Health & Safety Policy
1. Statement of Intent
East Coast Scaffolding Solutions Ltd is fully committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of our employees, clients, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our operations.
We recognise that scaffolding activities present inherent risks and we take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health. Safety is embedded into every stage of our planning, erection, inspection and dismantling processes.
We aim to comply fully with all relevant UK health and safety legislation and approved codes of practice.
2. Company Responsibilities
East Coast Scaffolding Solutions Ltd will:
- Provide and maintain safe systems of work across all projects.
- Ensure all scaffolding is erected, modified and dismantled by competent operatives.
- Provide appropriate training, instruction and supervision.
- Maintain plant and equipment in safe working condition.
- Carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments and method statements (RAMS).
- Monitor health and safety performance and review this policy annually.
The Director holds overall responsibility for health and safety within the business.
3. Employee Responsibilities
All employees and subcontractors are required to:
- Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.
- Follow company safety procedures and site rules.
- Use equipment and PPE correctly.
- Report hazards, near misses and incidents promptly.
- Not interfere with or misuse safety equipment.
Failure to comply with safety requirements may result in disciplinary action or removal from site.
4. Training and Competence
We ensure that all operatives are suitably trained and competent for the work they undertake. Our workforce includes operatives holding relevant industry training, including CITB-recognised qualifications where applicable.
Training is reviewed regularly and refresher training is provided where required. We maintain records of qualifications and competencies.
5. Risk Assessments and Method Statements
Before work begins, we carry out site-specific risk assessments and prepare method statements appropriate to the project.
These documents will:
- Identify foreseeable hazards.
- Assess risk levels.
- Specify control measures.
- Communicate safe working methods to the workforce.
RAMS are reviewed where site conditions change.
6. Scaffold Design, Erection and Inspection
All scaffolding structures are erected in accordance with current industry best practice and relevant guidance.
We ensure:
- Structures are suitable for their intended purpose.
- Safe access and egress is provided.
- Edge protection and fall prevention measures are installed where required.
- Formal inspections are carried out at required intervals and following significant events such as adverse weather or alteration.
Inspection records are maintained in line with statutory requirements.
7. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Appropriate PPE is provided and must be worn where required. This may include:
- Safety helmets.
- Protective footwear.
- High-visibility clothing.
- Gloves.
- Fall arrest equipment where necessary.
Employees are responsible for the proper use and care of issued PPE.
8. Working at Height
As a scaffolding contractor, we recognise working at height as a primary risk. We plan all work in accordance with the Work at Height Regulations.
We implement control measures including:
- Collective fall prevention wherever possible.
- Safe ladder access.
- Guardrails and toe boards.
- Competent supervision.
No work at height will proceed where conditions are unsafe.
9. Site Safety and Public Protection
We take all reasonably practicable steps to protect members of the public and other site users.
Measures may include:
- Debris netting or sheeting where required.
- Warning signage.
- Secure ladder access.
- Exclusion zones.
- Good housekeeping around scaffold bases.
10. Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported immediately.
We will:
- Record incidents in the accident book.
- Investigate causes.
- Implement corrective actions.
- Report to the HSE under RIDDOR where required.
11. Monitoring and Review
Health and safety performance is monitored on an ongoing basis through site visits, inspections and internal review.
This policy will be reviewed at least annually or sooner if there are significant changes to operations or legislation.
12. Communication
This policy is communicated to all employees and made available to clients and interested parties upon request.
Last updated: February 2026