Health & Safety

Our mission is to proactively work in partnership with the Force, at all levels, to deliver a safe working environment for all.

We aim to achieve this by:

• Embracing all relevant legislation and approved codes of practise.

• Improving communication.

• Improving consultation.

• Training and development.

Who is responsible for health and safety?
Every member of the force has responsibilities for health and safety. No one is exempt:

• The Chief Constable has overall responsibility for health and safety in the force.

• Area Commanders and Departmental Heads are responsible for health and safety in their areas or departments.

• On area, the Operational Superintendent is responsible for the management of health and safety in the operational environment.

• Business managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of health and safety in an area or department.

• Personnel managers have responsibility for the training of staff on health and safety issues, and the reporting of accidents etc.

• Line managers, such as Inspectors, Sergeants, office managers and team leaders, are responsible for issues under their immediate control.

• Individual members of staff have a responsibility for their own health and safety and the health and safety of others in the workplace who may be affect by their acts or omissions.

Is there a safety committee, which deals with Health and Safety and Welfare issues, in Thames Valley Police?
There is a Force Occupational Health and Health and Safety Committee, which has overall responsibility for dealing with health and safety issues across the Force.

Also, all areas and departments have health and safety committees, which are responsible for dealing with local health and safety issues.

How am I represented on health and safety matters?
On issues of health, safety and welfare within Thames Valley Police, staff are represented by safety representatives appointed by The Police Federation.

I want advice on a health and safety issue, who do I contact?
You should contact the following:

• Your immediate supervisor, i.e. your Sergeant or Team Leader.

• Your Group Supervisor, i.e. your Inspector or Office Manager.

• The person locally appointed as having responsibility for health and safety i.e. the Health and Safety Coordinator.

• The force Health and Safety advisor.