This Health & Safety Policy outlines the approach Phoenix Freedom Pilates takes to ensure a safe environment for all staff, contractors, and service users. The business provides community-based mat Pilates classes and operates a home-based Pilates studio equipped with large apparatus.
Due to the nature of physiotherapy and Pilates services, there are potential health and safety risks. This policy details how such risks are identified, managed, and mitigated to safeguard all parties involved.
All staff and contractors must be aware of potential hazards, understand the risks associated with their roles, and follow the procedures set out in this document to maintain a safe working environment.
This policy applies to the business owner (Rachel Changer), and any staff or contractors engaged by Phoenix Freedom Pilates. It addresses general health and safety practices relevant to the delivery of Pilates services both in studio and community venues.
– Health and Safety: Measures to prevent accidents and reduce risks in the workplace.
– Hazard: Anything with the potential to cause harm.
– Risk: The likelihood and severity of harm occurring from a hazard.
– COSHH: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health – regulations governing the handling of hazardous substances.
– RIDDOR: Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations – legal duties for reporting specific incidents.
The purpose of this policy is to outline Phoenix Freedom Pilates’ commitment to health and safety, and to define responsibilities and procedures for ensuring the wellbeing of everyone affected by its operations.
Phoenix Freedom Pilates is committed to providing, as far as reasonably practicable, a safe and healthy environment for all staff, contractors, and service users.
– Identify and manage risks through documented risk assessments.
– Ensure all staff and contractors are appropriately trained, insured, and first aid certified.
– Provide health and safety induction to service users, particularly for equipment use.
– Maintain effective communication, training, and information-sharing on health and safety.
– Allocate sufficient resources to support safe practices.
All individuals working with or for Phoenix Freedom Pilates are responsible for their own safety and that of others. They must follow the health and safety procedures and actively contribute to maintaining a safe working environment.
Ultimate responsibility for health and safety lies with the business owner, Rachel Changer. The policy is reviewed annually or sooner if significant changes occur.
Risk assessments are conducted to identify and control hazards in all environments where services are delivered.
– Airfield Pavilion, Haddenham
– Haddenham Village Hall
– Haddenham Infant School
– Barnard Hall, Cuddington
– Phoenix Freedom Pilates Studio
– Environment (each class venue and studio)
– Equipment (e.g. Reformers, Towers, Chairs – both Align and Balanced Body brands)
– Manuals and maintenance schedules
All findings are documented and reviewed regularly.
COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
While hazardous substances are rarely used, basic hygiene protocols are in place:
– Cover all cuts with a plaster (available in first aid kits).
– Clean any injury or blood with paper towels followed by disinfectant wipes.
– Wipes are available at the studio and must be carried by instructors at external venues.
RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences)
– Service user incidents are recorded in their notes within Pabau (CRM system).
– Names of persons involved
– Witnesses
– Description of event and injuries (if any)
– Follow-up actions with deadlines
A central spreadsheet tracks all incidents for trend analysis and shared learning.
– Deaths or major injuries (e.g. fractures, dislocations) to staff, contractors, or the public.
Rachel Changer is responsible for reporting relevant incidents via the official online HSE form:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/report.htm#online
Lone working includes any situation where an individual is working without others nearby. Risks must be reduced as far as reasonably practicable.
– All new clients complete a medical questionnaire and are vetted prior to 1:1 sessions.
– Phones must be charged and kept within reach. Staff must use Wi-Fi calling when on site.
– The Pabau calendar must be up to date, and a safety check-in text must be sent after sessions.
Studio members and participants in community mat classes are expected to wear socks at all times to promote good hygiene. Members are also responsible for wiping down equipment after use. Pillows and other reusable items are washed regularly to maintain cleanliness. During classes, members help by wiping equipment, which is also routinely cleaned by staff.
In the event of an infectious disease outbreak, Phoenix Freedom Pilates will follow appropriate public health guidelines and government recommendations to protect the health of staff, contractors, and service users.
Although detailed emergency procedures are outlined in the risk assessments, members and staff are expected to keep their emergency contact information current and accurate. This information is kept on hand and readily accessible during classes and sessions to ensure quick response if needed.
All contractors working with Phoenix Freedom Pilates must ensure their health and safety training, including first aid certifications, are current. Copies of relevant certificates must be provided before commencing work.
Staff and contractors are required to work within their professional scope of practice at all times and have a responsibility to promptly raise any concerns or issues related to health, safety, or their role.
Attendance at regular supervision sessions is mandatory to support professional development, ensure adherence to safety standards, and address any emerging concerns. Regular refresher training is encouraged to maintain best practice standards.
Phoenix Freedom Pilates recognises that health and safety includes mental wellbeing. Staff and members are encouraged to communicate any concerns and seek support as needed. We promote a supportive environment where wellbeing is valued alongside physical safety.
All Pilates equipment undergoes regular inspection and maintenance according to manufacturer guidelines. Annual maintenance is carried out by a qualified external company to ensure all apparatus remains safe and fully functional. Records of inspections and maintenance are kept up to date.
Phoenix Freedom Pilates fosters an open and transparent culture where staff, contractors, and service users are encouraged to report any hazards, near misses, or concerns promptly without fear of reprisal. This proactive approach helps us identify risks early and continuously improve safety practices.
