Company statement

Company summary

1st D’Zine Office Solutions was established in February 1994 primarily as suspended ceiling, access flooring and partitioning contractors. We complete various contracts direct, however, approximately 70% of our annual turnover is made up of trade outlets and repeat clients such as Office Fitters, Interior Designers, Storage and Mezzanine suppliers, Architects, Main Contractors, Insurance Companies etc.

Partitioning & Ceilings

Partitions can range from boardroom specification down through to standard industrial finishes and budget installations for the factory and mezzanine environment. We mainly supply and install Longline 2000 (2”) aluminium relocatable partitions complete with 48mm plasterboard faced honeycomb panels or Longline 3000 (3”) metal stud and plasterboard in either relocatable with aluminium trims, pencil joint or full 3mm skim finish.

We offer a range of suspended ceiling systems and finishes, including fire rated below mezzanine floors with facia bulkheads to all exposed edges (standard, half or full one hour) right through to top grade specifications. All Armstrong, Donn, USG, AMF and other systems can be catered for. Works include tile replacement, strip out, total new installations, MF ceilings with full 3mm skim finish, minor repairs etc.

Furnishing

We supply all types of commercial furnishings from Boardroom specification right through to reception areas and general office workstations. Being independent, we are able to source 90% of furniture ranges manufactured both in the UK and Europe. In addition to all standard manufactured ranges, we are able to offer a bespoke ‘design’ service to satisfy any application.

All our ranges are guaranteed and competitively priced. We offer a full interior space planning service with advice on the latest regulations.

Flooring

Primarily we specialise in Quality Contract Carpet Tile installations for the working environment. All tiles are guaranteed and fitted by qualified / experienced installation teams. All major brands of manufacturers can be supplied in a variety of qualities and price ranges – including patterned designs, walkways, corporate colours and logos.

We supply and install Raised Access Modular Flooring for the office environment, thus providing high quality cable management, access ramps, up stands, floor box, power outlet and so on.

Additional Services

Internal / external decoration, heating and air-conditioning, electrical works (lighting, power), data installations, plumbing and kitchen / shower room fitting and all works associated with commercial / office interiors. This includes all internal and external building requirements.

Continued Growth

The Company recognises the value of its existing customers and the need to maintain and exceed the relationships with have with them. We believe that in providing a first class service to existing customers this enables us to develop a level of service that may be reported to prospective customers.

The Company seeks to expand the service we offer to new clients, but is always aware that existing customers are equally important – and the same level of service needs to be given to both.

Equal Opportunities

The Company recognises and respects the rights of all individuals and will treat all prospective, new and existing employees in the same manner when dealing with recruitment, training, discipline, promotion and all other matters of employment. This equal opportunities policy extends to all individuals irrespective of the race, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief or age.

Disability Discrimination

The Company follows the general principles of the current Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and aims to make reasonable adjustments to the working environment to accommodate the needs of disabled employees.

In addition the Company strives to ensure that all installations by the Company meet with the requirements of the DDA, for example ensuring that office furniture and reception desks meet the needs of clients’ disabled employees or visitors.

Staff Development

Well trained and appropriately motivated employees and contractors are an invaluable asset to the Company, without these staff the Company cannot meet its objectives.

To ensure this level of training is achieved and maintained the Company makes sure all employees are trained or are in the process of being trained to a level sufficient to do their job and recognise when further training and improvements are needed. The following indicators are used by the Company to reach the aim of a trained workforce:

• Ensure employees are aware of the business strategy and how they may help to achieve this.
• Introduce and maintain a development and learning strategy this will enable employees to see their progression within the Company.
• Recognise and Reward staff who bring added value to the Company, those staff who increase the Company’s performance need to have their achievement acknowledged.
• Empowerment and Involvement of staff in decision making develops a culture of ownership within the Company, employees will then feel their input into the business is valued and important.
• As well as an employee knowing when they are doing well it is important for an employee to know the need to make changes to their working practices, this can be achieved by the Company introducing a Performance Measurement system.
• The Company and its employees are proud of their achievements, but cannot be complacent about their effectiveness. A process of Continuous Improvement will help the Company achieve their present goals and move forward in their objectives.

The Company sees the benefit of following Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs when developing and training employees – this has an impact on employees’ behaviour and the overall success of the Company.

Investors in People (IIP)

The Company recognises the benefits of the Investors in People Standard and aims to meet the principles of IIP. The adoption of these principals would provide employees with defined roles and objectives. The company also sees that aiming towards these standards will demonstrate its abilities to provide a good working environment for employees.

Social / Charity Awareness

The Company recognises that although we aim to increase the profitability of the Company, this cannot be at the detriment of others in the society we work. The Company recognises its responsibilities to others who are not well catered for in society and therefore aims to help where it can. The Company recognises the benefits of charitable work.

Project Management

The Company understands the benefits of effective project management. Customers need to have services delivered in a timely manner in line with those agreed. Projects need effective management to achieve this; the Company runs an effective management system that may be accessed by all employees. This ensures that all employees know which projects are due to start, are in progress and have reached completion – this adds value to the Company and ensures customers’ needs are met.

