Workshop Health and Safety Policy

Introduction

The purpose of this document is to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants and staff during workshops run and facilitated by SQUUSHED. This document covers all health and safety aspects of the workshops, and serves as a mutual agreement between all attendees on conduct and care.

General Safety Guidelines

Workshop Environment

The workshop space is a space of learning and engagement. All participants must respect the location, furnishings, equipment and the space itself. If any damage occurs to the venue, please bring it to the attention of the instructor immediately.

Each participant will have their own dedicated workspace during the workshop. The participant will not encroach into the workspace of other participants unless an agreement is reached between the participants. This is to ensure that each participant has the space to fully experience the workshop.

Toilets, emergency exits, and break areas will be pointed out to participants on arrival.

Facilitation

The max ratio of instructors to participants is 1:30 (1 instructor for every 30 participants). The average ratio, however, is 1:6.

First Aid

The location of the first aid kit will be pointed out to the participants.

  • Minor injuries (e.g. scrapes, small cuts, etc.): These can be treated using the first aid kit, and if the affected participant is happy to continue, then the workshop will continue.
  • Moderate injuries (e.g larger cuts, muscle strains, etc.): If these can be treated using the first aid kit, and if the affected participant is happy to continue, then the workshop will continue. If not, the workshop will halt.
  • Serious injuries (e.g deep cuts, broken bones, etc.): The workshop will halt and if required, emergency services will be called.
  • Emergencies (e.g. stroke, heart attack, etc.): All activities will cease, and emergency services will be called.

Participant Responsibilities

Participants will behave in a safe and responsible manner. Participants will respect the staff and each other with the aim of creating an inclusive, creative environment. Any inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated, and repeated behaviour will result in the participant being asked to leave.

Certain activities may require the use of protective equipment such as gloves, aprons, etc. The participant will use such safety equipment as indicated by the instructor.

Safety Measures

All participants will handle materials in accordance with the instructor's guidance. This includes the use of paints, glues, dyes, etc.

All participants will handle tools in accordance with the instructor’s guidance. This includes the use of scissors, knives, guillotines, metal rulers, sewing needles, heat guns, irons, or any other tool used during the workshop. If at any point the participant doesn’t feel comfortable or confident using a particular tool, they should let the instructor know immediately.

All participants will notify the instructor of any relevant allergies, which may prevent them from using or being near certain materials or tools.

Emergency Procedures

Emergency Contacts

In case of a serious illness, significant injury, or a life-threatening emergency, call 999 or 112 and follow the instructions issued over the phone.

If urgent medical attention is not needed, but it is still a significant incident, other means of support might be more appropriate. For instance, going to the emergency department using self transport rather than requesting an ambulance, going to the local injury unit, or calling a GP, or Pharmacist.

Service

Phone Number

Location

Emergency Services

999 or 112

Nationwide

Emergency Department

045 849 899

Naas General Hospital Emergency Department

Injury Unit

045 872 135

Naas Hospital Injury Unit

GP Walk-in

085 873 4084

085 862 7169

My Docs Naas

GP on call

045 848 701

Kildare & West Wicklow Doctors on call (KDoc)

GP on call

0818 300 365

059 913 8100

Caredoc Carlow

Pharmacy

059 862 3590

Lloyds Pharmacy Crookstown

Pharmacy

059 914 4446

Castledermot Medical Hall

Evacuation Plan

In case of fire, evacuate the building calmly using the emergency exits. Do not stop to take personal belongings. The instructor will perform a headcount at the assembly point to ensure that all participants are accounted for.

The assembly point for Croí Anú is the gates of the National School.

Workshop Health and Safety Policy

Incident Reports

In case of any incidents or accidents, a report will be created and kept on file.

Risk Identification and Mitigation

  • Injury due to improper usage of blades or cutting implements
    • Provide clear instructions on how to use the implements safely
    • Reiterate that the participant can opt out of any activity
  • Injury due to improper usage of machinery
    • Provide clear instructions on how to use the machinery safely
    • Reiterate that the participant can opt out of any activity
  • Allergic reaction due to materials
    • Gather participants’ allergies before the workshop
    • Ensure that any materials which may cause allergic reactions are identified
    • Provide alternative materials where possible
  • Allergic reaction due to food/snacks
    • Gather participants’ allergies before the workshop
    • Ensure that any food/snacks which may cause allergic reactions are identified
    • Provide alternative food/snacks where possible

Participant Agreement

When purchasing a slot in a workshop, the participant must agree to the terms and conditions, which includes a reference to this safety document. During the workshop, there will be a safety briefing to ensure everyone is aware of this policy and the pertinent points contained within.

During the booking process, we collect any relevant medical information or allergies which may affect participation in the workshop. Where possible, we will put in place accommodations to support the participant.

Change

This policy is subject to change without prior notice.