LloydysWorld CIC – Health & Safety Policy
Effective from: August 2026 Reviewed annually or sooner if required
Policy Statement
LloydysWorld CIC is committed to ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of its volunteers, staff, beneficiaries, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our activities.
As a Community Interest Company working with vulnerable individuals, including prison leavers, ex-offenders, homeless people, and those in crisis, we recognise our duty to maintain safe working practices, safe premises, safe equipment, and a safe environment for all.
We comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and promote a positive safety culture across the organisation. All volunteers, staff, and partners are required to cooperate with this policy and take reasonable care of their own safety and the safety of others.
1. Responsibilities
Organisation Responsibilities
LloydysWorld CIC will:
● Provide and maintain safe systems of work.
● Ensure all equipment, tools, and facilities are safe and fit for purpose.
● Identify, assess, and manage health and safety risks.
● Investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses.
● Provide appropriate information, instruction, and training.
● Monitor compliance with health and safety requirements.
● Promote safe working practices and safeguarding awareness.
● Review this policy regularly.
Volunteer & Staff Responsibilities
All volunteers and staff must:
● Take reasonable care of their own health and safety.
● Protect the safety of beneficiaries, visitors, and colleagues.
● Follow LloydysWorld CIC policies and procedures.
● Use equipment safely and responsibly.
● Report hazards, incidents, defects, or concerns immediately.
● Maintain a safe, clean, and organised working environment.
● Cooperate fully with any safety investigation.
2. Safe Working Practices
Volunteers and staff must:
● Follow manual handling guidance when sorting, lifting, or moving donations.
● Use tools (e.g., sewing machines, irons, repair tools) safely and only if trained.
● Keep walkways clear and maintain a tidy workspace.
● Wear appropriate clothing and PPE where required.
● Follow hygiene procedures when handling clothing and textiles.
● Ensure fire exits and escape routes remain unobstructed.
Unsafe behaviour, negligence, or disregard for safety procedures will not be tolerated.
3. Fitness to Work
Individuals must not work while:
● Under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
● Impaired by medication.
● Suffering from fatigue that may affect safe working.
● Experiencing a medical condition that makes participation unsafe.
Any condition affecting fitness to work must be reported to management immediately.
4. Equipment & Premises Safety
Daily checks should include:
● Cleanliness and organisation of work areas.
● Condition of tools, machinery, and electrical equipment.
● Trip hazards, spillages, or obstructions.
● Fire safety equipment and exits.
● Adequate lighting and ventilation.
Faulty or unsafe equipment must not be used until repaired or replaced.
5. Beneficiary & Visitor Safety
Volunteers and staff must:
● Treat all beneficiaries with dignity, respect, and sensitivity.
● Provide assistance where appropriate, especially to vulnerable individuals.
● Ensure safe movement around the premises.
● Follow safeguarding procedures at all times.
● Report any safeguarding concerns immediately.
Beneficiary safety is a priority during all interactions and activities.
6. Lone Working
Some activities may involve lone working. Individuals should:
● Remain aware of personal safety risks.
● Keep communication devices available.
● Avoid confrontation and withdraw from unsafe situations.
● Report suspicious or threatening behaviour.
● Contact emergency services where necessary.
No volunteer or staff member should place themselves at risk.
7. Violence, Aggression & Abuse
LloydysWorld CIC operates a zero-tolerance policy towards:
● Violence
● Threats
● Harassment
● Abuse
● Discrimination
Individuals should:
● Stay calm.
● Avoid escalating situations.
● Remove themselves from danger.
● Report incidents immediately.
Serious incidents may be reported to the police or relevant authorities.
8. Manual Handling
When handling donations, bags, boxes, or equipment:
● Assess the load before lifting.
● Use safe lifting techniques.
● Avoid lifting excessively heavy items.
● Ask for assistance when needed.
● Use trolleys or lifting aids where available.
No individual should place themselves at risk of injury.
9. Accident & Incident Reporting
All accidents, incidents, near misses, and injuries must be reported as soon as reasonably practicable.
Reports should include:
● Date and time
● Location
● Description of events
● Persons involved
● Any injuries
● Equipment or materials involved
Full cooperation with investigations is required.
10. Fire Safety
Individuals should:
● Be aware of fire hazards.
● Keep areas free from unnecessary combustible materials.
● Report electrical or mechanical faults immediately.
● Stop work and evacuate if a fire is suspected.
● Prioritise personal and beneficiary safety at all times.
11. Drug & Alcohol Policy
The use, possession, or influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while volunteering or working is strictly prohibited.
Breaches may result in removal from volunteering duties or termination of involvement.
12. Mental Health & Wellbeing
LloydysWorld CIC recognises the importance of wellbeing. Individuals are encouraged to:
● Take breaks.
● Manage fatigue.
● Seek support when needed.
● Report wellbeing concerns that may affect safe working.
13. Reporting Hazards
Volunteers and staff should report:
● Unsafe practices
● Equipment defects
● Dangerous locations
● Security concerns
● Any matter affecting health and safety
All reports will be investigated and appropriate action taken.
14. Training & Awareness
Mandatory training may include:
● Health & Safety
● Safeguarding
● Equality & Diversity
● Data Protection
● Volunteer Conduct
● Emergency Procedures
Participation in required training is a condition of involvement with LloydysWorld CIC.
15. Monitoring & Review
The organisation will regularly review:
● Accident and incident reports
● Safety concerns
● Volunteer feedback
● Complaints
● Legislative changes
This ensures continuous improvement of health and safety standards.
16. Breaches of Policy
Failure to comply with this policy may result in:
● Verbal warning
● Written warning
● Suspension from volunteering
● Removal from the organisation
● Referral to relevant authorities where appropriate
