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Policy Framework

Our integrated Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental (HSQE) policy framework comprises 32 comprehensive policies that govern all aspects of our operations. These policies ensure legal compliance, protect our workforce, maintain quality standards, and uphold our commitment to environmental responsibility and ethical business practices.

Framework Details
Policies 32
Issue Date 1st July 2026
Next Review 1st July 2027
Controlled By Sean Ashton (HSQE Consultant)
Approved By Aaron Mason, Director

How the review cycle actually runs

The policy set runs on a 1 July annual cycle. All 32 policies were reviewed against current legislation, regulation and operational practice and reissued on 1st July 2026, signed by the Managing Director. Next review 1st July 2027.

Fifteen carry a revision above 3 because their text genuinely changed during the review — corrected legislative citations, added regulations, and in two cases a legal requirements section that had never existed. The revision number records that the content moved; the issue date records the cycle it was issued on.

Thirteen stand at Revision 3 because nothing in them needed changing. A review that changes nothing is still a review, and bumping a revision number on an unchanged document only obscures when it last genuinely moved.

Four stand below Revision 3 — POL_HSQE_28 Building Safety, POL_HSQE_29 Mental Health, POL_HSQE_30 IT Security and POL_HSQE_31 Fatigue Management. All four were written after the annual cycle began and carry their own issue dates, so they have not yet been through a July review.

Each policy page shows its own position in its document-control band, and every one is listed in APP_24.

Health & Safety Policies

Reference Policy Description
POL_HSQE_00 Integrated HSQE Policy Our overarching commitment to health, safety, quality and environmental management
POL_HSQE_01 Accident Investigation Systematic investigation procedures for all incidents to identify root causes and prevent recurrence
POL_HSQE_06 Underground Cables Protection from underground service strikes through CAT scanning, permit systems, and safe digging
POL_HSQE_08 COSHH Controls exposure to hazardous substances including water treatment chemicals
POL_HSQE_12 Equipment & Electrical Ensures all equipment is maintained, inspected, and operated safely
POL_HSQE_13 Excavation Manages excavation risks through proper shoring, edge protection, and monitoring
POL_HSQE_14 First Aid Maintains adequate first aid provision with trained first aiders and stocked kits
POL_HSQE_16 Health & Safety Statement Framework for our safety management system and workforce protection
POL_HSQE_18 Manual Handling Prevents musculoskeletal injuries through proper lifting techniques and mechanical aids
POL_HSQE_19 PPE Mandates appropriate PPE for all activities including specialized water industry equipment
POL_HSQE_21 Risk Assessment Requires documented risk assessments using the hierarchy of controls
POL_HSQE_31 Fatigue Management Manages cumulative fatigue from long days, driving, call-out and lone working

Environmental & CSR Policies

Reference Policy Description
POL_HSQE_07 Corporate Social Responsibility Commitment to sustainable business practices, community engagement, and positive social impact
POL_HSQE_10 Environmental Minimizes environmental impact through waste reduction, pollution prevention, and resource conservation
Reference Policy Description
POL_HSQE_03 Anti Slavery Ensures ethical supply chains and prevents modern slavery in operations
POL_HSQE_04 Anti-Bribery Maintains business integrity through zero tolerance for bribery and corruption
POL_HSQE_09 Data Protection Protects personal data in compliance with UK GDPR
POL_HSQE_17 Illegal Workers Ensures right to work compliance through document verification
POL_HSQE_23 Tax Evasion Prevents facilitation of tax evasion with robust financial controls
POL_HSQE_28 Building Safety Act Compliance with Building Safety Act requirements for water infrastructure
POL_HSQE_30 IT Security Information and cyber security controls, incident reporting and Cyber Essentials posture

Human Resources Policies

Reference Policy Description
POL_HSQE_02 Alcohol and Drugs Maintains safe workplace through zero tolerance for substance abuse
POL_HSQE_05 Anti-Bullying Creates respectful workplace free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination
POL_HSQE_11 Equal Opportunities Ensures fair treatment and equal opportunities regardless of protected characteristics
POL_HSQE_15 Grievance Provides fair procedures for employees to raise and resolve workplace concerns
POL_HSQE_22 Smoking and Vaping Maintains smoke-free workplaces and vehicles in compliance with legislation
POL_HSQE_24 Training Ensures workforce competency through comprehensive training programs
POL_HSQE_26 Welfare Provides adequate welfare facilities on all sites meeting HSE standards
POL_HSQE_27 Whistleblowing Protects employees who report wrongdoing with confidential reporting channels
POL_HSQE_29 Mental Health Supports mental wellbeing at work and names the trained Mental Health First Aiders

Operational Policies

Reference Policy Description
POL_HSQE_20 Quality Statement Commitment to delivering exceptional water and grab services through continuous improvement
POL_HSQE_25 Company Vehicles Governs safe operation of company vehicles including grab lorries

Implementation & Monitoring

Governance Structure

  • Overall Responsibility: Directors (Aaron Mason & Leanne Mason)
  • Implementation: Management Team & Supervisors
  • Compliance: All Employees, Contractors & Visitors

Training Requirements

  • Induction training on all relevant policies for new starters
  • Annual refresher training for existing staff
  • Toolbox talks for policy updates and reminders
  • Specific training for high-risk activities (confined spaces, excavations)

Monitoring & Review

  • Annual Review Cycle: every policy is reviewed annually. Review dates are staggered by document rather than bunched — see the note above
  • Incident Triggers: Immediate review following serious incidents
  • Legislative Updates: Review when regulations change
  • Audit Program: Regular compliance audits against policy requirements

Documentation & Records

  • Policy acknowledgment forms signed by all employees
  • Training records maintained in personnel files
  • Risk assessments and method statements linked to relevant policies
  • Incident reports and investigation findings
  • Audit reports and corrective actions

Quick Reference Guide

Emergency Policies

Daily Operations

Specialized Activities

Employee Relations

Compliance & Ethics

Access & Distribution

Digital Access

  • All policies available on company SharePoint
  • Mobile access through company tablets
  • QR codes in welfare units for quick access

Physical Copies

  • Master set in head office
  • Site copies in welfare units
  • Vehicle folders for mobile workers

Updates & Communication

  • Email notifications for policy updates
  • Toolbox talks for significant changes
  • Notice board postings
  • Team briefings

Key Contacts

Policy Queries:

  • Leanne Mason, Director - Office Management & Administration
  • Aaron Mason, Director - Operational Implementation

Specific Areas:

  • Health & Safety - Site Supervisors
  • Environmental - HSQE Consultant
  • HR Issues - Director
  • Training - Training Coordinator

Certification & Accreditation Support

These policies support our compliance with:

  • ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management)
  • ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management)
  • ISO 45001:2018 (Health & Safety Management)
  • Constructionline Gold Membership
  • CHAS Premium Plus

This overview provides a summary of our policy framework. Always refer to the full policy documents for complete requirements and procedures.