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Health & Safety Policy

Our comprehensive approach to managing health, safety, and wellbeing in all operations.

Last updated 26 December 2025

Policy Statement

World of Textiles UK LTD is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, visitors, and anyone affected by our operations. We recognize that effective health and safety management is essential to protecting our people and ensuring business continuity.

We will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and strive to exceed minimum standards through continuous improvement and best practices.

Purpose and Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All employees (permanent, temporary, part-time, and full-time)
  • Contractors and subcontractors
  • Agency workers and consultants
  • Visitors to our premises
  • Members of the public who may be affected by our operations

It covers all work locations including offices, warehouses, client sites, and remote working arrangements.

We comply with all applicable health and safety legislation, including:

  • Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
  • Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
  • Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
  • Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
  • Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
  • Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulations 1992
  • Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013
  • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002
  • Fire Safety Regulations 2005

Responsibilities

Senior Management Responsibilities

Senior management will:

  • Provide visible leadership and commitment to health and safety
  • Allocate sufficient resources for effective health and safety management
  • Set health and safety objectives and monitor performance
  • Ensure competent health and safety advice is available
  • Review health and safety policy and performance annually
  • Lead by example in health and safety behaviors
  • Ensure legal compliance across all operations

Line Manager Responsibilities

Line managers must:

  • Implement this policy within their areas of responsibility
  • Conduct risk assessments and implement control measures
  • Ensure employees receive appropriate training and supervision
  • Provide and maintain safe equipment and working conditions
  • Investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses
  • Monitor health and safety compliance within their teams
  • Consult with employees on health and safety matters
  • Report hazards and deficiencies to senior management
  • Maintain accurate health and safety records

Employee Responsibilities

All employees must:

  • Take reasonable care of their own health and safety
  • Take care not to endanger others through their actions or omissions
  • Cooperate with management on health and safety matters
  • Use equipment and substances in accordance with training and instructions
  • Report hazards, defects, accidents, and near misses immediately
  • Not interfere with or misuse anything provided for health and safety
  • Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Follow safe working procedures at all times
  • Participate in health and safety training
  • Raise concerns without fear of reprisal

Contractor Responsibilities

Contractors working on our behalf must:

  • Comply with this policy and our site-specific safety rules
  • Provide evidence of competence and insurance
  • Conduct their own risk assessments
  • Ensure their employees are trained and supervised
  • Report incidents and cooperate with investigations
  • Not create risks to our employees or others

Risk Assessment and Management

Risk Assessment Process

We will:

  1. Identify Hazards - Systematically identify potential sources of harm
  2. Identify Who Might Be Harmed - Consider employees, contractors, visitors, and the public
  3. Evaluate Risks - Assess the likelihood and severity of potential harm
  4. Implement Controls - Apply the hierarchy of controls to eliminate or reduce risks
  5. Record Findings - Document significant findings and control measures
  6. Review Regularly - Review assessments periodically or following changes

Hierarchy of Controls

When controlling risks, we will apply controls in the following order:

  1. Elimination - Remove the hazard entirely
  2. Substitution - Replace with something less hazardous
  3. Engineering Controls - Isolate people from the hazard
  4. Administrative Controls - Change the way people work
  5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Protect individuals when other controls are insufficient

Specific Risk Areas

We conduct specific assessments for:

  • Manual handling operations
  • Display screen equipment (DSE) use
  • Working at height
  • Confined spaces
  • Lone working
  • Work-related stress and mental health
  • Workplace transport and logistics
  • Fire and emergency situations
  • Hazardous substances (COSHH)
  • Noise and vibration
  • New and expectant mothers
  • Young persons and vulnerable workers

Workplace Safety Standards

Premises and Facilities

We maintain:

  • Clean, well-lit, and adequately ventilated workspaces
  • Safe means of access and egress
  • Adequate welfare facilities (toilets, washing, rest areas)
  • Appropriate temperature and humidity levels
  • Regular maintenance of buildings and equipment
  • Clear signage and emergency lighting
  • Accessibility features where required

