1: Introduction

1.1 Policy Overview
Redcone Recruitment Limited is committed to preventing environmental harm and responding swiftly and effectively to any environmental emergencies that may occur during its operations. As a company involved in traffic management and recruitment/supply of labour, we recognise the potential for environmental incidents that could negatively impact the surrounding environment, local communities, or public health. This Environmental Emergency Action Policy outlines the procedures for responding to such incidents, including containment, mitigation, reporting, and recovery measures.

The policy is designed to ensure that all employees, contractors, and third-party suppliers are aware of their roles and responsibilities in preventing environmental harm and responding to environmental emergencies, in line with UK environmental legislation and best practices.

1.2 Purpose of the Policy
The purpose of this policy is to:

• Provide clear guidance on the actions to be taken in the event of an environmental emergency.
• Minimise the environmental impact of spills, emissions, and other incidents.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant UK environmental laws and industry standards, including the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems).
• Protect employees, the public, and the environment from the harmful effects of environmental incidents.
• Foster a culture of environmental responsibility and preparedness across the organisation.

1.3 Legal Framework
This policy complies with relevant UK environmental legislation and standards, including:

• Environmental Protection Act 1990: Governs the protection and management of the environment in the UK.
• Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations 2015: Ensures preparedness for handling hazardous substances and preventing major environmental accidents.
• Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999: Regulates industrial and commercial activities that could result in pollution.
• ISO 14001: International standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS), ensuring that environmental emergencies are identified, mitigated, and managed.

2: Scope

2.1 Applicability
This policy applies to all Redcone Recruitment Limited employees, contractors, temporary staff, and third parties involved in the company’s operations. It covers all potential environmental emergencies that could occur as a result of business activities, including:

• Spills of hazardous materials (e.g., fuel, oil, chemicals).
• Airborne emissions (e.g., dust, fumes).
• Water pollution incidents (e.g., runoff from construction or traffic management sites).
• Damage to local wildlife habitats or ecosystems.
• Fires or explosions that pose an environmental risk.

2.2 Definition of Environmental Emergency
An environmental emergency is defined as any sudden, unexpected incident that poses a risk to the environment, including pollution of air, water, or soil, destruction of ecosystems, or harm to wildlife and local communities. Environmental emergencies can arise from:

• Accidents: Such as vehicle or equipment spills, fires, or explosions.
• Human Error: Mismanagement of hazardous materials or improper disposal of waste.
• Natural Disasters: Floods, storms, or other natural events that exacerbate environmental risks.

3: Policy Details

3.1 Environmental Risk Prevention
Redcone Recruitment Limited is committed to reducing the risk of environmental emergencies by implementing the following preventive measures:

• Risk Assessments: Conducting regular environmental risk assessments for all operational activities, particularly in high-risk environments such as traffic management sites.
• Training and Awareness: Providing ongoing environmental training to all employees and contractors, ensuring they understand the risks and procedures for preventing environmental harm.
• Equipment Maintenance: Ensuring that all equipment, vehicles, and machinery are properly maintained to prevent leaks, spills, or malfunctions that could lead to environmental incidents.
• Safe Handling of Materials: Storing and handling all hazardous substances in compliance with legal requirements and best practices, with proper labelling, containment, and disposal measures.

3.2 Emergency Preparedness and Response

In the event of an environmental emergency, Redcone Recruitment Limited will respond swiftly to mitigate the impact on the environment, communities, and public health. The following steps outline the company’s approach to handling environmental emergencies:

3.2.1 Initial Response

• Immediate Action: Employees who identify an environmental emergency must immediately report the incident to their line manager or the designated Environmental Emergency Officer (EEO). If safe to do so, they should take immediate steps to contain the spill or other environmental hazard.
• Safety First: The safety of employees and the public is the first priority. If the environmental emergency presents an immediate danger, employees should evacuate the area and notify emergency services (e.g., fire, police) if necessary.
• Use of Spill Kits and Equipment: Employees trained in environmental emergency response should deploy spill kits, containment booms, or other relevant equipment to control spills and prevent further environmental damage.

3.2.2 Notification and Communication

• Internal Reporting: All environmental emergencies must be reported to the EEO and senior management as soon as possible. Incident reports should include details of the emergency, actions taken, and any ongoing risks.
• External Reporting: If the incident poses a significant environmental risk, the EEO will notify the appropriate regulatory bodies, such as the Environment Agency, in accordance with legal reporting requirements. For incidents involving hazardous substances, COMAH regulations may apply.
• Stakeholder Communication: Where necessary, the company will inform local communities, clients, and other relevant stakeholders of the incident and the measures being taken to address it.

