Health and safety policy template

Use

The purpose of a health and safety policy is to outline an organisation's commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for its employees, customers, and any other individuals affected by its operations. It serves as a written statement that communicates the organisation's objectives, responsibilities, and procedures related to health and safety management.

The key purposes of a health and safety policy are:

1. Ensuring Legal Compliance: A health and safety policy helps an organisation comply with applicable laws, regulations, and standards related to workplace health and safety. It establishes a framework for meeting legal requirements and minimising the risk of non-compliance.

2. Demonstrating Commitment: By having a health and safety policy, an organisation demonstrates its commitment to prioritising the well-being of its employees and others. It conveys a clear message that the organisation values safety and is dedicated to providing a healthy work environment.

3. Setting Objectives and Goals: The policy sets out the organisation's health and safety objectives, such as reducing accidents, preventing work-related illnesses, and promoting a culture of safety. It also establishes measurable targets and goals that guide the organisation's efforts in improving health and safety performance.

4. Assigning Responsibilities: The health and safety policy identifies the roles and responsibilities of individuals within the organisation regarding health and safety matters. It clarifies who is accountable for specific tasks and ensures that everyone understands their obligations in maintaining a safe workplace.

5. Providing Guidelines and Procedures: The policy serves as a reference document that outlines the procedures, guidelines, and best practices for various aspects of health and safety. It provides employees with clear instructions on how to perform their work safely, use protective equipment, report hazards, and handle emergencies.

6. Promoting a Safety Culture: A health and safety policy fosters a culture of safety within the organisation. It encourages employees to prioritise their well-being and the well-being of others, promotes open communication about safety concerns, and supports continuous improvement in health and safety performance.

7. Supporting Risk Management: The policy helps identify potential hazards, assess risks, and implement control measures to mitigate those risks. It provides a framework for identifying hazards, conducting risk assessments, and implementing appropriate preventive measures to minimise the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and occupational illnesses.

Overall, a health and safety policy is a fundamental document that guides an organisation's efforts in promoting and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. It communicates the organisation's commitment to safety, outlines responsibilities, and provides a framework for managing health and safety effectively.

• Issue the Health and safety policy template during onboarding / after changes / planned refresher.

• Send it to appropriate internal recipients such as employees, workers, contractors etc. and request confirmation that is has been read and understood.