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Health & Safety Policy

Health & Safety Policy

Soul of the Junction SCIO

Charity Number: SC053656
Adopted: 10.01.2026
Review date: 09.01.2027

1. Policy statement

Soul of the Junction SCIO is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all who use, visit or work in our community spaces. This includes members of the public, children, volunteers, trustees, staff, contractors and visitors.

We recognise our duty of care under health and safety legislation and will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent accidents, injuries and ill health.

2. Scope of the policy

This policy applies to:

  • Trustees

  • Volunteers and staff

  • Contractors and suppliers

  • Participants and visitors

It covers all activities delivered by Soul of the Junction SCIO, including:

  • Community hall use and events

  • Children’s activities, soft play and sensory rooms

  • Cinema screenings (indoor and outdoor)

  • Workshops, meetings and social activities

  • Building works, maintenance and renovation

3. Legal framework

This policy is informed by and complies with:

  • Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

  • Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

  • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002

  • Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013

  • Fire (Scotland) Act 2005

  • Equality Act 2010

4. Responsibilities

Trustees

The Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for:

  • Ensuring health and safety arrangements are in place

  • Providing adequate resources

  • Reviewing and approving this policy

Health & Safety Lead

The Trustees appoint a Health & Safety Lead responsible for:

  • Monitoring health and safety practices

  • Ensuring risk assessments are completed

  • Recording and reporting incidents

  • Liaising with contractors and insurers

Volunteers & Staff

All volunteers and staff must:

  • Take reasonable care of their own health and safety

  • Follow procedures and guidance

  • Report hazards, accidents or near misses immediately

  • Not misuse equipment or safety features

Contractors

All contractors must:

  • Work safely and comply with relevant legislation

  • Provide appropriate risk assessments and insurance

  • Follow site rules and safeguarding requirements

5. Risk assessments

Soul of the Junction SCIO carries out risk assessments for:

  • Activities and events

  • Children’s sessions and soft play

  • Cinema screenings (including outdoor events)

  • Use of equipment and spaces

  • Building works and maintenance

Risk assessments are:

  • Proportionate and practical

  • Reviewed regularly

  • Shared with volunteers and facilitators as appropriate

6. Fire safety

We are committed to maintaining fire safety by:

  • Carrying out regular fire risk assessments

  • Maintaining clear fire exits and signage

  • Ensuring fire extinguishers and alarms are checked

  • Briefing volunteers and users on evacuation procedures

Fire evacuation procedures are displayed within the building.

7. First aid & accidents

We ensure:

  • First aid kits are available and maintained

  • Designated first aiders where required

  • All accidents, incidents and near misses are recorded

Serious incidents are reported in line with RIDDOR and to insurers where necessary.

8. Children & vulnerable adults

Health and safety arrangements take account of:

  • Age-appropriate supervision

  • Safe use of equipment

  • Sensory considerations

  • Clear boundaries and safeguarding procedures

Parents or carers remain responsible for children unless stated otherwise.

9. Equipment & facilities

We ensure:

  • Equipment is suitable, safe and well-maintained

  • Faulty equipment is removed from use

  • Storage areas are kept tidy and secure

  • Floors, walkways and entrances are kept clear

10. Hazardous substances (COSHH)

Where hazardous substances are used (e.g. cleaning products):

  • COSHH assessments are completed

  • Products are stored safely

  • Appropriate information and training is provided

11. Manual handling

We:

  • Avoid manual handling where possible

  • Provide guidance on safe lifting

  • Use appropriate equipment for heavy items

12. Lone working

Where lone working is unavoidable:

  • Risks are assessed

  • Clear procedures are followed

  • Contact arrangements are in place

13. Reporting concerns

All health and safety concerns should be reported immediately to:

📧 soulofthejunction@gmail.com

Concerns will be addressed promptly and without prejudice.

14. Monitoring & review

This policy is:

  • Reviewed annually

  • Updated following incidents, changes in activities or legislation

  • Communicated to all relevant parties

Approval

This Health & Safety Policy was approved by the Board of Trustees of Soul of the Junction SCIO on:

Date: _09.01.2026
Signed: _S SAVOVA
Role: Trustee

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