Health and Safety Policy

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 - Section 2(3)) demands that ALL businesses who employ 5 or more staff, must have a written Health and Safety Policy document, and that this Policy be communicated to all staff and visitors.

Companies with less than 5 employees are not obliged to have a health and safety policy. However, you may be required to justify your procedures and safe systems of work to the enforcement authorities in the event of an accident or incident.

A Health and Safety Policy is a document outlining how health and safety in your workplace is maintained and developed. Your safety policy is a working document, which will help you to clarify responsibilities and develop safety procedures. The policy can also help you to communicate your safety procedures to others.

The main elements of a Health and Safety Policy are -

• General Statement of Intent
• Organisation and Responsibilities
• Arrangements (Systems and Procedures)

Employees must be aware of the Health and Safety Policy, and must understand the arrangements that affect them, as well as any responsibilities they may have in regard to the Policy. Employees may be provided with their own copy of the Policy, or the Policy may be displayed around the workplace.