Your Health and Safety policy

What are the laws that apply to your health and safety policy?

All businesses must have a health and safety policy, this is required by law and is included in the Health and Safety at Work Act.

The policy must be written if you employ more than five people, although it would be advisable to write the policy down if less than five people are employed.

Industries and associated risks will determine the level of detail required company’s policies. Employees in construction businesses face more risks from a health and safety perspective than those working in office-based businesses, for example.

How do you write a health and safety policy?

The policy should cover a statement of intent, responsibilities for health and safety and arrangements for health and safety.

The HSE state that the policy should cover:

Part 1: Statement of intent

State your general policy on health and safety at work, including your commitment to managing health and safety and your aims. As the employer or most senior person in the company, you should sign it and review it regularly.

Part 2: Responsibilities for health and safety

List the names, positions and roles of the people in your business who have specific responsibility for health and safety.

Part 3: Arrangements for health and safety

Give details of the practical arrangements you have in place, showing how you will achieve your health and safety policy aims. This could include, for example, doing a risk assessment, training employees and using safety signs or equipment.

Do you need assistance with writing your health and safety policy?

Like many businesses, a lot do not have the competence in house or do not want to undertake this task themselves.  You see a lot of employers don’t have the right skillset themselves or do not have the time because running a business itself is a mammoth task let alone dealing with all the intricacies of health and safety.

This is where sourcing the right help can be a weight lifted off your shoulders.  But like anything it must be undertaken as a buyer beware exercise.  There are lots of health and safety advisors and consultants in the marketplace, but you need to ensure you find the right one for you.

As an employer, managing health and safety is still your legal duty, so you need to find a company that understands you and your company.

Our team of consultants all have different disciplines so we will have the right fit for you and be able to meet your needs. We can help you to assess your exact first aid needs and help you meet the Government’s stringent laws.

If you want to chat through this or any service more then book a call today with one of our health and safety consultants.

Book your FREE health and safety review surgery with our Health and Safety expert John Crockett IMaPS, SIIRSM RSP, ACIOB.

This is a free 30-minute video call where you get the opportunity to discuss and diagnose any current health and safety compliance issues.

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