Health & Safety Policy

Our Policy Statement

KL Drainage is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of all employees, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our drainage operations. We believe that all workplace injuries and ill health are preventable and strive to achieve the highest standards of health and safety performance.

Our Objectives

• Prevent accidents and work-related ill health
• Comply with all relevant health and safety legislation
• Provide safe working conditions and practices
• Ensure all staff are competent and properly trained
• Continuously improve our safety performance
• Protect customers and the public during our operations

Risk Assessment Process

We carry out comprehensive risk assessments for all our activities:

• Site-Specific Assessments: Evaluation of each work location before starting
• Activity Risk Assessments: Analysis of specific tasks and operations
• Dynamic Risk Assessment: Ongoing evaluation during work progress
• Equipment Risk Assessment: Safety evaluation of all tools and machinery

Common Drainage Industry Hazards

• Confined Spaces: Manholes, chambers, and underground areas
• Hazardous Gases: Methane, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide
• Biological Hazards: Bacteria, viruses, and contaminated water
• Manual Handling: Heavy equipment and materials
• Excavation Risks: Ground collapse, utility strikes, falling objects
• Traffic and Public Safety: Working near roads and pedestrian areas
• Chemical Exposure: Cleaning agents and treatment chemicals

Confined Space Entry

• All confined spaces assessed and classified before entry
• Gas detection equipment used for atmospheric testing
• Continuous air monitoring during work
• Emergency rescue procedures in place
• Proper ventilation and breathing apparatus when required
• Safety harnesses and retrieval systems used

Excavation Safety

• Underground utility location before digging
• Proper shoring and support systems
• Safe means of access and egress
• Separation of pedestrians and vehicles from work areas
• Continuous monitoring of excavation stability
• Emergency evacuation procedures

Chemical Safety

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) available for all chemicals
• Proper storage and handling procedures
• Personal protective equipment for chemical exposure
• Emergency eyewash and first aid facilities
• Environmental protection measures

Standard PPE Requirements

All KL Drainage employees are provided with and required to use:

• Safety Helmets: For protection from falling objects and head impacts
• High-Visibility Clothing: To ensure visibility in all working conditions
• Safety Footwear: Steel-toed boots with slip-resistant soles
• Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles as appropriate
• Hand Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves for contaminated environments
• Hearing Protection: When operating loud machinery

Specialized PPE

Additional protection used when required:

• Respiratory Protection: Masks and breathing apparatus for hazardous atmospheres
• Chemical Suits: Full body protection for contaminated environments
• Fall Protection: Harnesses and safety lines for working at height
• Gas Detection Equipment: Personal gas monitors for confined spaces

Employee Training Programs

• Induction Training: Health and safety orientation for all new employees
• Job-Specific Training: Training for specific drainage operations and equipment
• Confined Space Training: Specialized training for safe entry procedures
• First Aid Training: Emergency response and basic medical training
• Equipment Training: Safe operation of all tools and machinery
• Refresher Training: Regular updates and skills maintenance

Certifications and Qualifications

• CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) cards
• Confined space entry certificates
• First aid certification
• Equipment-specific operation licenses
• Hazardous substance handling certification

Emergency Response Plan

• Immediate Response: Secure area and provide first aid
• Emergency Services: Contact 999 for serious incidents
• Medical Emergency: Qualified first aiders on all work teams
• Evacuation Procedures: Safe evacuation routes and assembly points
• Communication: Notify management and relevant authorities
• Investigation: Full investigation of all incidents

Incident Reporting

• All accidents, near misses, and hazardous occurrences reported
• RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) compliance
• Customer notification for incidents affecting their property
• Corrective actions implemented to prevent recurrence

Site Safety Measures

• Work Area Isolation: Barriers and signage to protect the public
• Customer Communication: Clear explanation of safety requirements
• Children and Pets: Ensuring they are kept away from work areas
• Property Protection: Measures to prevent damage during operations
• Clean-Up Procedures: Thorough cleaning and sanitization after work

Public Health Protection

• Prevention of contamination spread
• Proper disposal of waste materials
• Environmental protection measures
• Compliance with public health regulations

Equipment Maintenance

• Regular inspection and maintenance schedules
• Pre-use safety checks for all equipment
• Immediate withdrawal of defective equipment
• Qualified technicians for repairs and servicing
• Safety certification for specialized equipment

Vehicle Safety

• Regular MOT and safety inspections
• Driver license and qualification checks
• Safe loading and transportation procedures
• Emergency equipment carried in all vehicles
• GPS tracking for emergency location

Relevant Legislation

We comply with all applicable health and safety legislation including:

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• Confined Spaces Regulations 1997
• Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
• Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
• Work at Height Regulations 2005
• Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992

Insurance Coverage

• £5M Public Liability Insurance
• Equipment and vehicle insurance

Safety Performance Monitoring

• Regular safety audits and inspections
• Performance indicators and safety metrics
• Employee feedback and suggestions
• Industry best practice review
• Regulatory compliance monitoring

Policy Review and Updates

• Annual review of all safety policies and procedures
• Updates based on incident investigations
• Incorporation of new regulations and standards
• Employee consultation on safety improvements
• Management commitment to continuous improvement

For health and safety concerns or emergency situations: