HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY - BERMUDA
1. Purpose of Policy
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AMBIT Youth is committed to promoting the health, safety, and wellbeing of all staff, volunteers, children, young people, and visitors. This policy outlines our approach to maintaining a safe working environment and ensuring our programs and spaces are responsibly managed.
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This policy serves to clarify responsibilities and promote safe practices. It may be reviewed and updated at AMBIT Youth's discretion to remain in alignment with legal requirements and organizational best practice.
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2. Responsibilities for Health and Safety
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a. Organizational Responsibilities
AMBIT Youth is responsible for:
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Taking reasonable steps to protect the health and safety of staff, children, families, and visitors
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Identifying and managing health and safety risks
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Ensuring safe access to and from facilities, including emergency protocols
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Providing safe workspaces, equipment, and, where necessary, personal protective equipment (PPE)
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Ensuring safe handling, storage, and transport of materials
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Delivering relevant training (e.g., PPE use, mental health awareness, wellbeing)
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Promoting open communication about health and safety matters
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Responding appropriately to epidemics, pandemics, or other public health risks
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Reviewing and updating safety practices regularly
The Service Director holds lead responsibility for health and safety compliance.
b. Staff Responsibilities
All staff and volunteers must:
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Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others
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Follow all health and safety procedures and guidance
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Keep the work environment clean, orderly, and hazard-free
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Promptly report any health and safety risks, equipment issues, or incidents to the Service Director
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Cooperate in any investigations following incidents or near misses
3. Use of Equipment
All staff are required to:
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Use equipment in line with instructions and training
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Report any equipment faults, damage, or safety concerns immediately
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Not attempt repairs unless authorized and trained to do so
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Ensure safety equipment is not removed, altered, or misused
4. Accidents and First Aid
All staff must:
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Report all injuries or incidents to the Service Director, no matter how minor
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Record details in the Accident Book and complete an incident form
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Know the location of first aid kits and identify trained first aiders
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Cooperate with investigations of any incident
The Service Director will ensure accident reports are completed and submitted in line with Bermuda Occupational
Safety and Health Regulations.
5. Emergency Procedures and Fire Safety
All staff are expected to:
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Familiarize themselves with evacuation procedures and emergency exits
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Follow all instructions given by fire wardens
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Participate in fire drills (held at least once every 12 months)
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Keep exits and signage clear
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Notify the Service Director if they require a personal evacuation plan
In the event of a fire:
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Trigger the nearest alarm and call 911 if safe to do so
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Evacuate promptly without collecting personal items or using elevators
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Remain outside the building until clearance is given to return
The Service Director is responsible for ensuring fire risk assessments are conducted, for maintaining fire safety equipment, and for coordinating emergency preparedness efforts.
6. Risk Assessments and Manual Handling
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Risk assessments will be conducted regularly by the Service Director or designated staff
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Staff will be advised on how to reduce risks, especially during manual handling tasks
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PPE will be provided when risks cannot be eliminated through other measures
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Where applicable, training will be provided to reduce physical strain or injury
7. COVID-19 and Infectious Diseases
In the event of an infectious disease alert:
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AMBIT Youth will provide updated safety guidance and operational procedures
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Staff may be required to wear masks or other PPE as needed
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Face coverings, when used, must cover both the mouth and nose
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Good hygiene, including handwashing and avoiding face-touching, is essential
8. Mental Health and Wellbeing
AMBIT Youth values the mental wellbeing of its staff. If you have concerns about your mental health, contact the Head of Operations and Communications. Staff are encouraged to:
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Stay connected with colleagues
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Take breaks and maintain work/life balance
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Stay active and hydrated
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Speak openly about stress, anxiety, or burnout
9. Non-Compliance
Any failure to follow this policy or health and safety procedures will be treated seriously and may result in disciplinary action, including possible dismissal, in accordance with AMBIT Youth’s internal disciplinary procedures.
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Last Review Date - 7 June 2025