Health and Safety

The following is extracted from the Company's Staff Handbook.

Health and Safety
It is the policy of Metaskil that all permanent and contracted-in staff, as part of their contractual duties, comply with the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act (1974). This applies to all work carried out on Metaskil premises, or on the premises of any organisation for which the employee or contracted-in staff member is undertaking work on Metaskil's behalf. An explanation to employees of their responsibilities in this respect features in the company's contract of employment.

From time to time, Metaskil will be required to work on premises, or with equipment that requires more stringent regulations to be applied. In these situations, Metaskil undertakes to fully inform all involved employees and contracted-in staff of their duties and responsibilities under the additional regulations.

A copy of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act (1974) is displayed at all Metaskil offices.

Additional Information on Health and Safety
Each member of staff is issued with his/her own copy of a pamphlet which is issued by the Health and Safety Executive reference ISBN 0 11 701 425 7 entitled "Health and Safety Law What you should know".

The Company's own premises are regularly assessed, without notice, by Newbury District Council for conformance to the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act (1974). There has been no requirement to take corrective action or make changes to premises or methods of working.

The Company's Officer who is responsible for Health and Safety is Mr Richard Hornblow who is a Director of the Company.

Environmental Policy

The company is certified to ISO14001 and is committed to protecting and enhancing the environment in line with the nature of its activities, products and services, and to updating its practices in the light of advances in technology and new understandings in health and environmental science. Environmental issues have been taken into account in defining the company's operating model and associated processes, which are described in the company's Quality Management System. It should be noted that the company has no manufacturing processes. The company is committed to the continual improvement of its environmental performance and the prevention of pollution.

The company will take demonstrable actions on a continuing basis in furtherance of the following principles. Where appropriate, measurable objectives and targets for improvement will be set and regularly monitored.

Environmental Protection and Enhancement
The company will ensure that all employees are made aware of their responsibilities towards the environment and provide training where necessary to enhance understanding of environmental policies and to promote excellence in job performance on all environmental matters.

Waste reduction, Recycling and Disposal
The company will undertake to reduce the impact on the environment by disposing of all waste products generated by the nature of the company's activities and will follow all recommendations from suitable qualified organisations and authorities in respect of the disposal of those products used by the company on a day to day basis and considered dangerous to the environment.

Compliance
The company is committed to complying with all legal requirements and to implementing programs and procedures to ensure compliance. These efforts will include communicating good environmental practice, training of employees where required and disciplining those employees who violate legal requirements.

Risk Reduction The company will operate in a manner designed to minimise environmental, health or safety hazards. The company will minimise risk and protect its employees and others in the vicinity of its operations by employing safe technologies and operating procedures and by being prepared for emergencies. The company will make available to its employees and to the public information related to its operations that we believe causes environmental harm or poses health of safety hazards. The company will encourage employees to report any condition that creates a danger to the environment or poses health or safety hazards.

Environmental Policy Assessment
The consortium's Management Group will formally and regularly evaluate and address the environmental implications of its decisions and the operation of the company. The Managing Director will appoint a member of the Management Group who will monitor and report upon implementation of this policy and other environmental matters. The company will commit the resources needed to implement these principles.

Communication The company will ensure all employees are fully aware of this environmental policy, and will also make it publicly available via the company website.


Diversity and Equal Opportunities Policy
It is the policy of Metaskil to employ full time employees and interim staff entirely on their merit. The Company and its employees will not give preference to any person as a result of his or her gender, race, creed, age, religion or physical disability, nor will they discriminate against any person on any of these bases. On the contrary we will endeavour to provide support to any persons who may be disadvantaged so that they can be fairly considered for a role on the basis of their knowledge, skills and personality. This policy also applies to the selection of contract staff.