The protection of the environment when working in the rural or urban setting is of vital importance and as such we commit to the proper working directives and policies to ensure that care is taken when working in any environment and through all activities.

We are aware of the responsibility to minimise any impact that we have when working, either directly or indirectly and as such will implement all due care and diligence to ensure best practice and outcome.

The effective implementation of the environmental policy requires the participation of all levels of management, contractors and employees in the following manner:

 

The Work Manager:

a)    Share responsibility for the effective implementation of the environmental policy.

b)   Shall keep them informed of the incidents or accidents resulting in adverse environmental effects occurring on the worksite.

c)    Shall keep under review the necessity for further environmental measures, instructions and training to ensure positive environmental effects for all.

d)   The Work Manager will nominate a person at each site, who is to be responsible for environmental policies.

 

The Nominated Person Responsible for the Environmental Policy:

a)    Shall advice, guide, and inform on environmental matters to assist them to fulfil their duties.

b)   Shall inspect and check plant, processes, procedure practices, and premises to see that the necessary environmental standards are maintained and to ascertain where additional measures are required.

c)    Shall promote and communicate "environmental effect" training and instruction in unnecessary waste prevention, pollution precautions, safety and health and hygiene measures.

d)   Shall as necessary carry out follow up investigations on any incidents relating to breaches of the environmental policy.

e)    Shall consult and communicate with relevant authorities, and advisory organisations in the furtherance of maintaining and improving the positive environmental standards.

f)    Shall be responsible for undertaking the measures needed to comply with the requirements and prohibitions imposed by the relevant statutory provisions.

 

The Site Safety Officer:

a)    Shall be responsible for the effective implementation of environmental policy within the worksite, or area of control.

b)   Shall investigate all accidents and potentially hazardous incidents in the area under his control reported to him either formally or informally, and shall institute or report to the appropriate management action taken or required to be taken to make safe and/or to prevent a recurrence of the incident.

c)    Shall inspect the area under his control to check that the environmental policy measures are being maintained and that safety instructions and safe practices are being followed in the method of work, place of work, and by workers. 

d)   Shall instruct those under his control, precisely and clearly on their duties with regard to the environmental responsibilities of themselves and all others within the work area.

e)    Shall institute or initiate as appropriate, additional environmental measures, repairs or remedial measures deemed to be necessary from his investigation, inspection, or information that is obtained in the course of the above duties.

f)    Shall inform contractors or employees of any hazards to the environment encountered in the course of their work and the precautions to be taken and of the duties to safeguard the environment.

g)   Shall make himself reasonably available to receive and discuss environmental queries raised.

 

Contractors and Employees:

a)    Shall make themselves familiar with and conform to the environmental policy.

b)   Shall observe and comply with the environmental policy rules at all times.

c)    Will conform to all instructions given by the nominated person with a responsibility for the environmental policy.

d)   Will report all incidents and damage that result in environmental degradation.

e)    May make suggestions to improve the environmental policy at sites to the supervisor or charge hand or safety person.

f)    Must report all environmental hazards to the site safety officer.

g)   Shall conform to other Companies' environmental policies when on their sites on business.

 

All Other Persons at Worksites:

a)    Shall observe the Company environmental policy and instructions given by personnel enforcing the Policy.

b)   Shall not work on the sites until the relevant policy rules are read, understood, and accepted.

 

Environmental TARGETS

 It is the target of any business to achieve standards significantly above all relevant environmental legislative standards, and to minimise any adverse effects on the environment.  It is policy to carry out work in a manner which cares for the environment, flora, and fauna, and to ensure that the operations carried out do not pollute the area of work.

All operations will be carried out with due regard for bird life.  All excavations will be carried out with due regard for archaeological remains.

 

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Company operators, contractors and sub-contractors and are required to report immediately the discovery of any previously unknown feature which may be of archaeological or conservation interest, and to withdraw from working at that location until allowed to resume.  The discovery of finds, e.g. pottery, bones, flints, coins, etc. should be reported immediately and no further disturbance allowed to take place.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL SAFEGUARDS

Fuels, Oils, and Chemicals

1.    Where possible, biodegradable oils will be used.

2.    It will be ensured that fuels, oils, and chemicals are stored in a manner which prevents leakage.

3.    Use only sound undamaged containers, double skinned where appropriate.  Keep containers upright.

4.    Store containers well away from drains, ditches and watercourses.

5.    Refuel well away from drainage systems, watercourses and any sensitive sites.

6.    Handle containers carefully to prevent damage.

7.    Use pumps and funnels to prevent spillage.

 

Maintenance

1.    Regularly check machinery for leakage of oils, fuel and hydraulic fluids. Repair leaks promptly. (Chipper checked daily.)

2.    Carry out repairs and maintenance well away from drainage systems and watercourses.

3.    All waste fluids resulting from maintenance must be collected in a suitable container then transferred for removal off-site that day.

4.    Where winch ropes are lubricated by pouring on oil a suitable tray must be placed to collect any surplus and the surplus then returned to a sound container.

Spillage

In the event of a spillage:

1.    Take emergency action following the contingency plan.

2.    Report immediately any significant spillage of lubricants or fuel.

3.    Arrange for a replacement spillage kit, before resuming operations.

 

General

1.    Fires will be restricted to sites agreed with the landowner/work manager and shall be supervised at all times ( end of day damping and check will always be carried out.)

2.    Where possible, wheeled traffic will be restricted on pressure sensitive soils.

3.    Park machinery only in safe locations well away from drainage systems and watercourses, and only park and maintain and refuel machinery within designated locations on special sites (where these are specified.)

4.    Keep sites clean and tidy at all times leaving no bottles or food or drink containers or wrappings.

5.    Remove off site daily, all empty drums, canisters, fuel and oil containers, broken ropes and broken or replaced machinery parts.

 

Special Requirements

1.    Operators will be notified of any special constraints which apply to a site, for example - nesting birds, wetland areas which must be avoided, archaeological remains, badger setts, etc.  The necessary protection measures and site marking will be agreed before work starts and must be adhered to.

 

ACTION

The environmental policy shall be reviewed on an ongoing basis.