Health & Safety Policy

Tarang Art & Wellbeing Association of Scotland (TAWAS)
Scottish Charity Number: SC052836

1. Policy Statement

Tarang Art & Wellbeing Association of Scotland (TAWAS) is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and welcoming environment for everyone involved in our activities, including participants, volunteers, trustees, staff, freelance facilitators, and visitors.

We recognize our responsibility to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of all those who take part in our arts, music, wellbeing, and community programs. We aim to minimize risks and ensure that our activities are delivered safely and responsibly.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Promote the health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone involved in TAWAS activities.

• Prevent accidents, injuries, and ill health wherever reasonably possible.

• Ensure activities are planned and delivered safely.

• Meet our legal responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation.

• Encourage everyone to take responsibility for maintaining a safe environment.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Trustees

• Employees (where applicable)

• Volunteers

• Freelance artists and facilitators

• Participants

• Visitors

• Contractors working on behalf of TAWAS

4. Our Responsibilities

TAWAS will:

• Provide safe venues and suitable environments for activities.

• Carry out appropriate risk assessments before events and workshops.

• Ensure equipment is safe and fit for purpose.

• Provide appropriate information and guidance to staff and volunteers.

• Ensure emergency procedures are known and followed.

• Maintain appropriate public liability insurance.

• Review health and safety arrangements regularly.

5. Responsibilities of Trustees, Staff and Volunteers

Everyone involved with TAWAS is expected to:

• Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.

• Follow health and safety procedures.

• Report hazards, accidents, or near misses as soon as possible.

• Use equipment safely and only for its intended purpose.

• Cooperate with organizers to maintain a safe environment.

• Treat others with respect and help create a welcoming atmosphere.

6. Risk Assessments

Risk assessments will be completed for activities where appropriate and will consider:

• Venue safety

• Fire exits and emergency procedures

• Accessibility

• Manual handling

• Slips, trips and falls

• Electrical equipment

• Art materials and equipment

• Music and sound equipment

• Outdoor activities

• Participants with additional support needs

Any significant risks identified will be managed before activities begin.

7. First Aid and Emergencies

Where appropriate:

• A basic first aid kit will be available.

• Emergency contact details will be obtained where necessary.

• Accident and incident records will be maintained.

• Serious incidents will be reported in accordance with legal requirements.

In an emergency, facilitators and volunteers will contact the emergency services immediately if required and follow the venue's emergency procedures.

8. Safeguarding

TAWAS is committed to creating a safe environment for children, young people, and protected adults.

All staff and volunteers will follow the organization's Safeguarding Policy and report any concerns immediately.

9. Fire Safety

When using community venues, facilitators will:

• Familiarize themselves with fire exits and assembly points.

• Keep exits clear at all times.

• Follow the venue's emergency evacuation procedures.

• Inform participants of emergency arrangements where appropriate.

10. Wellbeing

As a wellbeing charity, TAWAS recognizes that health includes physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

We will encourage:

• Respectful and inclusive behavior.

• Regular breaks during longer sessions.

• Activities that are appropriate to participants' abilities.

• A supportive environment where participants feel safe, valued, and included.

11. Accident Reporting

All accidents, injuries, incidents, and near misses should be reported to the activity organizer or a trustee as soon as possible.

An accident record will be maintained and reviewed to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

12. Monitoring and Review

The Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing this policy.

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation changes or following a significant incident.

Approved by: Board of Trustees

Organisation: Tarang Art & Wellbeing Association of Scotland (TAWAS)

Scottish Charity Number: SC052836

Date Approved: July 2026

Review Date: July 2027