Health and Safety
Igrox recognises the importance of Occupational Health & Safety to our employees, our business and our clients.
The work that we complete on behalf of our clients usually requires us to use chemicals in various forms and is frequently combined with working on premises not under our control. Igrox not only has to satisfy itself that all our Occupational Health and Safety needs are being met, but also seeks to reassure our clients that, by using Igrox, they will have met their requirements under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 in relation to the safe management of contractors.
Background
Since the founding of Igrox, the company and its staff have actively contributed to industry safety matters, like the BPCA fumigation committee which developed the HSE approved training and qualifications scheme for fumigation - comprising of the foundation diploma and 9 modules for different fumigation disciplines. The committee also had input into the content of the COSHH fumigation ACOP and CS22 guidance notes for fumigation (now known as Fumigation: Health & Safety guidance for employers and technicians carrying out fumigation operations) – formerly CS10 for methyl bromide and CS12 for Phosphine. The committee continues to be consulted by HSE whenever these documents are revised and on other fumigation related health and safety issues.
Our Chairman has also advised the Marine and Coastguard Agency providing input for the International Maritime Organisation’s publication “The safe use of pesticides on ships”. Amongst other things, this sets out best practice guidelines when conducting Intransit Phosphine fumigation of bulk cargoes, an area where Igrox have world leading expertise. Igrox also established an international trade association called the International Maritime Fumigation Organisation (IMFO). One of the key aims of this Organisation was to raise the standards of intransit fumigation across the world.
We have worked closely with people in the container industry around major ports, including Felixstowe, Tilbury, Thamesport and Southampton, to deal with issues under the IMDG Regs.(International Maritime Dangerous Goods). We have given advice and information to the Ports Skills and Safety Association and the statutory Inspectors, to assist in the safe execution of their tasks.
Our Health and Safety Manager is a chartered member of The Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (CMIOSH) and the Chartered Safety and Health Practioner (CSHP).
Igrox have been members of The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) since 2001 and are committed to the reduction of work place incidents and ill health.
Committee
Igrox has a well established Health and Safety Committee that consists of Representatives of Employee Safety (RoES). The RoES are elected from all operational areas of the business as well as the company’s management.
The committee is chaired by our Health and Safety Manager and meets at regular intervals. The agenda of these meetings is compiled from items from Igrox employees and points of interest put forward by the Health and Safety Manager. These meetings are one of the means by which Igrox Limited informs all employees of changes in legislation by sending a full copy of the minutes to every company employee to read and comment.
We believe that this transfer of information and group ownership of health and safety has been a crucial element in the development of our positive health and safety culture.
Training
Igrox is committed to training our staff and management in areas of health and safety relevant to their areas of responsibility.
All Senior Managers of the company have attended and successfully completed the IOSH Managing Safely course.
Igrox has developed its own range of Health and Safety training courses to ensure that all staff and management are competent in areas of:
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Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
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Risk Assessment
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Manual Handling
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Working at Heights including Use of Basic Fall Arrest Equipment
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Working Safely with Ladders.
Accreditations
Igrox has been keen to seek external evaluation of its health and safety procedures and policies.
Igrox has been successful in obtaining the RoSPA Gold Award for Occupational Safety in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and in 2006 and 2007 were the recipients of the RoSPA Gold Medal in recognition of its contribution to occupational safety and health.
Igrox has met the pre-qualification requirements to be approved as a Constructionline supplier and has also been accredited within the National Britannia Safecontractor scheme in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and are currently undergoing review for accreditation in 2007.
External Consultants
Igrox appreciate the need to receive specialist advice in certain areas of health and safety to ensure legal compliance at all times.
Igrox has an appointed Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor and Occupational Health Services to compliment our internal knowledge and areas of expertise.
Summary
In summary, Igrox has a well-structured and proactive approach to maintaining high levels of Occupational Health and Safety within areas of the company’s undertakings.
We continue to commit significant resources to allow a proactive style of management and continue to stimulate a positive culture of continuous improvement within all aspects of health and safety.
