Safety Policy

Since 1975 every employer with five or more employees must have a written Safety Policy.

This will include details of the organisation and arrangement within the company to ensure that its business is conducted safely.

The Safety Policy must be brought to the notice of all employees, either by giving each employee a copy of the statement, if it is short, or by posting it on a notice board for all employees to read.

The Safety Policy should be regularly reviewed and kept up-to-date. Revision may be necessary if:

· the nature of the work changes

· hazards or new plant are introduced

· changes occur in safety organisation

· regulations or Codes of Practice are updated

The Safety Policy should set out a general policy on health and safety, state the organisation for carrying out the policy and the arrangements for health and safety.

· General Policy on Health and Safety

This should state the general aims with regard to employees’ health and safety. It should also recognise that health and safety is an integral part of business performance. There must also be commitment at all levels to a safe working environment. Adequate resources must be available to implement the policy.

· Organisation

This should specify the health and safety duties and responsibilities of individuals at every level. Employees should be able to see how they fit into the system and to whom they should go for advice.

· Arrangements

This is a description of the systems and procedures for ensuring employees’ health and safety.

This may include fire safety, first aid, accident reporting, risk assessment, manual handling, etc.

Employers may also have safety manuals, safety rules or checklists, for reference.

Arrangements for instruction, training and supervision should also be covered as well as means of consulting and communicating on health and safety.

For more information why not try:

Managing Health & Safety - 5 Steps to Success