Health Safety Policy

Health & Safety Policy for Alokito Poth

1. Introduction & Purpose
Alokito Poth is committed to providing a safe, secure, and healthy environment for the children we serve, our staff, volunteers, visitors, and any other stakeholders. This Health & Safety Policy outlines our commitment to prevent accidents, injuries, and ill health while promoting best practices in all our operations, services, and activities.

2. Scope
This policy applies to all areas of Alokito Poth’s operations, including but not limited to:

• Service delivery locations (medical treatment centers, educational facilities, and food distribution points)
• Administrative offices
• Outreach events and activities

3. Policy Statement
Alokito Poth is dedicated to ensuring that every person involved in our activities is provided with a safe working and service environment. We will continually work to identify, manage, and mitigate risks through proactive planning, effective communication, and ongoing training.

4. Responsibilities

• Board of Directors & Senior Management:
• Oversee the development, implementation, and regular review of this policy.
• Ensure adequate resources are allocated for health and safety measures.
• Health & Safety Officer/Designated Staff:
• Develop, monitor, and update risk assessments and safety protocols.
• Coordinate training programs and maintain records of incidents and actions taken.
• Staff and Volunteers:
• Comply with all health and safety procedures.
• Report any hazards, incidents, or near misses immediately.
• Service Recipients & Visitors:
• Follow the guidelines provided for their safety and cooperate with staff instructions during emergencies.

5. Risk Assessment & Management

• Identification of Hazards:
• Conduct regular risk assessments at all service and operational sites.
• Identify potential hazards, from physical infrastructure issues to environmental risks.
• Risk Control Measures:
• Implement engineering controls (e.g., safe facility design, adequate lighting, clear signage).
• Introduce administrative controls (e.g., standard operating procedures, scheduling maintenance).
• Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) where necessary.
• Review Process:
• Regularly review and update risk assessments, especially when changes occur in operations or legislation.

6. Safe Work Practices

• General Safety Rules:
• Maintain clean, orderly, and hazard-free environments.
• Ensure that all equipment is properly maintained and used according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Hygiene & Infection Control:
• Enforce rigorous hygiene practices, including regular handwashing and sanitization of shared spaces.
• Develop and implement protocols for infection control, particularly in medical and educational settings.
• Visitor and Child Safety:
• Ensure that all children and visitors are supervised appropriately.
• Secure areas where children are present to prevent unauthorized access or potential harm.

7. Emergency Procedures

• Emergency Planning:
• Develop comprehensive emergency plans covering fire, natural disasters, medical emergencies, and other incidents.
• Clearly display emergency exit routes and contact numbers at all facilities.
• Training & Drills:
• Conduct regular emergency response drills and training sessions for staff, volunteers, and, where appropriate, for children.
• First Aid & Medical Support:
• Ensure that adequately stocked first aid kits are accessible at all sites.
• Designate trained first aiders and provide clear instructions on accessing further medical assistance.

8. Incident Reporting & Investigation

• Reporting Process:
• Implement a clear and confidential reporting system for all incidents, injuries, or near misses.
• Encourage prompt reporting to ensure immediate action and to prevent recurrence.
• Investigation:
• Investigate all reported incidents thoroughly to determine causes and identify corrective actions.
• Document findings and update risk assessments and procedures as needed.

9. Training & Communication

• Regular Training:
• Provide ongoing health and safety training to all staff and volunteers, including induction programs and refresher courses.
• Include specific modules on the safe handling of equipment, emergency response, and first aid.
• Communication:
• Clearly communicate all health and safety policies and procedures to staff, volunteers, and service recipients.
• Ensure that safety notices and updates are prominently displayed at all operational sites.

10. Monitoring, Review & Continuous Improvement

• Regular Audits:
• Schedule periodic audits of health and safety practices and facilities.
• Use audit findings to improve procedures and address potential hazards proactively.
• Policy Review:
• This policy will be reviewed annually or as required by changes in legislation, operations, or identified risks.
• Feedback from staff, volunteers, and service recipients will be taken into account during reviews.

11. Conclusion
Alokito Poth’s commitment to health and safety is integral to our mission of supporting the community. By adhering to this policy, we strive to maintain a secure environment that promotes well-being, supports our operations, and ultimately contributes to a better quality of life for the children and communities we serve.