Prepare a Health and Safety Policy

Under the Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974 it is the duty of every employer with 5 or more employees to prepare and, as often as necessary, revise a written statement of their general policy with respect to health and safety at work.

The number of employees must include all those who are full time, part time, trainees and/or those who are employed within different premises.

The policy is an important document as it outlines the company's commitment to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of employees. Most importantly it forms a basis from which the company's responsibility to health and safety can be developed through staff awareness and commitment.

It must be borne in mind that responsibility for imparting the information contained within the health and safety policy still remains with the employer irrespective of the number of employees and it is strongly recommended that all employers prepare such a statement.

The health and safety policy is a document that may be broken down into 3 main parts:

  • A general policy statement
  • The organisation and responsibilities for carrying out the policy
  • The arrangements for ensuring health and safety of employees
  • General policy statement

This forms the first part of your health and safety policy. The policy statement makes a general declaration based on your obligations under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. Your policy statement should outline the company's overall philosophy in relation to the management of health and safety.