Health & Safety Policy

The Happy Faces Children’s Charity, hereafter referred to as the Charity is committed to achieving, so far as is reasonably practicable, the highest standards of Health & Safety for all volunteers and others who may be affected by the Charity’s undertakings. The Charity will comply with legislation and wherever possible seek to improve on that standard while providing volunteers and others a safe, healthy and supportive working environment. The Charity recognises that kiosk operations and fund-raising activities present a comparative low risk but will still ensure acceptable levels of Health and Safety are maintained by implementing the policy detailed below. The Charity will:

• Ensure that all significant risks are assessed with suitable control measures introduced designed to eliminate or reduce risk to an acceptable level.
• Provide the necessary information, instruction, training and supervision to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all volunteers, as well as others who may be affected by the Charity’s undertakings.
• Ensure that all equipment and materials provided for use by the volunteers are suitable and safe for use. Where warranted the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment will be provided.
• Provide safe access and egress to all premises used by the Charity as well as safe access to suitable welfare facilities that meet the needs of individual volunteers as required.
• Establish and maintain suitable emergency procedures for volunteers and others present in the kiosk or while working for the Charity at other locations.
• Ensure that the established emergency procedures are effective, sufficient and well known.
• Ensure that effective monitoring arrangements, in the form of audits, inspections and reviews, are in place to monitor the Health and Safety standards in order to confirm legal compliance.
• Ensure accurate records and all necessary documentation is created and maintained in order to meet legal compliance.
• Regularly consult with volunteers in matters regarding Health and Safety ensuring any changes or concerns are brought to the attention of all volunteers and others who may be affected.
• Encourage all volunteers and visitors to contribute towards developing a positive safety culture by influencing behaviour and encouraging a pro-active attitude towards Health and Safety.

The Charity considers the Health, Safety & Wellbeing of our volunteers to be of paramount importance. The Charity is committed to ensuring adequate attention and resources are made available to support and maintain the required standards needed to ensure the Health, Safety & Wellbeing of all involved or affected by the Charity’s undertaking.