How to create a modern health and safety policy

It is good to go back to basics every once in a while. Designing a company health and safety policy is no exception, whether for managers newly in post, or as a check for organisations that growth, diversification and changes haven’t blown their careful plans off course.

What is a health and safety policy?

This is a document or collection of documents that set out your organisation’s commitment and approach to health and safety and the systems and procedures it will use to manage health and safety.

Why have a health and safety policy?

It’s the law. Employers have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work, etc Act 1974 to prepare, implement and revise as necessary a health and safety policy, whatever your business activities, industrial sector and company size. Creating a fit-for-purpose and compliant health and safety policy will protect both workers and the organisation.

Organisations with five or more employees must put their health and safety policy down in writing. Those with fewer employees can communicate their policies verbally. Most importantly, the details of a health and safety policy, and any amendments made over time, must be shared with employees.