Health & Safety Policy

Health and Safety Policy

1. Policy Statement

Natural Networks places great importance on the health, safety and welfare of those who work on our behalf, volunteer, and engage with our activities. We are committed to ensuring the safety of members of the public and fostering a positive health and safety culture throughout our work.

Natural Networks will comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated regulations. We recognise our duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all workers, volunteers, participants and members of the public affected by our activities.

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the Natural Networks Committee. Day-to-day implementation is delegated to the Health and Safety Lead, who is responsible for ensuring risk assessments are completed, incidents are reported, and procedures are followed.

We strive to ensure that our activities and services are conducted in a manner that prevents harm, injury, or damage to people, materials, property and the environment. We are equally committed to minimising environmental impact, reducing waste, and acting as good neighbours to communities near our operational areas.

Natural Networks will take every reasonable measure, including the provision of adequate resources, to:

• Protect the safety of members of the public during activities.
• Undertake suitable and sufficient risk assessments and implement resulting actions.
• Provide and maintain safe working systems and equipment.
• Provide information, instruction, training and supervision to enable safe working.
• Ensure trained First Aiders are present at each session.
• Maintain appropriate insurance for all planned activities.

This policy will be reviewed regularly, and revisions shared with freelance workers and volunteers.

2. Scope and Purpose

This Health and Safety Policy applies to:

• freelancers
• volunteers
• partner organisations
• anyone participating in Natural Networks activities

It sets out responsibilities and procedures designed to reduce accidents and ill health, in line with UK health and safety legislation and local authority guidance.

Many of our activities involve children, young people and adults taking appropriate, managed risks. We recognise that risk-taking supports learning, resilience and independence. Our role is to manage risk, not eliminate it unnecessarily.

3. Legal Compliance

Risk Assessment

Natural Networks will carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments for all activities, in accordance with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Risk assessments will be recorded and reviewed regularly.

Accident and Incident Reporting (RIDDOR)

All accidents, incidents and near misses will be recorded. Where necessary, reportable injuries or dangerous occurrences will be reported to the HSE under RIDDOR 2013.

First Aid

Natural Networks will provide appropriate first aid provision in accordance with the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.

Fire Safety

We will comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, assessing fire risks and ensuring emergency procedures are followed.

Insurance

Natural Networks will maintain public liability insurance. Where staff are employed, Employers’ Liability Insurance will be held and available on request.

Hazardous Substances (COSHH)

Any hazardous substances used (e.g. fuels, cleaning products) will be assessed and controlled in accordance with COSHH 2002.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where required through risk assessment, appropriate PPE will be provided in line with the PPE at Work Regulations 1992.

Consultation

Natural Networks will consult with freelance workers and volunteers on health and safety matters and encourage concerns to be raised openly.

4. Duties and Responsibilities

All workers and volunteers must:

• Take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others.
• Follow procedures and use equipment correctly.
• Report hazards, near misses and defects immediately.
• Contribute to ongoing risk assessment conversations.

Session Leads must:

• Ensure risk assessments are completed and followed.
• Model safe practices, including manual handling.
• Ensure tools and equipment are used correctly and maintained.

5. First Aid

Natural Networks will ensure:

• A trained First Aider is present at each session.
• First aid kits are stocked and accessible.
• All accidents are recorded and reviewed.
• First aid needs are assessed for each programme.

6. Fire Safety

Natural Networks will:

• Follow local authority guidance for fire activities.
• Risk-assess all fire use and ensure extinguishing equipment is available.
• Ensure only appropriately trained staff lead fire-based activities.

7. Manual Handling

We will:

• Avoid hazardous lifting where possible.
• Use correct handling techniques.
• Provide guidance and supervision.
• Implement control measures identified through risk assessment.

8. Equipment

• All new equipment will undergo hazard analysis.
• EU-purchased equipment must carry appropriate safety markings.
• Freelancers and partners are responsible for ensuring their own equipment is safe and compliant.

9. Food Safety and Hygiene

Natural Networks will comply with the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013, ensuring:

• Food handlers hold relevant hygiene certification.
• Safe storage and cooking practices are followed.
• Handwashing facilities are available.

10. Weather and Environment

We will:

• Monitor weather conditions.
• Ensure participants have appropriate clothing.
• Adjust or stop sessions where conditions become unsafe.

11. Safety Bag

A safety bag must be taken to every session and contain:

whistle/air horn, mobile phone, water, wipes, tissues, foil blanket, spare clothing, sleeping bag, shelter, first aid kit, fire-starting kit, multi-tool/knife.

12. Toilets

For sessions involving children or vulnerable adults, suitable toilet and hygiene facilities will be provided or clearly signposted.

13. Organisation and Arrangements

Detailed procedures supporting this policy include:

• Incident reporting
• Emergency procedures
• Supervision guidelines
• Safeguarding coordination
• Lone working guidance
• Training requirements

These are reviewed regularly and shared with relevant practitioners.

14. Risk Assessments

Risk assessments must:

• Identify hazards associated with activities.
• Evaluate the level of risk in terms of likelihood and severity.
• Implement control measures to eliminate or reduce risks.
• Be completed for all new activities before commencement.

Example Risk Assessment:

The Hazard	Who could be harmed?	How could they be harmed?	Level of risk (no controls)	Control Measures	Who will carry out controls?	Level of risk (with controls)
Knives (whittling)	Participants, trainers, volunteers	Cuts, lacerations, serious harm	High	Safety talk, demo, limited participants, safety gloves, tool counts, proper clothing, regular maintenance	Trainer	Low

Review Date

This policy will be reviewed on 01/01/2027.