Safety
Port Safety
Our role is to keep traffic, Dover and the UK economy moving, which makes the Port a challenging place to work. We play our part to ensure the safety of Port staff, customers, contractors and visitors by following our safety commitments.
There was no increase in the number of Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, (RIDDORs) reported for Dover Harbour Board employees despite port activity increasing closer to pre COVID levels. This is also significant against an industry wide increase of 17%.
Always be fit for my role
- I am competent for the task and know my limitations.
- I am fit for the task that I am doing today in the conditions that arise today.
- I maintain my physical, mental and emotional wellbeing by having a good work life balance, getting enough sleep, eating healthy food at regular intervals and keeping hydrated.
- I adhere to the drugs and alcohol policy.
- I maintain my concentration by recognising when I need to take a break.
- I recognise when I am not well enough for the task and inform my manager.
- I keep up to date with health checks, manage any health concerns and inform my manager of any difficulties I am having.
- I am aware of the side effects of any medication that I take.
Stop and think before I act
- I check that I am prepared. I have my RAMS, permits, PPE, and have informed the people that need to know.
- I have been briefed by the previous shift or my line manager of any current issues or changes that I need to be aware of.
- I have the right tools and equipment for the job and they are in good working order. I have carried out my pre use checks.
- I take a moment to assess the situation. Is it what I expected? Are the risks and method statements in line with what I can see or what I am about to do?
- I check in with myself. Am I physically, mentally and emotionally fit for what I am about to do?
- I think about the potential consequences of an accident. Is there a way to make the task safer?
See it, sort it, report it
- I have a good awareness of the risks in the Port and I look out for dangers to myself and others when I am out and about.
- I take ownership of any concerns that I see so that they do not pose a risk to myself or others.
- I STEP IN to sort out any concerns that I see:
- Stop the unsafe act.
- Talk to the individual about what dangers are present.
- Explain what should or could be done to make it safe.
- Plan improvement before the work restarts.
- Invite feedback; find out how they feel about you stepping in.
- Notify the correct people and file any relevant reports.
- I report safety, security and environmental concerns and faults through the correct channels.
- I recognise my mistakes and report them so that others can learn from them too.
- I take an active role in finding solutions to the concerns I raise.
Lead by example
- I have the confidence to stop and review the situation or seek advice when I feel myself or others could be at risk.
- I visibly participate in safety practices, such as walkarounds, toolbox talks and risk assessment reviews.
- I am approachable and listen to people’s safety concerns.
- I encourage reporting and take action on health and safety concerns.
- I give recognition for good safety practices and encourage workers to stop on safety grounds where necessary.
- I coach my colleagues to meet the Safety Commitments.
- I welcome feedback from others that will help me improve.
- I have the confidence to STEP IN no matter what my role.
- I take ownership in looking for better ways of doing things.
- I create a team spirit by involving everyone in improving safety.
- I follow the rules and procedures.
- …the Port of Dover community is playing its part