Health and Safety Policy

Policy Statement:

At Altar of Earth, we are profoundly committed to fostering a safe and healthy environment for all individuals involved in our mission: connecting to ancestral ties and nature for mental well-being. This commitment extends to our employees, volunteers, contractors, and all participants engaging in our programs and activities. We recognise that safety and well-being are fundamental to creating a trusting and effective space for healing and connection.

We firmly believe that all accidents, injuries, and work-related ill-health are preventable. This policy outlines our proactive approach to identifying, assessing, and controlling risks, ensuring compliance with relevant health and safety legislation in both the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US). We are dedicated to continuous improvement in our health and safety performance, prioritising the physical and psychological well-being of everyone who interacts with Altar of Earth.

1. Scope

This policy applies to all activities conducted by or on behalf of Altar of Earth, including:

  • All employees (paid and unpaid), volunteers, and contractors.

  • All participants in our programs, workshops, and events, whether online or in person.

  • All premises, sites, and outdoor locations (including natural environments) used for Altar of Earth activities.

  • Any equipment or resources used in connection with our work.

2. Key Principles

Our Health and Safety Policy is built upon the following core principles:

  • Prevention First: Proactively identifying hazards and implementing control measures to prevent accidents, injuries, and ill-health before they occur.

  • Responsibility: Health and safety is a shared responsibility. Everyone, from leadership to participants, has a role to play in maintaining a safe environment.

  • Competence: Ensuring that all individuals involved in activities are competent to perform their tasks safely, through appropriate training and supervision.

  • Communication and Consultation: Fostering open communication channels regarding health and safety matters and consulting with individuals on decisions that affect their safety.

  • Continuous Improvement: Regularly reviewing and improving our health and safety management system and practices.

  • Compliance: Adhering to all applicable health and safety legislation, regulations, and approved codes of practice in the UK (e.g., Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974) and the US (e.g., Occupational Safety and Health Act 1970).

3. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Board of Directors/Leadership Team:

    • Overall responsibility for setting health and safety objectives and ensuring adequate resources are allocated.

    • Ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation.

    • Promoting a positive health and safety culture throughout the organisation.

    • Monitoring the effectiveness of the health and safety policy.

  • Designated Health and Safety Officer (DHSO):

    • The primary point of contact for all health and safety matters.

    • Responsible for overseeing the implementation and review of this policy.

    • Conducting and reviewing risk assessments.

    • Coordinating health and safety training.

    • Investigating accidents and incidents.

    • Liaising with external health and safety authorities as required.

    • The assigned Designated Health and Safety Officer for Altar of Earth is founder Melissa Main, who can be contacted for any health and safety enquiries via email at contact@altarofearth.org.

  • All Employees, Volunteers, and Contractors:

    • Taking reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.

    • Cooperating with Altar of Earth on all health and safety matters.

    • Using equipment and facilities correctly and safely.

    • Reporting any hazards, near misses, accidents, or ill-health immediately to the DHSO.

    • Adhering to all health and safety procedures and instructions.

  • Participants:

    • Following all safety instructions provided by Altar of Earth staff/volunteers.

    • Reporting any concerns about their own safety or the safety of others.

    • Disclosing any relevant health conditions or limitations that may affect their safe participation.

4. Risk Assessment and Management

Altar of Earth will conduct thorough risk assessments for all activities, particularly those involving outdoor environments and interactions with vulnerable individuals. This process involves:

  • Identification of Hazards: Proactively identifying anything that has the potential to cause harm (e.g., uneven terrain, adverse weather, hazardous plants/animals, psychological distress).

  • Assessment of Risks: Evaluating the likelihood of harm occurring and the potential severity of that harm.

  • Control Measures: Implementing appropriate measures to eliminate hazards or reduce risks to an acceptable level. This includes:

    • Elimination: Removing the hazard entirely.

    • Substitution: Replacing the hazard with a safer alternative.

    • Engineering Controls: Designing the environment or equipment to reduce risk.

    • Administrative Controls: Developing safe work procedures, training, and supervision.

    • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing and ensuring the use of appropriate PPE where necessary (e.g., suitable clothing for outdoor conditions).

