Policies: Health & Safety Policy

1. Statement of Intent
Amhurst Hotel is committed to providing a safe, well-managed and continuously
improving environments for all employees, guests, contractors and visitors.
We recognise our duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated
legislation and adopt a proactive and risk-based approach to identifying, managing and
reducing risks.
Our approach ensures that health and safety is embedded within day-to-day operations,
supporting safe service delivery, protecting individuals and promoting wellbeing.
We will:
- Prevent accidents and work-related ill health through effective risk management
- Maintain safe premises, equipment and systems of work
- Ensure staff are trained, competent and supported
- Promote a positive safety culture where concerns are identified and addressed
promptly
- Continuously review and improve our health and safety arrangements

2. Leadership, Governance and Accountability
Health and safety is led by the Directors, who have overall accountability for ensuring
effective implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement.
Management will:
- Ensure policies and procedures are clearly defined, implemented and regularly
reviewed
- Allocate appropriate resources to manage risks effectively
- Maintain oversight of risk assessments and control measures
- Monitor compliance and take timely corrective action where required
This ensures a structured and accountable approach, aligned with best practice.

3. Responsibilities

Management
- Implement and monitor health and safety arrangements
- Ensure risk assessments are completed and reviewed
- Provide guidance, supervision and support to staff

Staff
- Take reasonable care of their own safety and others
- Follow procedures and safe systems of work
- Report hazards, incidents and concerns promptly

Contractors
- Must be competent, qualified and insured
- Provide risk assessments and method statements where required
- Comply with site-specific health and safety arrangements

4. Risk Management and Control
We operate a robust, evidence-based risk management framework, with risk assessments
covering all key operational areas.
Core Risks Include:
- Fire safety and emergency evacuation
- Slips, trips and environmental hazards
- Manual handling
- Equipment and building safety
- Infection prevention and control
- Staff safety, including lone working

Additional Risks (Council Placements and Vulnerable Individuals)
Where accommodating individuals through council placements, including those with
complex needs or no recourse to public funds (NRPF), we recognise additional risks,
including:
- Safeguarding and vulnerability
- Behavioural risks and conflict between residents
- Visitors and access control
- Mental health and wellbeing considerations
- Communication barriers (including language)

Control Measures
We manage these risks through:
- Clear house rules and behavioural expectations
- Monitoring of occupancy and resident wellbeing
- Secure key management and access control
- Staff awareness of safeguarding concerns and escalation routes
- Prompt reporting of incidents to relevant authorities (including within required
timeframes)
Risk assessments are regularly reviewed and updated dynamically, ensuring controls
remain effective.

5. Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness
We maintain a robust and well-evidenced fire safety framework, including:
- Up-to-date fire risk assessments
- Regular testing and maintenance of fire systems
- Clearly marked escape routes and evacuation procedures
- Staff training and routine fire drills
This ensures a safe, coordinated and timely response in emergency situations.

6. Incident Reporting and Learning
We operate a clear and responsive incident reporting system, ensuring that:
- All incidents, near misses and concerns are recorded
- Investigations identify root causes
- Learning is embedded into practice
We ensure that relevant incidents are reported to the Council within required timeframes,
supporting compliance and safeguarding.

7. Training and Workforce Competence
All staff receive:
- Structured induction training
- Ongoing refresher training in key areas (health & safety, safeguarding, fire safety)
- Clear guidance and supervision
This ensures staff are competent, confident and able to manage risks effectively.

8. Contractor and Supply Chain Management
We ensure that all contractors:
- Are appropriately vetted and competent
- Work in line with health and safety requirements
- Are monitored while on-site
We prioritise suppliers who demonstrate strong health and safety standards, ensuring
consistent risk management across our supply chain.

9. Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
We adopt a continuous improvement approach, including:
- Regular inspections and audits
- Review of incidents and trends
- Ongoing evaluation of control measures
This ensures that our approach remains effective, proportionate and aligned with best
practice.

10. Policy Review
This policy will be:
- Reviewed annually
- Updated in response to legislative, operational or risk changes

Next Review Date:
4 January 2027

11. Approval
This policy is approved and endorsed by:
Name: C Muller
Position: Director
Date: 04/01/2026