Health and Safety Policy
Introduction. Sunny Side Sailing School is fully committed to ensuring the health, well-being, and safety of all students, instructors, staff, and persons using or connected with the Company. While sailing and water sports inherently involve some risks, our priority is to create a safe environment where all activities can be enjoyed responsibly. Safety is a shared responsibility across the entire community, and this policy outlines the measures in place to mitigate risks and promote a culture of safety.
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In implementing this policy, Sunny Side Sailing will ensure that its vessels are, at all times, properly maintained and operated by qualified personnel in full compliance with relevant legislation. In particular Sunny Side Sailing will carry out an assessment of the risks to the health and safety of workers and others and will take the necessary measures to minimise the risks identified.
Statement of General Policy. Our objectives are:
• To provide and maintain a safe environment across all facilities and during all activities supported by the school.
• To ensure safe working systems for staff and volunteers.
• To equip and crew safety boats as recommended by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).
• To maintain all equipment and facilities to a high standard and ensure safe plant and machinery use.
• To offer comprehensive training on health and safety practices for all staff and volunteers.
• To take all reasonable steps to prevent accidents and incidents.
• To record, investigate, and learn from accidents, near misses, or hazardous events.
• To encourage open communication of any health and safety concerns from students, staff, or visitors.
• To review and update this policy, along with associated Risk Assessments, on an annual basis or following any significant incidents.
Responsibilities:
• Overall Responsibility. The Principal has overall responsibility for health and safety within the sailing school. The Principal is supported by a designated Health and Safety Officer, instructors, and all staff.
• Health and Safety Officer Responsibilities:
o Draft and maintain the Health and Safety Policy on behalf of the Principal.
o Conduct an annual review of the policy and associated Risk Assessments
o Liaise with the Principal, instructors, and staff to address health and safety concerns.
o Oversee the implementation of recommendations from Risk Assessments.
• Staff and Instructor Responsibilities:
o Conduct regular checks of facilities, equipment, and boats to ensure safety compliance.
o Provide appropriate safety briefings for all students before any activity.
o Ensure all students are equipped with appropriate safety gear, including lifejackets and harnesses.
o Encourage safe behaviours during sailing and training activities.
o Report any incidents, hazards, or near misses promptly to the Health and Safety Officer or Principal.
o Correctly use and maintain all safety equipment provided by the school.
• Student Responsibilities:
o Follow all safety instructions provided by instructors.
o Use safety equipment as directed and notify staff of any faults or concerns.
o Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.
o Report any hazards, accidents, or concerns to an instructor or staff member.
• Health and Safety Approach. Sunny Side Sailing School’s approach to health and safety includes:
o Conducting and regularly reviewing comprehensive Risk Assessments for all activities and facilities.
o Implementing measures to minimise identified risks.
o Providing adequately equipped and crewed safety boats for all practical sessions and events.
o Inspecting and maintaining all lifting and engineering plant in compliance with relevant regulations, including LOLER and PUWER.
o Offering health and safety training to staff and volunteers, both in-house and externally.
o Maintaining an accessible accident logbook for reporting and reviewing incidents.
o Investigating incidents thoroughly to prevent reoccurrence and implementing corrective actions.
o Discussing health and safety at regular staff meetings to ensure ongoing improvements.
• Equipment and Personal Responsibility
o The school ensures that all equipment provided, including boats, safety gear, and facilities, meets the highest safety standards.
o Personal equipment brought by students and staff must also meet appropriate safety requirements. The school reserves the right to inspect and prohibit the use of unsafe personal equipment.
o Students and staff are encouraged to secure third-party liability insurance for personal boats used during school activities.
Safety Culture. Sunny Side Sailing School fosters a proactive safety culture by:
• Encouraging staff, students, and visitors to report health and safety concerns promptly.
• Providing clear safety guidance during all training and activities.
• Promoting a collaborative approach to safety, recognising that it is a shared responsibility.
Policy Review. This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed annually by the Principal and Health and Safety Officer. Any significant incidents or changes in operational activities will prompt an immediate review to ensure continued compliance and effectiveness.