  • Review: Regularly reviewing risk assessments, especially after incidents, changes in activities, or new information.

Specific Considerations for Nature-Based Activities:

Given our focus on nature connection, particular attention will be paid to:

  • Environmental Risks: Weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, storms), uneven or slippery terrain, bodies of water, poisonous plants, venomous creatures, wild animals.

  • Remote Locations: Considerations for communication, emergency access, and self-sufficiency.

  • Psychological Safety: Recognising the sensitive nature of discussions related to mental health and ancestral healing, ensuring a supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere, and having protocols for addressing emotional distress. This includes ensuring activities are trauma-informed.

  • Emergency Preparedness: Carrying appropriate first aid supplies, having communication devices, and knowing emergency contact details and routes.

5. Training and Competence

Altar of Earth is committed to providing appropriate health and safety training to all personnel:

  • Induction: All new employees, volunteers, and contractors will receive health and safety induction training relevant to their role.

  • Specific Training: Training may include:

    • General health and safety awareness.

    • First Aid (including outdoor or wilderness first aid where appropriate).

    • Emergency procedures.

    • Risk assessment principles and application.

    • Safe use of equipment.

    • Mental health awareness and psychological first aid.

    • Site-specific hazards and control measures for nature-based activities.

  • Competence: We will ensure that individuals leading specific activities possess the necessary qualifications, experience, and competence to do so safely.

6. Emergency Procedures

Clear and effective emergency procedures will be established and communicated:

  • First Aid: Adequate first aid provisions, trained first aiders, and clear procedures for administering first aid.

  • Accident/Incident Response: Immediate steps to secure the scene, provide aid, and contact emergency services if necessary.

  • Emergency Contact Information: Readily accessible emergency contact details for all participants and personnel.

  • Evacuation Procedures: Where applicable (e.g., specific indoor premises or designated outdoor sites), clear evacuation routes and assembly points.

7. Reporting Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses

All accidents, incidents (including safeguarding concerns), and near misses (events that could have caused harm but didn't) must be reported promptly to the DHSO.

  • Internal Reporting: A clear internal reporting system will be in place to ensure all incidents are documented, investigated, and reviewed.

  • External Reporting: Altar of Earth will comply with all legal requirements for external reporting:

    • UK: Reporting under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) 2013 to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) where applicable.

    • US: Reporting to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for workplace accidents as required, and any state-specific reporting obligations.

8. Equipment and Facilities

All equipment and facilities used by Altar of Earth will be:

  • Maintained in a safe condition.

  • Inspected regularly.

  • Used only for their intended purpose.

  • Suitable for the activity and the environment.

9. Welfare

Altar of Earth is committed to providing adequate welfare provisions, which may include:

  • Access to drinking water.

  • Appropriate rest breaks.

  • Consideration of access to toilet facilities, particularly in outdoor settings.

  • Protection from adverse weather conditions.

10. Monitoring and Review

This policy and our health and safety performance will be regularly monitored and reviewed:

  • Regular Inspections: Routine inspections of premises, equipment, and activity sites.

  • Performance Monitoring: Tracking accident and incident rates, completion of risk assessments, and training uptake.

  • Annual Review: A formal review of this policy and the entire health and safety management system will be conducted at least annually by the Board of Directors/Leadership Team and the DHSO.

  • Review Triggers: Reviews will also be triggered by significant changes in activities, legislation, or following any major incident.

11. Breach of Policy

Any breach of this Health and Safety Policy by an employee, volunteer, or contractor will be taken seriously and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal or termination of contract. Where a serious breach or criminal offence has occurred, relevant statutory authorities (Police, HSE in UK, OSHA in US, etc.) will be informed.

Disclaimer: This Health and Safety Policy provides a comprehensive framework based on general principles and common legal requirements in the UK and US. However, specific health and safety laws and regulations can vary significantly at state and local levels within the US, and detailed guidance can evolve in the UK. This document should be considered a robust template and must be reviewed, adapted, and approved by qualified legal counsel in the specific UK region and relevant US states where Altar of Earth operates to ensure full compliance with all applicable local health and safety laws. Altar of Earth should also consult with local health and safety authorities or experienced consultants for tailored advice regarding specific outdoor activities and mental well-being support services.