Health and Safety Policy Example
A comprehensive template for creating a health and safety policy as required by UK law. Covers employer responsibilities, risk assessments, accident reporting, and specific workplace hazards to ensure compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
What to Include
General Statement of Intent
A signed statement from the most senior person in the organisation committing to providing a safe and healthy working environment. Required by law for businesses with 5 or more employees.
Responsibilities
Clear allocation of health and safety responsibilities from senior management through line managers to individual employees. Everyone has a role in maintaining workplace safety.
Risk Assessments
The process for identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing control measures. Risk assessments must be suitable and sufficient, and reviewed regularly.
Fire Safety
Fire risk assessment, evacuation procedures, assembly points, fire warden responsibilities, and fire safety training requirements under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
First Aid
First aid arrangements, number of trained first aiders required, location of first aid kits, and accident reporting procedures. Reference the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.
Accident and Incident Reporting
How to report workplace accidents and near misses, RIDDOR reporting requirements for serious incidents, and the accident investigation process.
Display Screen Equipment
Requirements for DSE assessments for employees who regularly use computers, ergonomic guidance, and eye test provision under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992.
Training
Health and safety training requirements for new starters, ongoing refresher training, and specialist training for those in specific roles such as fire wardens and first aiders.
Key Points
- A written health and safety policy is required for businesses with 5 or more employees
- Risk assessments are a legal requirement and must be reviewed regularly
- All workplace accidents must be recorded in an accident book
- RIDDOR reporting is required for specified serious injuries, diseases, and dangerous occurrences
- Employers must provide adequate first aid equipment, facilities, and trained personnel
- Employees have a duty to take reasonable care for their own and others' health and safety
UK Compliance
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the primary legislation requiring employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of all employees. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require risk assessments. Businesses with 5 or more employees must have a written health and safety policy. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforces compliance and can issue improvement notices, prohibition notices, or prosecute.
Practical Tips
- Appoint a competent person to help manage health and safety, as required by law
- Make the policy accessible and ensure all employees know where to find it
- Conduct regular workplace inspections and document findings
- Encourage a reporting culture where near misses are reported without blame
- Review the policy at least annually or after any significant workplace changes
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a written health and safety policy required?
UK law requires a written health and safety policy statement for all businesses with 5 or more employees. This must include a general statement of intent, the organisation and arrangements for carrying out the policy, and be brought to the attention of all employees.
Who is the competent person?
Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers must appoint one or more competent persons to help them comply with health and safety duties. This can be an employee with sufficient training, knowledge, and experience, or an external health and safety consultant.
How often should risk assessments be reviewed?
Risk assessments should be reviewed regularly, particularly after any workplace changes, new equipment, incidents, or near misses. Best practice is to review all assessments at least annually. They must be updated whenever there is reason to believe they are no longer valid.
What is RIDDOR?
RIDDOR stands for the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013. It requires employers to report specified workplace injuries (including over-7-day incapacitation), occupational diseases, and dangerous occurrences to the HSE. Reports must be made without delay for serious incidents.
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