Our Commitment
Guardsman Security Services Ltd is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of our employees, security personnel, contractors, clients and members of the public who may be affected by our activities.
We recognise that effective health and safety management is an essential part of delivering professional security services. We take all reasonably practicable steps to identify workplace hazards, assess risks and implement appropriate control measures to prevent injury, ill health and unsafe working practices.
Our health and safety arrangements are supported by risk assessments, site-specific assignment instructions, training, supervision, incident reporting and regular review.
Risk Assessment & Safe Working Practices
Before personnel are deployed, we consider the risks associated with the site and the duties they are expected to perform.
- carry out and review suitable and sufficient risk assessments where required;
- identify hazards and implement proportionate control measures;
- provide clear site-specific assignment instructions;
- communicate relevant risks, emergency procedures and safe working arrangements to personnel;
- review arrangements following significant incidents, changes to the site or changes to the assignment; and
- work with clients to address health and safety concerns relating to the premises or working environment.
Health, Safety & Welfare of Security Personnel
We recognise that security personnel may work in environments where they are exposed to risks including violence, aggression, lone working, prolonged standing, adverse weather conditions and interaction with members of the public.
Where applicable, suitable welfare arrangements should include access to toilets and washing facilities, drinking water, appropriate rest facilities, suitable seating where duties permit, and appropriate heating, shelter or protection from adverse conditions.
Where a significant welfare or safety concern is identified, we will raise it with the client and take appropriate action where working conditions present an unacceptable risk.
Violence, Aggression & Personal Safety
Guardsman Security Services does not regard violence, threats or aggression as an acceptable or unavoidable part of security work.
Relevant risks are considered as part of site risk assessments and assignment planning. Personnel are expected to report incidents of violence, threats or abuse promptly so that appropriate action, support and review can take place.
Training and instruction relating to conflict management, personal safety, de-escalation and incident reporting will be provided where relevant to the role and assignment.
Lone Working
Where security personnel are required to work alone, lone-working risks will be assessed and proportionate control measures implemented. These may include agreed welfare checks, communication arrangements, escalation procedures, emergency contacts and access to operational support.
Lone workers must follow site-specific procedures, maintain agreed communication arrangements and promptly report any change in risk or concern. Further detail is set out in our Lone Worker Policy.
Emergency Procedures
Security personnel must familiarise themselves with the emergency arrangements applicable to each site. Depending on the assignment, this may include fire alarms, evacuation routes, assembly points, emergency contacts, incident escalation procedures and the location of relevant emergency equipment.
Where there is an immediate threat to life or a serious emergency, personnel should contact the emergency services by calling 999 and then notify Guardsman Security Services in accordance with the relevant reporting procedure.
First Aid
Appropriate first-aid arrangements will be considered in relation to the workplace, identified risks and the requirements of the assignment.
Where applicable, personnel will be informed of the location of first-aid equipment, the availability of trained first-aiders, procedures for obtaining emergency medical assistance and arrangements for reporting workplace injuries or illness.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where a risk assessment identifies that personal protective equipment is required, suitable PPE will be provided where responsibility rests with Guardsman Security Services. Personnel will receive appropriate information and instruction on its correct use.
PPE is used as part of an overall risk-control strategy and does not replace other reasonably practicable measures for eliminating or reducing risk.
Accident, Incident & Near-Miss Reporting
All work-related accidents, injuries, near misses, dangerous occurrences and significant health and safety concerns must be reported promptly in accordance with company procedures.
Incidents will be reviewed where appropriate to identify contributing factors and determine whether further control measures are required. Where statutory reporting requirements apply, the appropriate responsible person will ensure that relevant reports are made under RIDDOR.
Training, Information & Supervision
We provide appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision to enable personnel to carry out their duties safely and competently.
- site induction and assignment instructions;
- health and safety awareness;
- conflict management and personal safety;
- emergency and fire procedures;
- first aid where required;
- lone-working arrangements;
- incident reporting;
- manual handling where relevant; and
- the correct use of work equipment and PPE.
Responsibilities
All employees and security personnel must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow company procedures and assignment instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards and incidents, cooperate with management and avoid duties they are not trained or authorised to perform.
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with senior management. Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy within their areas of responsibility and ensuring that appropriate action is taken when health and safety concerns are identified.
Monitoring & Review
This policy will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to legislation, company activities, working practices or identified risks.
Further information regarding our detailed health and safety arrangements and procedures is available upon request.
Policy Review
This policy is intended to be reviewed at least annually and sooner where there is a significant change in legislation, company operations or relevant risk.