Equipment and Machinery

All equipment will be:

  • Suitable for its intended purpose
  • Properly maintained and inspected
  • Used only by trained and authorized persons
  • Guarded where appropriate
  • Subject to pre-use checks
  • Clearly labeled with safety information
  • Replaced when no longer safe or effective

Housekeeping

We maintain good housekeeping by:

  • Keeping work areas tidy and free from obstruction
  • Storing materials safely and securely
  • Cleaning up spills immediately
  • Disposing of waste properly
  • Maintaining clear evacuation routes
  • Segregating incompatible materials
  • Regular cleaning schedules

Incident Management

Reporting Requirements

All employees must report immediately:

  • Accidents resulting in injury
  • Dangerous occurrences and near misses
  • Work-related ill health
  • Damage to property or equipment
  • Security incidents
  • Environmental incidents
  • Unsafe conditions or practices

Investigation Procedure

We will:

  1. Secure the scene and provide immediate first aid
  2. Notify relevant managers and authorities as required
  3. Gather evidence (photographs, witness statements, physical evidence)
  4. Analyze root causes using appropriate techniques
  5. Identify corrective and preventive actions
  6. Implement actions and verify effectiveness
  7. Share lessons learned across the organization
  8. Report to relevant authorities under RIDDOR where applicable

Accident Records

We maintain records of:

  • All accidents and incidents
  • First aid treatment provided
  • RIDDOR reportable events
  • Investigations and findings
  • Corrective actions taken
  • Sick leave related to workplace incidents

Records are retained for at least three years, or longer where required by law.

Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures

Fire Prevention

We prevent fires by:

  • Identifying and controlling ignition sources
  • Managing flammable and combustible materials safely
  • Maintaining electrical equipment
  • Prohibiting smoking in designated areas
  • Providing fire-resistant storage where appropriate
  • Regular housekeeping and waste removal

Fire Detection and Fighting

We provide:

  • Appropriate fire detection systems
  • Fire alarm systems tested weekly
  • Adequate and suitable fire extinguishers
  • Emergency lighting systems
  • Clear fire safety signage
  • Regular maintenance of all fire equipment

Emergency Evacuation

Our emergency procedures include:

  • Clearly marked escape routes kept clear at all times
  • Emergency exits that open outwards and are easily accessible
  • Assembly points at safe distances from buildings
  • Designated fire wardens for each area
  • Personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs) for disabled persons
  • Regular fire drills (at least twice annually)
  • Training for all staff on emergency procedures
  • Visitors signed in and made aware of evacuation routes

Business Continuity

In the event of major disruption, we will:

  • Prioritize life safety above all else
  • Account for all persons
  • Contact emergency services if required
  • Secure the site if safe to do so
  • Activate business continuity plans
  • Communicate with stakeholders
  • Investigate and implement recovery measures

Health and Wellbeing

Occupational Health

We support employee health by:

  • Providing access to occupational health services
  • Conducting health surveillance where required
  • Offering health screening programs
  • Supporting rehabilitation and return to work
  • Making reasonable adjustments for disabilities
  • Promoting healthy lifestyle choices

Mental Health and Stress

We recognize mental health as equally important as physical health and will:

  • Assess and manage work-related stress risks
  • Provide mental health awareness training
  • Offer employee assistance programs
  • Encourage open dialogue about mental health
  • Support employees experiencing mental health issues
  • Monitor workload and working hours
  • Promote work-life balance

Substance Misuse

We maintain a drug and alcohol policy that:

  • Prohibits working under the influence of intoxicants
  • Provides support for those with substance dependencies
  • Includes testing where safety-critical roles require it
  • Addresses concerns confidentially and supportively

Training and Competence

Induction Training

All new starters receive training on:

  • Health and safety responsibilities
  • Emergency procedures
  • Workplace hazards and controls
  • Reporting procedures
  • Relevant policies and procedures
  • Job-specific safety requirements

