The Challenge
Knox Thomas were asked by the client to deliver a general health and safety audit at a newly acquired veterinary crematorium site. The objective was to benchmark compliance with the 1974 Act and associated statutory instruments.
APPROACH TO VETERINARY CREMATORIUM SAFETY
H&S Management Assessment
Elements such as H&S management basics, quality, robustness and use of health and safety management systems, and fulfilment of general duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 were assessed.
Site Assessment and Staff Evaluation
The site, buildings, outbuildings and external areas were visually assessed. Senior management were informally interviewed and shop-floor discussions with general workers were carried out.
Audit Findings
The auditing process discovered in excess of 150 failings, with a breach of almost every core duty under the 1974 Act, as well as supporting legislation such as LOLER, PUWER, and COSHH, to varying degrees. Management safety management competence was found to be minimal, as was staff training. Compliance with training and safe systems was poor. Housekeeping and maintenance standards were dangerously substandard.
Summary Report
A summary report was delivered alongside the general audit findings.
To read information about this case study, read our blog post.
THE OUTCOME – VETERINARY CREMATORIUM SAFETY
The report was reviewed immediately at Director and Board level; Knox Thomas were subsequently asked to provide auditing services at a further 6 sites throughout the UK, deliver remedial action, and provide IOSH Managing Safely training to senior management.