going vehicles are highly
regulated. Viridor maintains its fleet
of vehicles to comply with appropriate
legislation and industry standards and
ensures drivers are competent.

Noise at work
Where risk assessment has identified
areas of excessive noise, appropriate
noise monitoring is conducted.
Where high noise levels cannot be
eliminated using reasonably practicable
measures, training and appropriate
PPE is provided and ear protection
zones are designated with appropriate
signage prominently displayed.
Musculoskeletal disorders
from manual handling and
repetitive work
Where practicable, the company
has eliminated the need for manual
handling by using various lifting
aids. Manual handling assessments
are conducted where practicable.
However, the nature of work in
the sector is highly variable and
employees are trained in safe lifting
techniques which includes assessing
risk from lifting and handling.
Where automation is not practical
and repetitive work is a necessary
part of processing, workplaces
and systems of work (which
might include staff rotation) are
implemented to control the risk.

Slips and trips

Slips and trips account for a significant
number of injuries and the company
recognises that slips and trips can
happen for a number of reasons including
n

Contamination and obstacles

The working environment

Footwear, flooring and

People.

The nature of waste handling

and collection and the location
of work is extremely variable and
often on premises not controlled
by the company. Risk assessment,
information, equipment and training
will assist to minimise risks from
slips, trips and other hazards.
Control of Substances Hazardous
to Health (COSHH)
The company has implemented
procedures to ensure that substances
potentially hazardous to health in
the workplace have been identified,
assessed and that exposure is
controlled. Where use of the substance
cannot be eliminated, a less harmful
substance is substituted along with safe
working practices to reduce the risk.
A central inventory of all substances
potentially hazardous to health is
held in addition to the appropriate
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
and risk assessment. Control measures
are maintained and records kept.

18

Occupational stress
Stress is not in itself an illness but can
result in psychological illness and may
contribute to physical illnesses. It can
be considered as the adverse reaction
people have to excessive pressure
or other types of demand placed on
them. The company is committed
to protecting the health, safety and
welfare of its employees and recognises
that workplace stress is a health
and safety issue and acknowledges
the importance of identifying and
reducing workplace stressors.
Violence in the work place
The company has a duty of care to
protect its employees from all forms
of harm including that which may
occur from persons outside of its
control e.g. customers, contractors
or members of the public. As such,
systems and procedures are in place
to ensure the safety of our employees
and (for areas where members of the
public are on our sites) clear warning
signs and information is displayed.
The use of CCTV is also in place
in many areas and the images are
recorded where appropriate. If a
verbal or physical attack against
one of our employees takes place,
the incident will be thoroughly
investigated and the police involved.
Viridor will press forward charges
against persons perpetrating acts of
violence whenever there is sufficient
evidence to secure a prosecution.
Counselling and support is provided
to employees who are subject to
acts of abuse and violence.

Display Screen Equipment (DSE)

The company has implemented
procedures to ensure that DSE
workstation assessments are carried
out. Where the findings of the
assessment identify employees
who use DSE as a significant part
of their normal work, the company
bears the cost of VDU eyesight
tests and contributes to the cost of
corrective eyewear where required.
Health and safety signs
and signals
Adequate and appropriate warning
signs that comply with the Health
and Safety (Safety Signs and
Signals) Regulations are posted
to warn of hazards at all Viridor
premises and work sites, and, where
appropriate, on work equipment.
Working at height
The company has implemented
standards and procedures to ensure
that where work at height cannot be
avoided, a suitable and sufficient risk
assessment is carried out and a safe
operating procedure is written for the
task. A permit to work at height is
required where risks are significant.
In addition, where planned work
involves sheeting of loads, maintaining
vehicle mounted equipment at
height, the use of cradles or cherry
pickers or other mechanical means
of working at height, appropriate
training is given to operators on the
correct use of the equipment.

