Health & Safety

Policy Statement

West Sussex Coastal Scaffolding Ltd is committed to achieving and maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, and welfare in all scaffolding operations. Our aim is to protect employees, clients, contractors, visitors, and the public from harm through proactive risk management, ongoing staff training, and adherence to all relevant legislation. We uphold compliance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Work at Height Regulations 2005, and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.

This policy is relevant to all operational and administrative activities conducted by the business.

It will be reviewed annually or sooner if significant changes to operations or legislation occur.

Health & Safety Objectives

Our specific aims are to:

Prevent all foreseeable risks of injury and occupational ill health through proactive risk identification, assessment, and control.
Provide and maintain safe working environments and plant, including scaffold systems, vehicles, and lifting equipment.
Ensure all employees and subcontractors receive sufficient training, instruction, and supervision to carry out their roles competently and safely.
Engage and consult staff on matters affecting their health and safety, including changes in procedures or working methods.
Maintain safe systems of work for the handling, erection, modification, and dismantling of scaffolding structures.
Implement a culture of continual improvement through the use of audits, incident investigations, and feedback mechanisms.

Management Responsibilities

Director & Lead Scaffolder (Leigh Marsh)

The Director/Lead Scaffolder is responsible for the overall implementation and oversight of the Health & Safety Policy. Responsibilities include:
Providing leadership in health and safety matters.
Ensuring resources are available to meet health and safety obligations.
Reviewing and approving risk assessments, method statements (RAMS), and training frameworks.
Ensuring adequate insurance, inspections, and legal compliance across the business.

Director of Operations (Frankie Marsh)
The Director of Operations supports the Director and is responsible for:

Document control and policy updates.
Tracking training certificates and compliance documentation.
Managing incident reporting, health surveillance records, and contractor vetting.
Ensuring systems such as QuickBooks are used for tracking compliance and training expenditures.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and subcontractors are expected to:

Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Comply with all safe working practices, RAMS, and site-specific instructions.
Correctly wear and maintain issued PPE at all times.
Promptly report hazards, unsafe practices, and near-miss incidents.
Participate in training, toolbox talks, and safety briefings.

Risk Assessment and Method Statements (RAMS)

Risk assessments and method statements are developed for all projects before work commences. They include:

Identification of potential site-specific hazards, such as traffic interfaces, overhead services, ground stability, and weather conditions.
Public protection measures, including fencing, signage, and pedestrian routes.
Emergency response planning for falls, collapses, or contact with services.
Specific PPE and access equipment to be used.

RAMS are reviewed regularly, following incidents, and when project conditions change. Records are kept securely for reference and compliance audits.

Working at Height

Scaffolding is a high-risk activity governed by the Work at Height Regulations 2005. All works ar

Planned in advance by competent persons, with adequate resources allocated for safe execution.
Supervised by trained team leaders with industry-recognised CISRS qualifications.
Equipped with full edge protection, toe boards, access ladders or stair towers, and fall prevention measures.
Subject to daily visual checks and formal weekly inspections. Additional checks are required following adverse weather or unauthorised alterations.
Suspended or modified where there is a risk to life or property.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All employees must wear the following PPE:

Hard hats with chin straps (conforming to EN 397).
Hi-vis clothing compliant with BS EN ISO 20471.
Protective gloves suited to the task (e.g., anti-vibration, cut-resistant).
Steel-toe cap boots with midsole protection.
Fall arrest harnesses and lanyards are used when collective protection is not feasible.
Safety glasses or goggles as required.

PPE is inspected weekly, replaced if damaged or worn, and logged in maintenance records. Training on fitting and using PPE is mandatory.

Incident Reporting & Investigation

All incidents, however minor, are recorded in the Accident Book. The Director investigates serious or RIDDOR-reportable events. Investigations include:

Immediate response to prevent recurrence.
Collection of witness statements and photographic evidence.
Root cause analysis and action plan.
Lessons integrated into RAMS, inductions, and refresher training.

