| 1. Statement of Intent |
| Prostart recognises and accepts its legal responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated legislation to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all employees, apprentices, learners and others who may be affected by its activities, including members of the public. Prostart is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy working and learning environment and to promoting a positive health and safety culture through effective leadership, consultation, training and continuous improvement. Health and safety is regarded as an integral part of the organisation’s operations and delivery of Apprenticeships and 16–19 study programmes. Prostart will work in partnership with employers, staff, apprentices and learners to ensure that health and safety, equality, diversity, safeguarding and wellbeing are embedded throughout all programmes and activities. This policy sets out Prostart’s organisational arrangements and responsibilities for managing health and safety and ensures that all staff, apprentices and learners understand their duties |
| 2. Background |
| Prostart delivers Apprenticeships and 16–19 education and training programmes across a range of employer settings. As a training provider, Prostart has responsibilities both as an employer and as a provider overseeing the health and safety of apprentices and learners placed with partner employers. |
| 3. Organisation and Responsibilities |
| 3.1 Overall Responsibility Overall and final responsibility for health and safety rests with: Denise Newcomb – Managing Director The Managing Director provides visible leadership, ensures adequate resources are made available and promotes a strong health and safety culture across the organisation. 3.2 Health and Safety Governance A Health and Safety Team meets quarterly to review performance, incidents, risk assessments and compliance. Urgent matters are escalated immediately to the Health and Safety Advisor, who has delegated authority to take prompt action where required. 3.3 Health and Safety Advisor Responsibilities The Health and Safety Advisor will: • Ensure health and safety arrangements are implemented, maintained and reviewed • Investigate accidents and incidents, identify trends and implement corrective and preventative actions • Ensure recommendations from audits, inspections and reviews are implemented without delay • Coordinate health and safety maintenance, servicing and compliance activities • Coordinate health and safety training for staff, apprentices and learners • Provide competent advice to management on health and safety matters 3.4 Employee Responsibilities All employees have a legal duty to: • Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others • Co-operate with Prostart on all health and safety matters • Follow safe systems of work, instructions and training provided • Use equipment and safety devices correctly and not misuse or interfere with them • Report hazards, near misses, accidents or concerns immediately Failure to comply with health and safety requirements may result in disciplinary action. |
| 4. Arrangements for Health and Safety | |
| Prostart will, so far as is reasonably practicable, ensure that: • Adequate resources are provided to manage health and safety effectively • Suitable and sufficient risk assessments are undertaken, recorded and reviewed at least annually or when circumstances change • Safe systems of work are established and maintained • Arrangements for the safe use, handling, storage and transport of substances and equipment are in place • All staff, apprentices and learners receive appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision • Health surveillance is provided where required • Plant, equipment and work environments are safe and properly maintained • Workplaces provide safe access, egress and welfare facilities • Monitoring and review activities are undertaken to maintain agreed standards • Effective consultation and communication takes place on health and safety matters Additional arrangements include: • All staff receive health and safety training appropriate to their role • A senior manager holds a NEBOSH qualification • Health and safety updates are provided through regular staff meetings • All employer partners are pre-vetted prior to apprentice or learner placement • Employer health and safety arrangements are monitored at least annually • Apprentices and learners receive induction covering: o Health and Safety o Equality, Diversity and Inclusion o Safeguarding and Prevent o British Values and online safety • Health, safety and wellbeing awareness is reinforced through quality reviews and communications • A formal accident and incident reporting procedure is in place • RIDDOR-reportable incidents are reported in accordance with statutory requirements | |
| 5. Duties of Apprentices and Learners | |
| All apprentices and learners are expected to: • Understand the importance of health and safety • Recognise hazards and understand risk control measures • Act responsibly and follow instructions and training • Take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others • Report hazards, incidents or concerns promptly • Not interfere with or misuse anything provided for health and safety | |
| 6. Monitoring, Review and Communication | |
| This policy will be reviewed at least annually or sooner if there are significant changes in legislation, organisational activities or following an incident. Any amendments will be communicated to all staff and made available to apprentices and learners as appropriate. | |
| 7. Risk Assessment | |
| Prostart will maintain written risk assessments in accordance with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, covering risks to employees, apprentices, learners and others who may be affected by its activities | |
| 8. Related Documents | |
| • Health and Safety Procedures • Safeguarding & Prevent Policy • Staff Handbook • Fire Safety Policy • First Aid Policy | • Emergency Plan • Working from Home Policy • Duty of Care Policy • Mental Health & Wellbeing at Work Policy • Infectious Diseases in the Workplace Policy |
Signed Denise Newcomb – Managing Director
Date: 12/01/2026
Review date: 12/01/2027