What is a health and safety policy?

A health and safety policy is a document outlining an organisation's commitment and approach to managing health and safety in the workplace. The policy is ultimately signed off by the person at the head of the organisation. Usually there are three sections to a health and safety policy.

• Statement of intent – sets out the organisation's aims and objectives.
• Roles and responsibilities – outlines who has specific responsibility for managing health and safety and what they are responsible for.
• Arrangements – this section is likely to be the largest part of your health and safety policy. It details how risks are managed in the workplace and often includes:
  • risk assessments
  • safety procedures
  • training of workers
  • consultations such as safety committees or on-site meetings
  • emergency and evacuation arrangements.

  Who creates the policy in the workplace?

  A health and safety policy should be completed by a competent person. This is usually the individual responsible for health and safety on site. A health and safety policy needs the buy-in in of all stakeholders, particularly the ones who have significant roles and responsibilities for safety on site. This helps ensure your policy is accurate and fit for purpose.

  How often should a policy be reviewed?

  In many countries it’s a requirement that a health and safety policy is reviewed, and amended if necessary, each year. We suggest that an annual review is best practice for most organisations. If your organisation undergoes frequent changes, we recommend reviewing the policy more regularly.

  How to implement a health and safety policy

  You need someone in your business who:

  • fully understands the importance of health and safety, and
  • has the authority to implement the policy.

  This helps ensure a robust health and safety policy within your organisation.

  Our Level 3 Certificate is the ideal course for those needing to learn more about safety and health in a business context.

  Train for the future

  Our Level 3 qualification provides the knowledge and skills your employee's need at the start of their safety and health career.