Records are retained for a minimum of 3 years, or longer if required.

First Aid & Emergency Response

Each site and vehicle is equipped with a first aid kit. In addition:

At least one certified first aider is present per shift.
Emergency procedures are explained during site induction.
Contact details for emergency services and next-of-kin are kept both on site and at head office.
Fire extinguishers are carried in vehicles where hot works may occur.

Equipment Safety

Only certified scaffold tubes, boards, and fittings are used. Procedures include:

Visual inspections of all equipment before each job.
Tagged equipment control system for high-use items.
Defective items are labelled and quarantined immediately.
Vehicles are checked weekly, and defects are reported to the Business Manager.

Training & Competence

All operatives must:

Complete Working at Height and Manual Handling training.
Be encouraged to obtain CSCS cards and CISRS Part 1 or higher.
Receive a Health & Safety Induction upon starting employment.
Attend regular toolbox talks and receive refresher training where required.
Be subject to regular supervision and on-site assessments.

Lone Working

Lone working is discouraged and only permitted where risk is assessed. Measures include:

Use of mobile phones and GPS location-sharing.
Scheduled check-ins with supervisors.
Emergency response plans and training.
Specific RAMS for lone working.

Monitoring & Review

This policy is reviewed:

Annually by the Director and Business Manager.
Following a significant incident or enforcement notice.
In response to changes in law or company structure.

Monthly H&S performance reviews are held, and updates are communicated to all staff through toolbox talks, email, and team briefings.

Quality Assurance

Policy Statement

West Sussex Coastal Scaffolding Ltd (WSCS) is committed to delivering safe, reliable, and customer-focused scaffolding services. Our goal is to consistently meet and exceed client expectations by providing high-quality workmanship and service at every stage of a project.

Objectives

To clearly define and communicate the scope, specifications, and costs of each job prior to commencement.
To ensure that all scaffolding work is completed to high standards of safety, stability, and professional appearance.
To maintain open channels for client feedback and respond to issues promptly and effectively.
To build long-term client relationships through dependable service and attention to detail.

Pre-Project Process

A clear written quotation and scope of works will be issued before any work begins.
Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) are developed and approved.
Timelines, access requirements, and safety controls are agreed upon with the client.

On-Site Quality Control

All scaffold erection, alteration, and dismantling is carried out by qualified staff following industry best practices and site-specific RAMS.
Materials used are inspected for defects before use.
Jobs are completed with attention to detail and adherence to specifications.

Final Inspection

The Director or a delegated competent person will inspect all completed works to verify:

Structural stability
Compliance with the quoted scope
Site tidiness and client satisfaction

Customer Feedback

Clients are actively encouraged to provide feedback at the end of each job.
All feedback is recorded, reviewed, and used to drive service improvements.
Complaints are dealt with promptly and resolved to the client’s satisfaction wherever possible.

Continuous Improvement

Lessons learned from feedback, inspections, and audits are incorporated into training and operations.
Regular reviews are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of quality control measures.

Commitment to Reliability

WSCS aims to foster trust by being punctual, professional, and communicative.
Repeat work is encouraged through consistent quality and reliability.
Our reputation is built on client satisfaction and word-of-mouth recommendations.

Review and Monitoring

This policy is reviewed annually or after significant feedback, incidents, or changes in standards.
The Director and Business Manager jointly monitor and implement quality assurance actions.

Working at Height

Policy Statement

West Sussex Coastal Scaffolding Ltd (WSCS) is committed to the prevention of falls from height, which remain one of the leading causes of fatal and serious injuries in the construction industry. As a scaffolding firm, WSCS strictly complies with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and takes every reasonable measure to ensure that work at height is properly planned, supervised, and carried out safely by competent individuals.

Purpose

This policy outlines the control measures and responsibilities required to ensure that all work at height is conducted safely and in accordance with legal obligations.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, subcontractors, and any individuals involved in working at height on behalf of WSCS.

