BIRMINGHAM

WORKING
SAFELY AT SELFRIDGES
HEALTH & SAFETY
INDUCTION WORKBOOK

NAME:
DEPARTMENT:
INTRODUCTION

Welcome to The Selfridges Health and Safety Induction workbook.

Our goal is to safely become the destination for the most
extraordinary customer experience and to achieve this we
need your commitment to work safely.

Selfridges is committed to ensuring the health, safety and

welfare of all persons working in or visiting our buildings.
We take our health and safety responsibilities very seriously
and expect all team members to do so too.

Health and Safety procedures and responsibilities extend to all

roles at Selfridges. Wherever you are based, you are key to
ensuring the highest standards of safety for our customers and
your fellow team members.

If you have any questions and the answer is not in this handbook
ask your manager or the Health and Safety team for advice.
POLICY STATEMENT BY
MANAGING DIRECTOR

The effective implementation of this Health and Safety Policy is

fundamental to the continued successful operation of our business.

Selfridges will take every reasonably practicable step to

ensure the health, safety and welfare of our team members,
customers, contractors and visitors while on our premises or
working anywhere on our behalf, in accordance with our own
high standards and statutory requirements.

Health and safety is aligned directly to our business needs, and we

are committed to providing adequate resources in terms of funding,
people, time and support to ensure continuous improvement in our
overall health and safety per formance and team member wellbeing.

I take ultimate responsibility for health and safety within the business.
However we all have a duty to take responsibility and deliver safe
working practices at all times. There are specific responsibilities at
all levels of our company detailed within this Policy which you are
obliged to be aware of and to fulfil appropriately.

I am committed to ensuring that Selfridges demonstrates the

highest level of health and safety per formance throughout every
area of our business and I am grateful for your continued support
in making this happen.

THIS POLICY WILL BE:

• Brought to the attention of all team members
• Reviewed formally every year

ANNE PITCHER
MANAGING DIRECTOR
WHAT THE LAW SAYS

The most important piece of legislation governing health and safety

is the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The Company will
do what is reasonably practicable to ensure the health, safety and
welfare of all team members, visitors, contractors and members
of the general public (essentially anyone who comes onto the
Company’s property).

We will ensure that legal standards are satisfied in accordance with

those duties embodied and set out in the Health and Safety at Work
etc. Act 1974. This will also include satisfying the requirements of any
subordinate Regulations and other Acts that provide for the health,
safety and welfare of team members and others who might be
affected by our work activity.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
All persons working in Selfridges are responsible for;
• E nsuring the health and safety of themselves and others who may
be affected by their actions
• F ollowing all health and safety policies, rules and procedures
relevant to your role
• Reporting anything that may cause harm to the appropriate person
• Reporting all accidents

HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAINING

Whilst working at Selfridges you will be provided with additional
or refresher health and safety training relevant to your role. This
may be provided via classroom training, online training or written
procedures. You must ensure you attend and follow the guidance
given in these trainings.
FIRST AID

If you, a colleague or a customer are injured whilst at

work or shopping in store, or feel unwell you can request
a first aider by calling the Duty Manager on 07709 423171.

The Duty Manager will dispatch a first aider to you.

The injured or unwell person may be taken to a quiet
location to be attended to.

The first aider is trained to attend to minor injuries, and

in more serious circumstances may send the injured/
unwell person to the local accident and emergency
department.

The store has one defibrillator located in the Yellow

Staircase at Level 2.
ACCIDENT REPORTING

The First Aider will ensure all details relating to the accident and the
injured person are recorded on an accident report.

It is vital that you provide as much information as possible, this is so

we can investigate the accident to prevent the same incident from
happening again.

If you have an accident at work and do not require first aid, the
accident should still be reported. You can do this by speaking with
your manager or the health and safety team.

Following an accident your manager will complete a return to work

interview with you if you have to take any time off of work, this will
ensure we can make an adjustments to your role whilst you recover
or provide rehabilitation if needed.
USING CHEMICALS

If not used correctly, chemical products can cause you harm.

A chemical has hazardous properties if it has any labels that
look like this;

Dangerous to the Toxic Gas under pressure

environment

Corrosive Explosive Flammable

Caution - used for less Oxidising Longer term health

serious health hazards hazards such as
like skin irritation carcinogenicity
It is Selfridges policy to use non-hazardous products if available.
If you work on the shop floor, cleaning products will be provided that
do not have any hazardous properties.

If you work in a kitchen or a restaurant you will need to use some

chemicals. Speak to your manager who will show you how to use
these safely and provide you with any required safety equipment.
You can order approved chemicals from the retail operations team.

