Health and safety policy template
Template implementation:
Legal compliance
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Our health and safety policy prioritises employee well-being, ensures legal compliance, and fosters a culture of safety in a proactive and accountable manner.
1 Overview
1.1 This policy sets out [Company]’s commitment on Health and Safety. It also outlines responsibilities and duties and explains arrangements for maintaining a safe working environment.
2 Scope
2.1 This policy is applicable to all employees of [company name].
3 General principles
3.1 Statement of Intent
3.1.1 [Company] has a legal obligation to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all employees at work.
3.1.2 We have a duty to ensure the safety of any equipment in use and the safety of our premises and, so far as practicable, to ensure that neither staff nor the general public are exposed to risks to their health and safety.
3.1.3 [Company] will comply with all current health and safety legislation, codes of practice and other authoritative guidance.
[Company] requires its entire staff to co-operate in establishing and maintaining safe and healthy working conditions and to avoid any
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Legal compliance
Here are some key UK employment legislations that support the implementation of a health and safety policy:
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Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Provides the legal framework for workplace health and safety, outlining the general duties of employers, employees, and others in relation to health and safety.
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Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999: Requires employers to assess and manage risks to employees and others affected by their activities, and to implement appropriate control measures.
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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH): Sets out requirements for the control of substances that are hazardous to health, including the assessment, prevention, and control of exposure to such substances.
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Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR): Requires employers to report specified workplace accidents, occupational diseases, and dangerous occurrences to the relevant enforcing authority.
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Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER): Places duties on employers to ensure that work equipment is suitable, maintained, and used safely, and that employees are adequately trained and informed about its use.
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Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (PPE): Specifies requirements for the selection, use, and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect employees against workplace hazards.
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Workplace (Health, Safety, and Welfare) Regulations 1992: Covers a wide range of health, safety, and welfare issues in the workplace, including ventilation, lighting, temperature, cleanliness, and facilities for rest and meals.
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Equality Act 2010: Requires employers to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that employees with disabilities are not put at a substantial disadvantage and have equal access to health and safety measures.
What is this for?
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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
