Health & Safety Policy Statement

HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT

Safety is not about statistics. It is not separate from our church. It is central to everything we do, and we absolutely do not compromise on it.
Even one accident is one too many.
If something is not safe, do not do it.

If each and every one of us puts safety at the heart of everything we do, together we can keep the church safe, for our fellow members, and the general public.
　
How can we make sure that safety is at the centre of everything we do?

Being open and honest
We all have a duty to report and share information. It is not just accidents and emergencies that need to be recorded, but also those close calls. Getting that feedback means we will learn and get better at what we do. Let us understand what went wrong, why it went wrong, and how we can make improvements.

Working with others
Safety is not just a personal responsibility. Our partners in the church community, our health and safety wardens and marshalls, our contractors have a critical role in making the church safer. As a church, we need to share experiences and information and learn from each other.

Embracing safety
It can be easy for people to see safety as getting in the way and slowing us down. The truth is that working safely improves the environment. Churches that are organised, fit, invariably do well and have fewer accidents. If you think about it, shortcuts are often when accidents happen. So do not take them.

Making our procedures clear
As a church, we need to make sure that people understand what they need to do to stay safe. Our processes, safe work systems and basic rules are much more likely to be remembered and adhered to if they are presented in a clear and uncomplicated way.

Trusting our instincts
If something does not feel safe, the chances are it is not. So, do not do it, stop the job and speak up. If you see others doing something that feels risky, stop them and report it.

Erol Baduna
Health and Safety Officer
St John Evangelist Church
July 2013