Health & Safety

Overview

This is the General Health & Safety Policy statement of 1st D’Zine Office Solutions.

1st D’Zine Office Solutions policy is to provide a safe place of work and to encourage safe working practices amongst all employees and other persons working on behalf of the company.

The company accepts its responsibility for providing the means to enable every employee to work safely, including, but not limited to, requirements laid down by law. Our general policy is to:

• To provide adequate control of the health and safety risk arising from our work activities;
• To consult with employees on matters affecting their health & safety;
• To provide and maintain safe plant & equipment;
• To ensure safe handling & use of substances;
• To provide information, instruction & supervision for employees;
• To ensure all employees are competent to do their task, and give them adequate training;
• To prevent accidents and cases of work-related ill health;
• To maintain safe healthy working conditions;
• To review and revise this policy as necessary at regular intervals.

Management is responsible for ensuring that in design, construction, operation and maintenance of plant, equipment and facilities, everything that is reasonably practicable is done to prevent injury and ill health to employees or others.

It is the legal duty of every employee, and also in their own interest to exercise personal responsibility and to do everything practicable to prevent injury or ill health to themselves or others. It is an offence to wilfully damage or otherwise misuse anything provided in the interest of health & safety.

Responsibilities:

Overall and final responsibility for Health & Safety lies with John McMahon. The day to day responsibility for ensuring this policy is put into practice lies with nominated Site Foreman.

Risk Assessment:

1st D’Zine will conduct suitable and sufficient assessments of risk to employees and others that may be affected by their activities. Such risk assessments will be undertaken by John McMahon who is trained and competent to do so. They will be revised on a regular basis or when circumstances change significantly enough to require the assessment to be revised.

Risk assessments will take into account, (this list is not exhaustive):

• The type of work undertaken
• Materials and substances that employees and others may be exposed to during the period of work
• The frequency, duration and intensity of exposure
• Consequences of exposure

All employees and sub contractors must abide by the conditions of the risk assessments conducted both by the company and by those in force on any work site that have been conducted by the site manager or his agent.

Safe Plant & Equipment:

1st D’Zine will provide and maintain safe plant and equipment for use where required unless agreed to be provided by the client. This will be done through a contract with reputable Tool and Equipment Hire Companies who will be required to supply plant and equipment that is suitable for purpose and use. Where required suitable training in the safe use of equipment will be provided.

Any employee who discovers a fault or hazard with the equipment that presents a significant risk to themselves or others must report it to the Nominated Site Foreman.

Dangerous Substances:

All hazardous substances used by 1st D’Zine will be risk assessed as required under the COSHH regulations. Where staff/contractors must wear any personal protective equipment that has been identified as a control measure by the risk assessment.

Failure to do so may lead to disciplinary measures being taken against them.

When working on site that are not managed or controlled by 1st D’Zine then all staff must abide by the conditions and risk assessment requirements of the main contractor.

First Aid:

All company vehicles carry First Aid Kits. The contents comply with guidance provided by the HSE and are in line with the risk assessment requirements. It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that the box is properly stocked and that items are replaced when used.

Accident reporting:

All employees who meet with an accident, regardless of how small it is, must enter the details into the company accident book as soon as possible.

Any accident involving persons other than 1st D’Zine employees which may be the result of work activates undertaken by the company must also be recorded in the company accident record book.

Electricity:

In the interest of safety all electrical powered tools and equipment must be battery operated or run on no more than 110 volts. Portable tools and equipment that are subject to the Portable Electrical Appliance regulation must be tested and proved safe by a competent person. They must mark accordingly giving the date by which they must be re-tested.

In exceptional circumstances where equipment or tools powered by 240 volts (or more) must be used then the circuit must be protected by a Residual Current Device.

Before using the equipment employees must visually check it and the cables for obvious faults. If there are any significant faults evident then the equipment/tool must not be used.

The following guidelines show be noted by employees:

• Never touch electrical equipment with wet hands.
• During use and whilst in storage electric cables should be kept in an area where there is the least likelihood of damage to the cable.
• During use, cables should be laid in a position which does not cause a trip hazard, warning signs should be used to highlight their presence to others.
• Where practicable electrical equipment should be switched off when not in use.

Information, instruction & training:

Where required in the interest of health & safety the company undertakes to provide employees with suitable and pertinent information, instruction and training in order to enable them to undertake the work safely.

Emergency procedures:

On sites operated and managed by 1st D’Zine the company will undertake risk assessments designed to establish the risk of fire or other emergency hazards and will develop procedures designed to lessen the risk, including suitable emergency evacuation requirements. Employees and others who may be affected will be made fully aware of these requirements and, where necessary, practise them to ensure compliance.

In the event of staff working on sites not managed by the company, staff and contractors engaged by 1st D’Zine are required to comply with the main contractor’s emergency provision.

1st D’Zine will supply a standard First Aid Kit on site at all times, along with an Accident Report Book for CDM contracts. All accidents (major or minor) must be logged in the Accident book.

