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Last revision: 27/09/2024
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Fill out the templateAn employer can use a workplace health and safety policy to set out key information to keep employees and workers safe at work.
This workplace health and safety policy is designed for use by employers who are based in Great Britain.
Yes, it is a legal requirement for any organisation with five or more employees to have a written health and safety policy. Even if an organisation has fewer than five employees, it is still helpful to have a written health and safety policy. An employer has a specific statutory duty to ensure the health, safety and well-being of its workers.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the regulatory body for workplace health and safety. The HSE will ensure that health and safety rules and laws are complied with. The HSE can conduct investigations and may take enforcement action against individuals or organisations.
If an employer formally recognises a trade union or staff association, they may wish to consult and agree on the terms of the policy with them. If a collective agreement* is in place between the employer and the relevant union or association it may be a requirement to consult with them about the policy and/or agree upon the terms with them.
A collective agreement is a written contract that is negotiated between a union and an employer on behalf of its union members.
Usually, senior members of staff will be responsible for finalising the policy. This might include a senior manager or a director of a company. Some organisations may have a designated health and safety officer.
A health and safety policy can remain in place indefinitely but should be reviewed at regular interviews to ensure that it is relevant and up-to-date. The policy will say that the information will be reviewed annually.
The health and safety policy does not need to be signed. Once it has been approved by the relevant person (usually a manager or director), it should be drawn to the attention of staff members. It should be kept in a readily accessible place for staff members to refer to.
The employer should also display or provide employees with a designated health and safety poster/leaflet.
If an individual staff member fails to comply with the standards set out in the policy, they may be subjected to a disciplinary process.
Furthermore, if the employer fails to adhere to the principles in the policy this may give rise to grievances, complaints and legal claims. The health and safety executive may also issue enforcement action against an employer.
An organisation should hold other relevant policies and documents which may be read in conjunction with a health and safety policy. This may include
A health and safety policy should include:
The following key legal provisions are relevant to a health and safety policy:
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A guide to help you: Important Factors for Employers to Consider when Creating Safe Working Environment
Workplace Health and Safety Policy - Sample, template
Country: United Kingdom