1. Purpose
Equra College London (“Equra”) is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for students, staff, contractors, visitors and anyone affected by Equra’s activities. This policy sets out Equra’s health and safety responsibilities, arrangements and expectations.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All Equra premises and activities
- Off-site activities, trips and events organised by Equra
- Online delivery where health and safety considerations apply (for example, wellbeing, remote working arrangements for staff)
- Partner venues where Equra activities take place (in coordination with venue rules)
3. Policy statement
Equra will take reasonably practicable steps to:
- Identify hazards and reduce risks through effective controls
- Provide safe systems of work and safe learning environments
- Provide suitable information, instruction and training
- Maintain safe premises, equipment and facilities
- Encourage reporting of hazards, near misses and incidents
- Review health and safety performance and improve continuously
4. Roles and responsibilities
4.1 Governing Body
- Overall responsibility for health and safety oversight, resourcing and compliance.
4.2 Health and Safety Lead
- Day-to-day implementation of this policy, risk assessments, incident management, and monitoring.
4.3 Managers / Programme Leads
- Ensure safe delivery of activities, implement controls, and communicate safety guidance.
4.4 Staff, contractors and students
- Take reasonable care of their own safety and others
- Follow safety instructions and controls
- Report hazards and incidents promptly
- Do not misuse equipment or interfere with safety arrangements
5. Risk assessment and control
Equra will:
- Carry out risk assessments for premises and activities
- Implement proportionate controls and safe procedures
- Review risk assessments regularly and after incidents or significant change
- Ensure risk assessments are completed for trips/events and partner-venue activities
6. Incident, accident and near-miss reporting
Equra requires reporting of:
- Accidents and injuries
- Near misses
- Hazards (including unsafe premises or equipment)
- Violent or aggressive incidents
- Dangerous occurrences
Equra will record and investigate incidents proportionately and take corrective action. Reporting routes are set out in the Incident and Accident Reporting Procedure.
7. Fire safety and emergencies
Equra will:
- Maintain emergency procedures and evacuation guidance
- Ensure clear fire exits and assembly arrangements
- Provide staff with fire safety information and training where required
- Ensure emergency contact arrangements are in place
Students and staff must follow evacuation instructions immediately.
8. First aid
Equra will:
- Provide appropriate first aid arrangements for its environment
- Communicate first aid contacts and processes clearly
- Maintain first aid supplies and ensure availability during teaching hours
First aid arrangements are set out in the First Aid Policy.
9. Premises, equipment and maintenance
Equra will ensure:
- Premises are kept in a safe condition
- Electrical and other equipment is safe and maintained
- Defects are reported and addressed promptly
- Contractors working on site follow safe working requirements
10. Lone working and personal safety
Where relevant, Equra will assess risks relating to lone working and implement appropriate controls. Lone working requirements are set out in the Lone Working Policy (where applicable).
11. Manual handling
Equra will reduce manual handling risks by providing suitable equipment, guidance and training where appropriate.
12. Display screen equipment (DSE) and remote working
Equra will support safe workstation arrangements for staff who use display screen equipment regularly. Staff should report discomfort or workstation concerns. DSE guidance and support will be provided where appropriate.
13. Wellbeing, stress and mental health
Equra recognises that wellbeing is part of health and safety. Equra will take reasonable steps to:
- Identify wellbeing-related risks where they affect safe participation
- Encourage early communication and support
- Signpost to appropriate support routes
Student wellbeing matters are supported through Equra’s Student Support and Fitness to Study arrangements.
14. Training and communication
Equra will provide health and safety information and training appropriate to roles and risks, including induction briefings and event-specific guidance.
15. Monitoring and review
Equra will monitor health and safety performance through:
- Incident trends and corrective actions
- Risk assessment review
- Periodic checks and audits
- Staff/student feedback where relevant
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if needed.