This month I want to explain to you why you need a Health & Safety Policy and what it should include. It does not need to be complicated or full of jargon. Just follow the three simple steps below:
Why do I need a Health & Safety Policy?
If you have five or more employees you must, by law, have a written health and safety policy.
What is a Health & Safety Policy?
A health and safety policy is a written statement, which is specific to your business and should be in three parts:
- A general policy (statement of intent) explaining what you have in place for protecting the health and safety of your employees at work.
- A section stating key individuals within your Company (or job titles), who have health and safety responsibilities and their responsibilities defined. In small businesses, it is often one person who will take responsibility for co-ordinating health and safety.
- Specific arrangements that you have within your Company ie: Fire, First Aid, Training, Accident Investigation etc should be documented.
What is a General Policy on Health & Safety?
This is a statement of your general aims with regard to your employee’s health and safety. (Most people refer to the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974).
What is the organisation for carrying out the Policy?
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests firmly with the highest management. However, ALL individuals within the workforce have to accept a certain duty for health and safety towards themselves and others who might be affected by their acts or omissions.
What are the arrangements for Health & Safety?
The arrangements section of your policy should outline how you will meet the commitment you have made in your statement of intent. It should describe the systems you have in place for complying with various regulations, which apply to your business.
And finally after you’ve done all of the hard work you must communicate you policy to all employees.
Hopefully, with the above simple steps, you can now revise your existing policy or write one from scratch. If you need any support or guidance then please get in touch.