YOU MUST
• Never bring in chemicals from home
• Never mix different substances together
• Use all personal protective equipment provided to you
• Inform your manager if there are chemicals that you are allergic to
• K eep all chemicals stored in their original containers, and store
them securely
COMPUTER USERS
If you work at a computer for more than 1 hour
continuously, you are considered a DSE user.
(This does not include till users).
Selfridges will provide DSE users with a free eye test
annually, these are available from the HR department.
Selfridges will ensure suitable desk and computer
equipment is provided, and you have a comfortable
working environment.
You may need help to set up your desk so that you are
comfortable at it, contact the health and safety team
who can complete a desk assessment.
STAYING HEALTHY AT YOUR DESK

•K  eep your workspace clear and items you use frequently within
easy reach
• Take regular breaks away from your desk, we recommend 5
minutes each hour
• W hen sat at your desk, your arms should be parallel to your desk,
you may need a foot rest if this takes your feet off the floor
• Your eyes should be level with the top half of the screen, if your
screen is to low you may need a screen riser
• K eep your keyboard and mouse close to the edge of your desk
to avoid over reaching
• Foot rests and screen risers are available to order from stationery
FIRE

It is essential to keep our workplace safe from fire. We must make

every effort to minimise and prevent the risk of fire; everyone has a
role to play.

TO PREVENT FIRE YOU MUST

•K eep fire exit routes clear, nothing is allowed to be stored in
these areas
• Regularly remove and dispose of waste and unused equipment
• Not overload electrical sockets or extension leads
• Not smoke within the building

FIRE DISCOVERY
If you discover a fire take the following action;
• Close the door on a fire if possible
• Advise everyone to leave the immediate area
• Break the nearest red break glass box, these are located
at fire exits
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

There are two types of extinguisher used in our store and offices
these are;
• F oam Extinguishers – this can be used on anything that can burn,
such as fabric, plastic and paper. Do not use on electrical fires
• C o2 Extinguishers – this can be used on fires involving electrical
equipment. The nozzle on this extinguisher will freeze when in use,
do not hold onto the nozzle

If you work in a high risk area you will be provided with extinguisher
training, if you do not, we recommend you only use an extinguisher if
you exit route is blocked.

If you decide to use an extinguisher, never use more than

one extinguisher, when the extinguisher is empty leave quickly,
close the door on the fire and assist team members and
colleagues to leave the area.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

In the event of an emergency situation one of three

voices messages will be broadcast, the action you
must take is detailed below.

SECURITY INCIDENT

WHAT YOU MUST DO IN AN EMERGENCY

VOICE ANNOUNCEMENT WHAT YOU MUST DO

“Staff Call 200” There is a security incident in store

• Managers must activate the control
point
• Team members await instruction from
your manager

“Staff call 100 - all clear.” • Return to work as normal

FIRE INCIDENT
WHAT YOU MUST DO IN AN EMERGENCY
VOICE ANNOUNCEMENT
“Staff Call 100”
“Ladies & Gentlemen, due to an incident
we have to evacuate the store.
There is no cause for alarm. Staff will direct
you to the nearest fire exit. Do not use the
lifts or escalators.”
“Staff Call 100 – All clear.”
WHAT YOU MUST DO
• Managers must activate the
control point
• Return to your department and
await further instructions
• Prepare to evacuate
• Direct all people out of the building
• Ensure your area is clear
• Leave the building by the nearest
fire exit
• Go to Corner of Park Street &
Digbeth Road assembly point
• Return to work as normal
ASSEMBLY POINT

In the event of a full building evacuation you must

make your way quickly to Edgbaston Street behind
St Martins Church. Assemble on the pavement
under the placard with your floor number on it.
If you notice a colleague is missing, inform your
manager immediately.

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ASSEMBLY
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WORKING ON LADDERS
& STEP STOOLS

You may need to use a ladder or a step stool, follow this guidance
to work safely. If you have any health issues which make it unsafe for
you to work at height please inform your manager.

If your ladder is broken or damaged do not use it and report it to your

manager who can arrange for a new ladder to be ordered. Bin the
faulty ladder so that it cannot be used.

BEFORE YOU START THE TASK

•A  lways use appropriate equipment; do not use boxes or furniture to
reach things at height
• Check rungs and sides of stepladders for broken or missing parts
• Check that the rungs are clean and not covered in anything that
may cause you to slip
• Check the stepladders feet to make sure that they are secure
• Wear appropriate footwear when using a ladder; flip flops or high
heels are not appropriate
• Check for overhead hazards
• Put the stepladder on level ground
• Make sure that the stepladder is fully open before you
start climbing
• Make sure the safety catches are on
WORKING ON LADDERS
& STEP STOOLS CONTINUED

HOW TO WORK SAFELY ON A LADDER

•K  eep both hands on the sides of the stepladder as you climb
• Always face the stepladder, don’t twist away from it to reach items,
move the ladder
• Ensure that only one person is on the stepladder at a time
• Don’t rush, or jump off the stepladder as you climb down
• N ever stand on the top platform or the top two steps of
the stepladder
• Always store stepladders safely and securely
MANUAL HANDLING

Manual handling includes lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling,

carrying or moving of load. It is important that you lift correctly to
avoid injuries such as back pain, sprains and strain.
Follow the below guidance and always ask for help.