Ongoing Training

We provide:

  • Regular refresher training
  • Role-specific health and safety training
  • Training following changes in work methods or equipment
  • Management training on safety leadership
  • First aid training for designated persons
  • Fire warden training
  • Mental health first aid training

Competence Assessment

We ensure competence by:

  • Defining competency requirements for roles
  • Assessing competence before assigning tasks
  • Providing supervision until competent
  • Maintaining training records
  • Reviewing competence periodically

First Aid Provision

We provide:

  • Adequate number of trained first aiders
  • Appropriately stocked first aid kits
  • Clear signage indicating first aid locations
  • First aid room or dedicated space where appropriate
  • Eye wash stations where chemicals are used
  • Records of first aid treatment
  • Regular review of first aid needs assessment

Display Screen Equipment (DSE)

For employees using DSE regularly, we will:

  • Conduct workstation assessments
  • Provide suitable furniture and equipment
  • Ensure adequate lighting and minimize glare
  • Encourage regular breaks and posture changes
  • Provide eye tests and corrective glasses if required
  • Train users on correct setup and use
  • Address musculoskeletal concerns promptly

Manual Handling

We minimize manual handling risks by:

  • Eliminating unnecessary manual handling
  • Automating or mechanizing tasks where practicable
  • Providing mechanical aids (trolleys, hoists, etc.)
  • Training employees in safe lifting techniques
  • Conducting manual handling risk assessments
  • Implementing team lifting for heavy items
  • Rotating tasks to prevent repetitive strain

Lone Working

For employees working alone, we will:

  • Assess risks specific to lone working
  • Implement check-in procedures
  • Provide communication devices
  • Ensure emergency contacts are available
  • Train lone workers on safety procedures
  • Review lone working arrangements regularly
  • Restrict access to high-risk tasks when alone

Consultation and Communication

We consult employees on health and safety through:

  • Regular health and safety meetings
  • Health and safety representatives or committees
  • Employee surveys and feedback mechanisms
  • Toolbox talks and briefings
  • Notice boards and digital communications
  • Involvement in risk assessments
  • Incident investigation participation

Monitoring and Review

Performance Monitoring

We monitor health and safety performance by:

  • Conducting workplace inspections
  • Reviewing accident and incident statistics
  • Analyzing near miss trends
  • Auditing compliance with procedures
  • Measuring against objectives and KPIs
  • Benchmarking against industry standards
  • Seeking employee feedback

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed:

  • At least annually
  • Following significant changes to operations
  • After major incidents or accidents
  • When legislation changes
  • If monitoring reveals deficiencies
  • When recommended by competent advisors

Enforcement and Compliance

Disciplinary Action

Breaches of health and safety rules may result in:

  • Verbal or written warnings
  • Suspension from duties
  • Retraining requirements
  • Dismissal for serious or repeated violations
  • Legal action where appropriate

Deliberate disregard for health and safety may constitute gross misconduct.

We will:

  • Cooperate fully with enforcement authorities
  • Respond promptly to improvement or prohibition notices
  • Implement required changes within specified timescales
  • Maintain all required statutory records
  • Display required statutory posters and certificates
  • Report incidents under RIDDOR as required
  • Maintain appropriate insurance coverage

Contact and Support

For health and safety queries or to report concerns:

External resources:

  • Health and Safety Executive (HSE): 0300 003 1647
  • HSE Website: www.hse.gov.uk
  • British Safety Council: Resources and guidance
  • IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health): Professional guidance

Commitment Statement

This policy demonstrates our commitment to:

  • Preventing accidents and work-related ill health
  • Complying with legal requirements
  • Continuously improving health and safety performance
  • Consulting and involving employees
  • Providing adequate resources
  • Maintaining a positive health and safety culture

Approved by: Senior Management Team Responsible Person: Health & Safety Manager Next Review Date: December 2026