Health & Safety

Introduction

This policy statement is fully supported by the Qualis Group Board and the Executive Team who believe that the health and safety culture comes from the top of the organisation. It applies to all activities of the Group as an employer, service provider, owner, developer and manager of real estate and operator of a community interest company. Activities are delivered by Qualis Commercial, Qualis Living, Qualis Property Solutions and Qualis Community.

This policy will apply to all company activities which we can directly control. Where we have influence (such as joint ventures and FRI leased properties) we will encourage the uptake and adoption of this policy.

Directors’ responsibilities for Health and Safety

The Board of Directors recognise and accept the responsibility for Qualis Group to provide safe and healthy work environments and to prevent injury and ill health, in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated regulations.

We believe that there is no function within Qualis Group with greater importance than the management of health and safety.

We will employ competent Health and Safety personnel to assist with the delivery of an effective health and safety program.

We will ensure that adequate resources are provided for the prevention of incidents and ill health in the workplace and for the implementation and monitoring of this Policy across the Group.

We will provide appropriate health and safety information, instruction, training and supervision for all employees.

We are committed to creating a positive health and safety culture by actively promoting health and safety throughout the organisation through the development of a behavioural based health and safety program which will be delivered to all employees.

We will consult with employees on day-to-day health and safety matters and will provide advice and guidance.

Organisation and general responsibilities

We will continue to develop our health and safety strategy through health and safety action plans. We have introduced a Health and Safety Management System that meets the requirements of ISO 45001:2018 which includes arrangements for ensuring compliance, effective risk management and monitoring of health and safety performance. The senior management team will undertake management reviews to ensure the delivery of continuous improvement.

We encourage everyone to report hazards and any incidents including near misses, without fear of reprisal through the promotion of a ‘Just Culture’.

Health and Safety performance will be assessed through internal and external audits. Findings from audits will be used to identify areas for improvement to management systems and to the overall health and safety performance of Qualis.

This Policy Statement will be regularly reviewed (at least annually) to ensure we appropriately respond to change, comply with any new legislation and, where appropriate, the adoption of best practice.

All employees, service providers, contractors and agency workers have legal responsibilities for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. All are required to co-operate with the Group and must ensure that their own work, so far as is reasonably practicable, is carried out with the minimum of risk to their health and safety and that of others who may be affected by them.

This Policy will be communicated to all persons working under the control of the Group and will be made available to interested parties upon request.