LIFTING
• Stand as close to the load as
possible, spread your feet to
create a stable base. If the load
is on a shelf, slide it closer to you
• Bend your knees and keep your
back in a natural line
• Grip the load firmly
• Raise your head as you start
to lift
• Lift with your legs
• Don’t twist your body, if you
need to change your direction,
move your feet instead
• If the load is to go on a table
or shelf, rest it on the edge and
push it forward with your arms
and body
• Heavy stock should be stored
on shelves at waist height,
light stock should be stored
high up, and large items below
waist height
• Make sure that the load is
secure. Check that it will not
fall, tip or roll from where it has
been placed

CARRYING LIFTING WITH ANOTHER PERSON

• Keep the load close to your
body, avoid changing grip
• Ensure your vision is not
obstructed by the load
PUTTING DOWN
• Bend your knees to lower the
load, keep your back straight,
and the load close to your body
• Be careful of fingers and toes
and feet when placing the load
If you need someone to help you
with manual handling:
• Work with someone who is of
similar build and height to you
• One person should give
instructions
• Lift at the same time, and then
raise the load to a
comfortable level
• Move smoothly and both at
the same time
VULNERABLE PERSONS

NEW & EXPECTANT MOTHERS

If you are pregnant, have given birth within the last six months or
are continuing to breastfeed, the health and safety team must be
informed so that we can complete a risk assessment. This is to ensure
we have assessed any risks relating to your job role that may affect
your pregnancy and make adjustments to your role where needed.

YOUNG PEOPLE
If you are under the age of 18, you are classed as a young person.
The health and safety team must be informed so that we can
conduct a risk assessment. This is to assess if there is any part of
your role that requires adjustments or limitations. You and your
manager will be involved in and made aware of the actions
required following the assessment.

HEALTH CONCERNS
If you have a health condition that may affect your ability to work
safely please inform your manager and the health and safety
team. A risk assessment will be completed to understand what the
implications to your role are and what adjustments we can make to
support you.

Any information you provide will remain confidential, and will not be
shared without your express permission.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT (PPE)

PPE is equipment that may be provided to you depending on

your role. It may include items such as; safety footwear,
gloves and high viz vests.

If you are required to wear PPE as part of your role you must do so at
all times. You will not be charged for any equipment provided to you.

You should keep your PPE clean and in good repair, if it needs
replacing let your manager know.
REPORTING HAZARDS

SPILLAGES
If you find or create a spillage, take the following action;
• S tand by the spillage and direct people around it to prevent
anyone slipping on it
• Contact the cleaning team on to report the spillage
• Wait there until the cleaning team arrive

HAZARDS, FAULTS AND BROKEN EQUIPMENT

All hazards such as damaged flooring or equipment that is broken
must be reported to the facilities helpdesk
• Take the equipment out of use or prevent access to the area
• Call the facilities helpdesk on Ext2222
• If the item or area cannot be repaired on fixed immediately
inform others working in the area

HOW TO CONTACT THE HEALTH & SAFETY TEAM

• In Person - Located on the 5th Floor of Oxford Street,
with the HR Department, next to Retail Operations
• Call – 0207 318 3290 / 0207 318 3456
• Email – healthandsafety@selfridges.co.uk
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

NAME:

EMPLOYEE ID NO.

DATE:

DEPARTMENT:

SCORE ACHIEVED: /10

AFTER READING THE HANDBOOK PLEASE ANSWER THE QUESTIONS.

THERE ARE 10 QUESTIONS. YOU MUST COMPLETE ALL QUESTIONS.
UPON COMPLETION RETURN IT TO THE INDUCTION TRAINER.

1. How do you request a First Aider?

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2. Why should you report all accidents?

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3. Who is the Health and Safety Policy Statement signed by?

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4. What extinguisher would you use on an electrical fire?

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5. What 4 things would you check on a ladder before using it?
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6. If you become pregnant which two people should you report it to?
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7. Name one injury caused by lifting incorrectly?

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8. Do you have to pay for PPE?

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9. Where can you get approved chemicals from?

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10. Who do you contact if you need a desk assessment?

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NOTES
NOTES