The Willow Tree Foundation CIC

Health & Safety Policy

1.    Policy Statement

The Willow Tree Foundation CIC is committed to ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of all staff, volunteers, participants, visitors and contractors involved in our activities.

As a land-based organisation delivering nature-based therapy, biodynamic orchard and garden activities, workshops and community wellbeing events, we recognise our responsibility to manage risks associated with outdoor and rural environments.

We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent injury, ill health and accidents and to create a culture of shared responsibility for safety.

2. Legal Framework

This policy is guided by relevant UK legislation including:
– Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
– Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
– Occupiers’ Liability Acts 1957 and 1984
– Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR)
– Equality Act 2010 (in relation to reasonable adjustments)

We will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised good practice guidance.

3. Responsibilities

Board of Directors:
– Hold overall responsibility for health and safety governance.
– Ensure adequate resources and appropriate insurance cover are in place.
– Review incidents and monitor compliance.

Designated Health & Safety Lead:
– Maintain and review risk assessments.
– Monitor site safety and safe systems of work.
– Ensure accidents are recorded and reported where required.

Staff and Volunteers:
– Take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others.
– Follow risk assessments and safety procedures.
– Report hazards, near misses and incidents promptly.

Participants and Visitors:
– Follow safety instructions and guidance provided during activities.

4. Risk Assessment

We will carry out and regularly review written risk assessments for all activities including:
– Nature-based therapy sessions
– Orchard and gardening work
– Use of hand tools and equipment
– Manual handling tasks
– Animal interactions
– Fire pits or outdoor cooking
– Events, group gatherings and workshops
– Slips, trips and uneven terrain
– Adverse and extreme weather conditions

Risk assessments will be proportionate, recorded, communicated to relevant persons and reviewed annually or following any significant incident.

5. Land-Based and Outdoor Safety

As a rural site-based organisation, we recognise specific hazards including:
– Uneven ground, mud, roots and natural obstacles
– Seasonal weather conditions (heat, cold, ice, wind, storms)
– Allergies (plants, pollen, insects, food)
– Use of hand tools such as spades, secateurs and saws
– Wildlife and livestock

We will:
– Provide clear safety briefings at the start of sessions.
– Supervise tool use appropriately and ensure tools are maintained.
– Provide guidance on suitable clothing and footwear.
– Ensure safe storage of tools and materials.
– Maintain accessible first aid supplies on site.
– Ensure a trained first aider is present where reasonably required.

6. Safeguarding and Emotional Safety

Health and safety includes emotional and psychological wellbeing.

We will:
– Deliver trauma-informed and ethically grounded practice.
– Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
– Establish group agreements to support respectful and safe participation.
– Integrate this policy with our Safeguarding and Equality Policies.

7. Accident Reporting and RIDDOR

All accidents, incidents and near misses will be recorded in an Accident Book.

Incidents that meet RIDDOR reporting thresholds will be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Serious incidents will be reviewed to identify learning and reduce future risk.

8. Fire Safety

We will:
– Conduct fire risk assessments for any indoor or enclosed structures.
– Maintain safe fire pit procedures where relevant.
– Keep clear access routes and emergency exits.
– Provide appropriate fire extinguishing equipment where required.

9. Insurance

We will maintain appropriate:
– Public Liability Insurance
– Employer’s Liability Insurance
– Professional Indemnity Insurance

Insurance documentation will be reviewed annually by the Board.

10. Training

We will ensure relevant personnel receive appropriate training including:
– First Aid
– Safeguarding
– Manual Handling
– Tool and equipment safety
– Risk assessment awareness

Training will be refreshed periodically and recorded.

11. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner following significant change, incident or legislative update.

We are committed to fostering a proactive safety culture that supports the wellbeing of our rural community.