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.