Key Principles

Planning: All work at height must be properly planned and assessed to ensure it is necessary and can be done safely.
Avoidance: Wherever possible, work at height should be avoided by using extendable tools or working from the ground.
Risk Assessment: All method statements must include a specific assessment of risks associated with working at height, including site-specific hazards, fall potential, and control measures.
Competence: Only trained and competent individuals are permitted to carry out work at height. Workers must hold up-to-date Working at Height training and, where appropriate, CISRS certification.

Fall Protection

Guardrails and toe boards are mandatory on all scaffolds and platforms.
Fall arrest harnesses with secure anchor points must be worn where collective fall prevention measures cannot be used.
All PPE used for fall protection must be inspected prior to use and at scheduled intervals.

Scaffold Safety and Inspections

All scaffolds must be inspected:

Before first use
Daily before each shift
After adverse weather conditions
After any modification or alteration
Weekly as part of formal inspections

Inspections must be conducted by a trained scaffolder and recorded in the Scaffold Inspection Register.

Emergency Planning

Each site must have an emergency rescue plan for working at height.
All staff must be briefed on procedures for responding to falls, including how to summon emergency services and provide first aid.

Responsibilities

Director:

Ensures adequate planning and resources are provided for safe working at height.

Business Manager:

Maintains training records and inspection documentation.

Supervisors and Scaffolders:

Carry out work in line with risk assessments and method statements.
Report unsafe conditions immediately.

Monitoring and Review

Compliance with this policy will be monitored through routine site audits.
The policy will be reviewed annually or following any incident or regulatory update.

Website Privacy

Policy Statement

West Sussex Coastal Scaffolding Ltd (WSCS) is committed to protecting the privacy of all visitors to our website. We comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), registration number [insert number]. Francesca Marsh is the company’s Responsible Person for ICO compliance.

Data Collection

We collect personal information such as names, phone numbers, email addresses, and enquiry details when users complete our contact form.
Additional data may be collected through cookies to help improve user experience and analyse site traffic.
We also collect and store customer details for the purpose of raising invoices and maintaining business records as required by HMRC.

Use of Personal Data

Personal information is used solely for the purpose of responding to enquiries and providing quotations or services as requested.
We do not sell, rent, or share personal data with third parties.
Data may be stored securely within our business systems for internal administrative purposes only.

Cookies and Analytics

Our website uses cookies to track visitor activity and improve performance.
Analytics tools may collect anonymised data about how users interact with the website (e.g., pages visited, time spent on site).
Users can adjust cookie preferences through their browser settings.

Data Storage and Security

All collected data is stored securely and access is restricted to authorised personnel only.
We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to safeguard personal information.

Data Retention and Deletion

Enquiry and invoicing data is retained only as long as necessary to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected, and for a minimum of six years where required by UK tax and accounting regulations.
Users may request that their personal data be deleted by contacting us directly at Contact@westsussexcoastalscaffolding.co.uk.

User Rights

In accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), users have the right to:

Access their personal data
Request correction of inaccurate data
Request deletion of data
Object to or restrict processing of data
Users also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if they believe their data has been mishandled.

Changes to this Policy

WSCS reserves the right to update this privacy policy at any time. Changes will be published on our website.

Contact Information

For any questions regarding this policy or to exercise your data rights, please get in touch with Francesca Marsh, ICO Responsible Person, at Contact@westsussexcoastalscaffolding.co.uk, or in writing to our registered office address.

Contact Us

166 Nyetimeber Lane

Pagham

Bognor Regis

Po21 3JQ

Open Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00 - Saturday 09:00 to 17:00

Tel: 07866 184627

Registered Company Details
WEST SUSSEX COASTAL SCAFFOLDING LIMITED
Company Number: 16416190
Company Type: Private Limited
Registered in England and Wales

West Sussex Coastal Scaffolding Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

The company’s ICO responsible person is Francesca Marsh.