Health and Safety Policy

Health and Safety Policy

Start Communications is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, visitors, and others who may be affected by our activities. We strive to achieve the highest standards of health and safety in line with legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and all other applicable UK regulations.

Health and safety are integral to our operations and we actively promote a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility.

1. Our Commitment

  • Provide and maintain safe plant, equipment, and working environments.
  • Assess and manage risks associated with our activities.
  • Ensure the safe use, handling, storage, and transport of materials and equipment.
  • Provide clear instructions, training, and supervision to ensure staff are competent to carry out their duties safely.
  • Engage and consult with employees on matters affecting their health and safety.
  • Ensure all incidents and near misses are reported, investigated, and lessons learned.
  • Regularly review and improve our health and safety practices and performance.

2. Responsibilities

Directors and Senior Management

  • Hold ultimate responsibility for health and safety within Start Communications.
  • Ensure adequate resources are available to meet health and safety commitments.
  • Promote a culture of safety through leadership and communication.

Line Managers and Supervisors

  • Implement the health and safety policy within their areas of responsibility.
  • Conduct regular risk assessments and ensure control measures are effective.
  • Ensure staff are trained and understand their responsibilities.

Employees

  • Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others.
  • Cooperate with the company on health and safety matters.
  • Report hazards, unsafe conditions, or incidents to their line manager immediately.

Contractors and Visitors

  • Must comply with this policy and relevant safety procedures when on Start Communications premises or working on our behalf.

3. Risk Assessments and Safe Systems of Work

We will carry out regular risk assessments of our activities, particularly those involving:

  • On-site installation and maintenance of telecoms equipment.
  • Work at height or in confined spaces.
  • Use of electrical and communication tools and testing devices.
  • Lone working and driving for work.

Control measures are implemented and documented.

4. Training and Supervision

All employees will receive appropriate health and safety training:

  • During induction.
  • When roles or responsibilities change.
  • When new equipment or procedures are introduced.

Ongoing refresher training and toolbox talks are provided where necessary.

5. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported immediately to a line manager.

  • Record all incidents in the accident book or internal reporting system.
  • Investigate thoroughly to determine root causes.
  • Implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Serious incidents are reported to the relevant enforcing authority as required by RIDDOR.

6. Emergency Procedures

Emergency procedures are in place for fire, first aid, and evacuation. These are communicated to all staff and tested regularly through drills.

Each office or site has a designated Fire Marshal and First Aiders.

7. Review and Monitoring

All accidents, incidents, and near misses are reported immediately to a line manager.

  • Reviewed annually or sooner if there are significant changes in our operations or legislation.
  • Monitored for effectiveness through internal audits, inspections, and staff feedback.