11.1 Health and safety policy
Clergy have health and safety responsibilities, to themselves and their families, and within their churches and church buildings, and parochial responsibilities.
Much helpful information, advice and guidance can be found through this link to Ecclesiastical Insurance. This includes template policies and risk assessments.
https://www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters/churchguidance/churchhealthandsafety/index.aspx
Working from home can bring its own health and safety hazards and clergy should be mindful of good practice tips regarding electricity, water, gas, computers, cabling and so on. Again, much information and good advice can be found on the Health and Safety Executive’s website. This is especially helpful if parishes are employing other people such as administrators as there will be health and safety liability for these employees.
Other issues which require Health and Safety related considerations include:
- Security (section 3)
- Parishes as employers (section 9)
11.2 Lone working
There is no specific piece of legislation that covers lone working but the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 imposes responsibilities on organisations (including places of worship) for the health, safety and well-being of their workers. Organisations should identify hazards, assess the risks and put measures in place to avoid or control the risks.
Control measures could include:
- Periodic checks by another team member. This could include telephone contact or have a lone worker report in elsewhere at agreed times. It is good practice to ensure the lone worker reports into the organisation on a regular basis.
- Instruction and training on the risk of lone working should be provided especially where there is limited supervision to help in situations of uncertainty
- It is essential staff know what to do in an emergency and feel confident in the actions they should take to distance themselves from danger.
- Individuals could be supplied with personal alarms and trained how to use them. Door entry systems are also a useful way of protecting lone workers.
Further advice on lone working is available from St Marys House.