Health and Safety Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of everyone who works at, uses, or visits The Dawn Lister Therapy Centre (DLTC). This includes self-employed therapists, trainees, supervisors, clients, visitors, and Directors.

DLTC is committed to providing a safe working environment, complying with health and safety legislation, and fostering a culture of shared responsibility.

2. Legal Framework
  • Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
  • The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
  • The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013
  • The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
  • The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
3. Responsibilities

DLTC Directors

  • Implement and review this policy annually.
  • Identify and control potential hazards within the premises.
  • Provide risk assessments and ensure emergency procedures are clearly displayed.
  • Ensure fire alarms, extinguishers, and first-aid kits are available and maintained.
  • Report RIDDOR incidents promptly and accurately.
  • Ensure compliance with safeguarding, GDPR, and Lone Working policies.

Therapists, Supervisors, and Trainees

  • Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others.
  • Follow all DLTC safety procedures, including fire and emergency protocols.
  • Immediately report any hazards, accidents, or near misses to a Director.
  • Complete personal risk assessments when appropriate (e.g., for lone working or vulnerable clients).
  • Maintain awareness of first-aid locations and emergency exits.
4. First Aid and Emergencies

First-aid supplies are available in the kitchen area.
In the event of a serious incident or injury, emergency services (999) must be contacted immediately, followed by notification to a DLTC Director. All accidents, however minor, must be recorded in the Accident and Incident Log (appendix 1).

5. Fire Safety
  • Fire exits and evacuation routes must remain unobstructed at all times.
  • All staff and therapists must familiarise themselves with fire safety procedures during induction.
  • Fire alarms are tested regularly, and evacuation procedures are clearly outlined around the Centre.
  • In the event of fire evacuate the building immediately, and do not re-enter until authorised.
6. Lone Working

This policy should be read alongside the Lone Working Policy. DLTC recognises that therapists and teachers may occasionally work alone in the building. To reduce associated risks:

  • No trainees may work in the centre alone.
  • Lone workers must ensure that the front door remains locked between clients if no other colleagues are present.
  • Emergency contact procedures must be agreed before lone working begins.
7. Incident Reporting

All incidents and near misses must be reported to a DLTC Director within 24 hours. A written record will be maintained in the Incident Log ( (appendix 1) and reviewed during the annual policy audit.

8. Risk Assessments
  • Fire safety and evacuation routes
  • Electrical safety (PAT testing)
  • Slip, trip, and fall hazards
  • Clinical and safeguarding risk (as defined in the Safeguarding Policy)

Therapists and trainees are encouraged to complete individual session risk assessments where client risk is identified (e.g., aggression).

9. Training and Review

All individuals using DLTC premises are required to attend induction and periodic training covering:
• Health and safety awareness
• Fire evacuation procedures
• First-aid awareness
• Safeguarding and GDPR responsibilities

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if legislation, operations, or location conditions change.

10. Review and Version Control

v7.11.25_Aligned – Revised for consistency with Lone Working, Safeguarding, and Complaints Policies. Clarified emergency response and reporting procedures.

Review Due: November 2026

 

 

 

APPENDIX 1

Incident and Accident Log Template

Version: v7.11.25_Aligned

Review Date: Annually or following any significant incident

Purpose

This log is used to record all incidents, accidents, near misses, or safety concerns occurring within DLTC premises or during DLTC-related activities (including lone working). Accurate and timely recording supports health, safety, and safeguarding compliance and enables lessons to be learned from all events.

Instructions for Completion
  • Complete this form as soon as possible after the incident or accident.
    • Submit the completed record to a DLTC Director within 24 hours.
    • If the incident involves injury, safeguarding concerns, or property damage, notify a Director immediately.
    • All information will be handled confidentially and stored in line with GDPR and DLTC’s Data Protection Policy.
1. Basic Information
Date of Incident / Accident
Time
Location (Room / Area / Off-site)
Person Completing Report
Role / Position
Contact Details
Persons Involved (Names, Roles, Contact if applicable)
2. Description of Incident / Accident

Describe what happened, in factual and chronological order (include events leading up to the incident, actions taken, and any immediate consequences):

 

3. Nature of Incident

☐ Accident (injury sustained)
☐ Near miss (no injury but potential for harm)
☐ Threat or aggression
☐ Security breach (unauthorised access, theft)
☐ Health or medical emergency
☐ Environmental hazard (fire, electrical fault, unsafe area)
☐ Safeguarding concern
☐ Other (please specify): _________________________

4. Injuries or Damage
Physical injury
Emotional distress
Property or equipment damage
First aid given (if applicable)
Medical treatment required
Emergency services contacted (yes/no)
5. Immediate Action Taken

Detail steps taken immediately following the incident (e.g., making area safe, assisting individuals, contacting emergency services):

 

 

 

6. Follow-Up Actions Required

Outline further actions to be taken (e.g., repairs, policy review, risk assessment, communication to staff, support offered):

7. Reporting and Review
Action Completed By Date / Time
Incident reported to DLTC Director
Entered in DLTC central Incident Log
Reviewed by Health & Safety / Safeguarding Lead
Follow-up discussion completed
8. Additional Notes
 

 

 

9. Sign-Off
Signature Name Role Date
Person Completing Report
DLTC Director / Reviewer
Retention and Confidentiality

All incident and accident reports will be securely retained for a minimum of seven years in accordance with DLTC’s Data Protection and Health & Safety policies. Records will be reviewed periodically to identify any patterns or areas for improvement.