Eddroo – Health and Safety Policy
Policy Statement
At Eddroo, we are committed to promoting and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment. While we are a small consultancy business operated by a sole employee, we recognise the importance of effective health and safety practices in all areas of our work. This policy outlines our approach to managing health and safety risks to ensure the wellbeing of our founder, clients, and any third parties we may engage with.
1. Policy Aims
Through this policy, Eddroo aims to:
- Prevent accidents and cases of work-related ill health.
- Promote safe and healthy working conditions in all environments we operate in (home office, client sites, travel, etc.).
- Comply with applicable health and safety legislation.
2. Responsibilities
Owner: Mark Hodgkinson
As business owner, I am responsible for:
- Conducting informal but regular risk assessments.
- Ensuring that all work is carried out in a way that prioritises health and safety.
- Keeping up to date with relevant safety requirements.
- Following client site safety protocols where applicable.
- Taking reasonable care of my own health and wellbeing during work activities.
3. Work Environments
- Home Office: Maintained to ensure it is free from avoidable hazards, including secure electrical equipment, proper seating/desk ergonomics, and accessible escape routes.
- Client Sites: I adhere to all site-specific health and safety requirements and carry out a basic risk check before commencing any on-site activity.
- Travel: Travel is planned to minimise risk, using reputable transportation and following all relevant safety guidance (e.g., road safety, public transport rules, lone working awareness).
4. Risk Assessment
Regular informal assessments are conducted to identify and manage risks, including:
- Display screen use and posture.
- Slips, trips, and falls in the home or during site visits.
- Travel-related risks, including fatigue or lone working.
- Fire safety, including functional smoke alarms in the home office.
5. Equipment and Materials
- Office equipment is maintained in good condition.
- Any hazardous materials or equipment (if relevant) will be handled in line with legal requirements – though such use is rare in consultancy work.
- Electrical safety is monitored, avoiding overloaded sockets and using surge protection as needed.
6. Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Eddroo acknowledges the importance of mental health. Reasonable working hours, regular breaks, and time away from the screen are built into the way we work.
- As a business founded on trust and integrity, we prioritise sustainable working practices that protect long-term wellbeing.
7. Emergency Preparedness
- A first aid kit is available in the home office.
- Emergency services will be contacted immediately in the event of any serious incident.
- When working alone or off-site, a trusted contact is informed of my schedule.
8. Monitoring and Review
This policy is reviewed annually, or sooner if there is a significant change to operations or legislation.
Date of last review: 29th August 2024
Next review due: 29th August 2025
Mark Hodgkinson
Owner, Eddroo
29th August 2024