Arrangements for managing Health and Safety in schools

Risk Management

The Council is committed to the management of risk in its widest sense in the delivery of its services. The school endorses this holistic approach and undertakes to apply the principles of risk management to every aspect of the running of the school. Management processes will consider any risk

that may pose a significant threat to the school activities, buildings, infrastructure, assets, employees and pupils

that may affect the continued and efficient running of the school, or

that may expose the school to adverse publicity, legal sanction or financial loss

Such risks will be evaluated as part of the normal management processes and appropriate steps will be taken to avoid them wherever possible, or to introduce measures that reduce them to an acceptable level

Risk Assessment The basis of health and safety management

Health and Safety legislation, notably the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 requires employers to carry out risk assessments of work activities. Written records must be kept of the findings of these assessments and of the measures that are required to minimise these risks or eliminate them entirely. A corporate policy has been developed on risk assessment together with guidance on the process. The agreed format for the forms used in the recording of risk assessments is contained in these documents and should be used in school.

It is the duty of the LEA to ensure that a suitable risk assessment programme is drawn up and it is the duty of the Headteacher to ensure that this is developed and implemented in school by persons who have sufficient training, experience and knowledge of the areas of work to be assessed. The progress with the programme will be reported to the governing body.

The risk assessment programme for the School, developed with any necessary advice from the Health, Safety and Welfare team in Human Resources will prioritise the assessment of work activities and will result in a schedule of remedial measures that are required to eliminate or control risks in those activities.

Records of assessment must be kept for a minimum of five years. Documentation of the risk assessment programme will necessarily include completed assessment sheets, schedules of improvements and any reports, reviews and updates.

Remedial action required as a result of the risk assessments will be implemented as soon as is practicable. The Headteacher on behalf of the Governors will be responsible for ensuring that a prioritised programme is drawn up and followed and that any changes in working practice are introduced only after appropriate consultation with employees and trades unions.

Risk assessments will be required before new equipment or substances are brought into use in the school. Existing assessments will be reviewed at intervals determined by the assessment process and will be revised as necessary and when working activities or circumstances change and in the light of new information, legislation or guidance.

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