Business practice and regulation
Safety Policies
It is a legal requirement that employers with five or more employees should have a written health and safety policy. Other employers must at least have carried out risk assessments, which are best written down, and meet all relevant health and safety requirements, including those relating to training and informing their staff.
The Safety Policy sets out the commitment to health and safety, and details who is responsible, and for what. It also usually incorporates a summary of the arrangements for ensuring safety in the workplace.
The policy demonstrates your commitment to the safety and welfare of your staff and others who may be affected by your work. There are usually three or four sections:
- A general declaration based on your obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
- Overall organisation and the responsibilities of the people within it: The Managing Director, Managers, Supervisors and Employees.
- Arrangements for a Safety Committee, or for staff consultation.
- Specific arrangements, for issues such as Risk Assessments, First-Aid, Accidents Training, Maintenance of Plant, Equipment and Services, Fire Safety, Contractors and Chemicals.
- Arrangements for review of the policy – usually annually.
The HSE produce a booklet which provides advice on writing a Safety Policy. Information is also available from Environmental Health. Contact the HSE Information Line on 0541 545500, or HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk Tel: 01787 881165.
SERVICES A-Z
Health and Safety
RELATED PAGES
Health and Safety at Work Statement
Health and Safety at Work
Accidents at Work
Event Organisation
Offices and Shops
Asbestos
Electrical Safety
COSHH
Cooling Towers and Evaporative Condensors
Employee Welfare
Warehouses
Visual Display Units
Health and Safety Training
Mobile Phones and Base Stations
Ill Health
Risk Assessment
Enforcement Authorities
First Aid