3.2.3 Containment and Mitigation

• Containment: The primary goal in the immediate aftermath of an environmental emergency is to prevent further contamination or damage. This may include sealing off the affected area, containing spills, and preventing pollutants from entering watercourses or soil.
• Mitigation: Once the emergency is contained, the focus will shift to mitigating the environmental impact. This may involve removing contaminated materials, neutralising hazardous substances, and taking steps to protect vulnerable ecosystems or wildlife.
• Use of Specialists: If the environmental emergency exceeds internal capabilities, Redcone Recruitment Limited will engage external environmental consultants, hazardous waste disposal teams, or remediation specialists to assist in the response and clean-up.

3.2.4 Recovery and Restoration

• Site Remediation: The company will take all necessary steps to restore the affected area to its original condition, as far as possible. This may involve soil decontamination, water purification, or habitat restoration efforts.
• Waste Disposal: Contaminated materials will be disposed of in compliance with waste management regulations, ensuring that hazardous substances are treated and disposed of safely and legally.
• Environmental Monitoring: Following the incident, ongoing environmental monitoring will be conducted to assess the long-term impact of the emergency and ensure that no further harm is occurring.

4: Responsibilities

4.1 Employee Responsibilities
All employees of Redcone Recruitment Limited are responsible for:

• Reporting any potential or actual environmental emergency immediately to their supervisor or the EEO.
• Following emergency procedures and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when responding to environmental incidents.
• Participating in environmental training and emergency drills.
• Handling hazardous substances and waste responsibly to prevent accidents or spills.

4.2 Environmental Emergency Officer (EEO)
The designated EEO is responsible for:

• Overseeing the company’s preparedness for environmental emergencies.
• Ensuring that environmental risk assessments are conducted regularly.
• Coordinating the response to environmental emergencies, including containment, reporting, and recovery efforts.
• Maintaining and updating emergency response equipment, such as spill kits and protective gear.
• Liaising with regulatory bodies, emergency services, and external environmental consultants as required.

4.3 Management Responsibilities
Senior management is responsible for:

• Supporting the EEO in implementing the Environmental Emergency Action Policy.
• Allocating resources to ensure preparedness for environmental incidents.
• Reviewing environmental emergency reports and ensuring corrective actions are implemented.
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant environmental legislation and standards.

5: Reporting and Documentation

5.1 Incident Reporting
All environmental emergencies must be documented and reported to the EEO and senior management. Reports should include:

• Date, time, and location of the incident.
• Description of the environmental emergency and the type of pollutant or hazard involved.
• Actions taken to contain and mitigate the incident.
• Any injuries, damages, or environmental impacts observed.
• Details of communication with regulatory bodies or emergency services.

5.2 Post-Incident Review
After the resolution of an environmental emergency, a full post-incident review will be conducted by the EEO and senior management. This review will assess:

• The effectiveness of the response and containment measures.
• The root cause of the emergency and steps to prevent future incidents.
• Any necessary improvements to procedures, training, or equipment.
• The long-term environmental impact and any ongoing remediation or monitoring requirements.

5.3 Compliance and Reporting to Authorities
In cases where the environmental emergency requires external reporting (e.g., spills of hazardous substances or incidents affecting public health), the company will provide full and transparent reports to the relevant authorities, including the Environment Agency, local councils, or Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

6: Training and Awareness

6.1 Employee Training
Redcone Recruitment Limited will provide regular training to all employees on environmental risks, emergency procedures, and the use of containment and spill response equipment. This will include:

• Environmental Awareness: Training on the importance of environmental protection and how to prevent incidents.
• Emergency Response Drills: Simulations and drills to prepare employees for handling environmental emergencies.
• Spill Response Training: Specific training for employees who handle hazardous substances, including the use of spill kits, PPE, and safe disposal methods.

6.2 Manager and Contractor Training
Managers and contractors will receive additional training on their responsibilities for preventing environmental harm, managing emergencies, and reporting incidents. This will include site-specific training for high-risk activities.

7: Monitoring and Review

7.1 Monitoring of Environmental Risks
The EEO and management will regularly monitor environmental risks associated with the company’s operations, reviewing risk assessments and identifying areas for improvement. The effectiveness of emergency procedures will also be evaluated through regular drills and inspections.

7.2 Policy Review
This Environmental Emergency Action Policy will be reviewed annually or whenever significant changes occur in the company’s operations, legal requirements, or environmental risks. Updates to the policy will be communicated to all employees, contractors, and relevant stakeholders.

8: Conclusion

Redcone Recruitment Limited is committed to protecting the environment and ensuring that any environmental emergencies are managed swiftly, responsibly, and effectively. By adhering to this Environmental Emergency Action Policy, the company ensures compliance with legal requirements, minimises environmental impacts, and upholds its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. All employees and stakeholders are expected to understand and follow the procedures outlined in this policy to ensure a safe and environmentally responsible workplace.