Personal Protective Equipment:

Where required as an outcome of risk assessment all employees must wear/use the protective equipment that has been identified as essential for that activity. If PPE is required then the company undertakes to provide it to its employees.

All employees will be instructed to wear PPE where required and are aware that failure to comply with this will result in disciplinary action being taken against them.

Safe Working Systems & Permits to work:

When working in areas where Safe Working Systems or Permits to work apply then employees must comply with the requirements of the systems. Permits to work must be approved and signed by the appropriate person before work commences and all of the conditions stipulated on the permit must be adhered to.

These normally cover activities such as working at heights, confined spaces, asbestos, use of ladders and platforms, mains electricity and working on fragile roofs etc.

Protection of the Public.

When work is undertaken in areas where other people are close by, the company will discuss with the client the arrangements to ensure our work does not affect the health and safety of other people and to tell you what those arrangements will be. Some general points will apply to all sites.

• We will report our arrival and departure to the client’s representative on site.
• Wherever possible, our work will be segregated from areas occupied by others.
• All plant and equipment must be immobilised and secure when not in use.
• Chemicals must be kept secure. Empty containers shall be disposed of safely and not left lying around.
• Vehicles shall be driven carefully using the access routes stipulated by the client.

Ladders, Steps, Scaffolding and Access Equipment.

All scaffolding is hired from a reputable hire company with their own health and safety checks as required. All steps and ladders will be checked on a regular basis. Inspection shall include the following.

• Checking the rungs, treads, crossbars and stiles for defects and damage.
• Checking rung to stile connections for wear and movement, wedges and tie rods for tightness.
• Checking safety rails, ropes and cables for wear.
• Checking all fitting, locks, wheels, pulleys, connections, rivets, screws and hinges.
• Checking timber/plastic inserts on metal ladders for wear.
• The user of access equipment must also inspect it before use. If any doubt exists the equipment should not be used and the defect reported.
• Ladders should be erected at an angle of 75° from the horizontal.
• Access equipment should be placed on a firm level and secure base.
• Scaffolds should always be erected in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The working platform must be fully boarded with guardrails in place.

Asbestos:

The company undertakes to do everything that is reasonably practicable to ensure that their employees are not exposed to Asbestos fibres.

1st D’Zine are not licensed Asbestos removers and are not equipped to work with asbestos, under no circumstances must employees work in any area where there is thought to be any asbestos of any type.

Should any member of staff inadvertently find themselves in an area where they think that asbestos may be present they must vacate the area immediately and report the fact to John McMahon.

Notes:

• We are currently insured for public liability to £5 million.
• The Health and Safety Executive have never issued us with an improvement or prohibition notice.
• We have had no RIDDOR Reportables, either major incidents or 3 day rules applying to either Employees, Sub Contractors or Public.
• At no time has 1st D’Zine or any of its employees or sub contractors been the subject of criminal proceedings by H&S Executive.
• All subcontractors used for installations have their own appointed Health and Safety policy in place, along with their own additional insurances. They have their own appointed Health & Safety Officer and details can be made available at your request. Including details of training, qualifications, competence etc.

Environmental Policy

The Company recognises that through our services and activities we have the potential to have a negative effect on the environment. The Company seeks to minimise or prevent any damaging environmental effects that result from our business where and when possible.

The Company is dedicated to providing a quality service to our customers, as part of this process our management of environmental issues is equally as important as our management of other aspects of our business.

The Company is committed to reduce or prevent pollution and aims to minimise, as far as possible, any negative environmental effects that may occur as a result of our business activities.

As part of our commitment to continual improvement, the Company will:

• Meet, and where appropriate, exceed all relevant legislative, industry and other relevant standards.
• Aim to introduce a system of re-use rather than disposal and the promotion of recycling and the use of recyclable materials, we aim to reduce our consumption of materials.
• Reduce, as far as possible, our use of non-renewable energy resources.
• Reduce, wherever practicable, our level of harmful emissions.
• Reduce, as far as possible, the visual and noise impacts of our activities.
• Develop environmental awareness and sound environmental practices amongst employees by the provision of formal and informal training.
• Monitor progress on environmental performance on a regular basis.

Quality Assurance

It is the policy of the company to design, procure, and deliver products that meet our customers’ real needs and expectations. We do this by understanding their business, providing the most appropriate products, adopting a commitment to deliver products and services when we say we will and with a competitive lead time, selling services at a price that represents value for money, and supporting our customers both before and after sale.

We recognise that improvement in quality will lead to reduction of waste and cost, an increase in profitability and will thus help to secure our future.

The Company is working towards the protocols of ISO 14001 and ISO 9001:2000 with the aim of adopting the principles within these documents. This will complement our goal of continuous quality improvement.

We recognise that the only acceptable standard is to satisfy real needs and expectations of customers. This can only be achieved by a system which prevents defects from occurring rather than attempting to catch problems after the event.

Quality is the responsibility of every employee. It is the responsibility of the Company to ensure that employees and contractors are aware of, understand and support this policy, and are provided with the correct training, tools, procedures and environment to meet this responsibility.

John McMahon, Proprietor

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