Health and Safety Policy

Statement of intent

Papillon will, so far as is reasonably practicable, protect the health, safety and welfare of employees, contractors, linguists, service users and others affected by our work. We identify hazards, assess risk, implement proportionate controls and review those controls when work or circumstances change.

Stephen Kent, Managing Director, has overall accountability. Everyone working for Papillon must take reasonable care, follow instructions, use equipment safely and report hazards, incidents and near misses promptly.

Working arrangements

• Risk assessments cover home and display-screen work, lone working, travel, client premises, manual handling, fatigue, stress and work-related violence or aggression where relevant.
• Workers receive appropriate information, instruction and supervision, including client-site emergency and safeguarding arrangements.
• Home and mobile workers must use a suitable workspace, take regular screen breaks, protect confidential material and report equipment or wellbeing concerns.
• On-site interpreters may pause or leave an assignment where there is an immediate and uncontrolled risk, while notifying Papillon and the client as soon as safely possible.

Incidents and emergencies

Emergencies must be reported to the relevant emergency service or premises lead first. Accidents, occupational ill health, violence, near misses and hazards must then be reported to Papillon without delay. We investigate proportionately, preserve records and make any legally required report, including under RIDDOR where applicable.

Monitoring and consultation

Papillon consults affected workers, reviews risk assessments and training, and checks that corrective actions are completed. This written policy is reviewed annually and after a serious incident, material service change or relevant change in law or guidance.