19

Carriage of dangerous goods

To ensure compliance with the
Carriage of Dangerous Goods and use
of Transportable Pressure Equipment
Regulations (the Carriage Regulations),
the company maintains a number
of staff who are fully qualified as
Dangerous Goods Safety Advisers
(DGSA) and has adopted procedures
to ensure that all dangerous goods
are documented and transported in
compliance with the Regulations.
Construction, Design and
Management projects (CDM)
The company has implemented
project management procedures
to provide a control framework for
all construction work. HSE will be
notified when construction projects
are notifiable under the regulations.
Asbestos regulations
duty to manage
The company acknowledges the
health hazards arising from exposure
to asbestos and protects employees
and other persons potentially exposed
as far as is reasonably practicable.
Surveys have been undertaken on all
Viridor premises which have identified
the locations of asbestos containing
materials (ACM) and an asbestos
register is maintained and the condition
of ACM is monitored and remediated if
required. In addition, procedures have
been established to prevent work being
undertaken unless adequate control
measures are in place to prevent fibres
being released from ACM. Some
Viridor waste sites are licensed to
receive and dispose of asbestos.
Monitoring and procedures are in
place to comply with the legislation.

Acquisitions and integration

Viridor has been an acquisitive
company and continual expansion
forms part of its stated business
plans. In acquiring businesses and
contracts, Viridor is mindful of
different standards of health and
safety performance within the target
organisation. Consequently Viridor
has made and will continue to make
significant investment in hardware,
systems and people to effect the
changes required to bring new
organisations and their employees to
the standards that Viridor require.
Viridor will adopt any methods or
systems which bring improvement. The
focus shall always be on reducing risks
and potential harm, both during the
transition stage and in the on-going
operation of the acquired organisation.
This is particularly so when new or
complex technologies are employed.

Fire safety
The company takes all reasonable steps
to prevent fire on its premises through
design and organisation. A programme
of inspection and maintenance is
undertaken for raising the alarm, fire
fighting equipment and means of
escape. Employees are given adequate
training in the use of fire fighting
equipment. Fire evacuation drills are
practiced and reviewed at appropriate
intervals (according to site operations).
Unit Emergency Plans (UEP) are
established at each location.
Emergency procedures
Where risk assessment identifies
significant risk, the company has
implemented Unit Emergency Plans
(UEP) and associated procedures.
Employees receive training in
the actions to be taken in the
event of on-site emergencies.
Visitors and contractors receive
information and instruction on what
to do in the event of an emergency
as part of their site induction.

20

Measuring performance
Health surveillance programme

Reviewing performance
Management review

The company has implemented a

health surveillance programme to
monitor the health of all employees
who might be exposed to hazardous
substances, noise or occupational
health and disease risk at work as
identified by risk assessment.

The health and safety committee

formally reviews the Health, Safety and
Welfare Management System to ensure
its effectiveness, and compliance with
current health and safety legislation on
an annual basis. However, amendments
may be introduced at any time.

The company has appointed external

occupational health professionals
to operate the companys health
surveillance programme, screening
employees who have been
identified by their job role as being
at risk of exposure and enabling
any adverse health effects to be
identified at an early stage so that
appropriate action can be taken.

Culture
In addition to the routine opportunities
to communicate through RES and
other communication channels, at
appropriate intervals the company
will carry out surveys to gauge
the effectiveness of its safety and
health programmes, how they are
communicated, viewed and applied.
The results will be used to further
actively engage with all employees
to achieve Viridors objectives of a
positive culture and sensible control
of risk, to the benefit of employees,
the business and its partners.

All line managers have health and safety

responsibility as part of their role profiles
(job descriptions) and they are regularly
reviewed against this as part of the
performance appraisal review process.
Partnerships
The company recognises the benefits
of working with other organisations to
improve health and safety standards
within Viridor and the sector in
general. To this end, it is supportive
of and contributes to the work of the
Health and Safety Executive (HSE),
Environmental Services Association
(ESA), Chartered Institution of Wastes
Management (CIWM), Waste Industry
Safety and Health (WISH) forum and
Energy and Utility Skills (EU Skills) and
other organisations as appropriate.
Suggestions
The company seeks to set the highest
sensible standards of safe and healthy
working for its employees and anyone
who may be affected by any of its
operational activities and welcomes
suggestions from stakeholders on
ways to further improve standards of
health and safety.

Design: 375.co.uk

Viridor
Head Office
Viridor House
Youngman Place
Priory Bridge Road
Taunton TA1 1AP
Tel: 01823 721 400
viridor.co.uk

Regional Offices
South East: 01732 229 200
South West: 01823 728 800
North:
0161 872 0976
Scotland:
0141 781 9151
enquiries@viridor.co.uk

When you have finished with

this brochure please recycle it.
This brochure is printed on
100% recycled paper stock.