All employers are legally obliged to
look after the Health & Safety of their workers. Managing workplace increases employee health, safety, and wellbeing – helping you to avoid potential legal penalties.
Download our Health & Safety policy template for free today, ensuring legal compliance whilst keeping your employees safe at all times. Having an example Health & Safety policy means you're doing all you can to keep your employees safe.
Peninsula provides total support on any HR or
Health & Safety issue you have. From
unlimited advice to our full
documentation and
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contact us today.
What is a Health & Safety policy?
The first part of managing Health & Safety in your workplace is to create a policy. Health & Safety policy is the Health & Safety policy statement. (Also known as a statement of intent, in some circumstances).
The Health and Safety Executive covers three main categories for Health & Safety policies and procedures:
- Statement of intent.
- Responsibilities for Health & Safety.
- Arrangement for Health & Safety.
The statement outlines safety objectives which are both measurable and not measurable.
Of course, different businesses will have individual Health & Safety issues, depending on their workplaces.
So, it’s beneficial for all employers to have Health & Safety management aims in an overall statement. After which, you can introduce a more tailored policy, suitable at a local level. So, download your Health & Safety policy for free today to use when required.
Who creates a Health & Safety policy for a business?
Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the employer or business owner handles the responsibility for both health and safety - so a Health & Safety policy is created.
However a "responsible person" can create the policy and not the employer, and a "competent person" can put the policy together.
However a competent person must have the correct experience and knowledge of both Health & Safety, or it could be someone external. This is a service that Peninsula can offer, so if after you've downloaded your Health & Safety policy template you still need advice - give our team of experts a call.
Why do I need a policy statement?
The statement outlines how a business intends to manage these issues and meet legal requirements and objectives.
Employers have a duty of care for all employees within their business by managing Health & Safety correctly. Ensuring workers don’t have accidents and injuries whilst they work for you.
Not following Health & Safety legislation can have direct impacts on both you and your workers. Employees potentially face workplace accidents and injuries, resulting in physical and psychological impacts. And employers can also face:
- Fines and compensation payments.
- Tribunal claims.
- Imprisonment.
- Business disruption and closure.
Download our Health & Safety policy example today to help you create a watertight policy for your company. If you're unsure how to create a Health & Safety policy, contact our experts who'll create a company Health & Safety policy template for you.
When should a Health & safety policy be used?
As an employer, there are reasons that mean you need a Health & Safety policy. For example:
- If you have five or more employees, meaning you must comply with the legal requirements under Health & Safety legislation. However you should demonstrate your compliance by having a policy in place - no matter the amount of employees you have.
- If you need to meet your legal duty of care when it comes to workers, visitors, or customers safety when on site.
- If you need to make your employees aware of the rules and obligations when it comes to safety in the workplace.
Why do I need a Health & Safety policy sample?
Having a Health & Safety policy ready to use is important as it will help ensure you're meeting all your safety responsibilities. Not doing so could lead to your employees getting injured, and claims
If you have five or more employees, then a policy is required. But it's advantageous to have one even if you have less than five people working for you.
Our team of experts have put together a Health & Safety policy sample for you to download and use when needed. Doing so will mean you're doing all you can to keep your employees safe. Access your example Health & Safety policy now.
What are the key components of a Health & Safety policy?
When it comes to creating your Health & Safety policy, it's important you're aware of what it should include. It should include three separate areas, all of which are vitally important.
Let's discuss each of them in more detail:
Part one: Statement of intent
The first part of your policy should include a general statement/policy on your committing to managing Health & Safety and your aims in doing so.
Included in your statement of intent should be:
- Your general approach to Health & Safety in your business.
- How you will commit to ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of all your employees whilst they're at work.
- Your main aims for both Health & Safety, for example how you'll ensure legal compliance in your business.
As an employer, you should sign this statement and it should be reviewed regularly reviewed.
Part two: Responsibilities for Health & Safety
Clearly list the names, roles, and positions of people in you business who have specific responsibilities when it comes to Health & Safety.
Included as part two of your policy should be:
- Who is responsible for Health & Safety in your business - this should include Health & Safety officer, fire wardens, and first aiders in your business.
- The specific duties and responsibilities for each role and how they will help to ensure ongoing legal compliance.
Part three: Arrangements for Health & Safety
The final part of your Health & Safety policy should detail the practical arrangements you have in place, clearly showing how your business will achieve the aims of the policy. Including carrying out a risk assessment, or training your employees.
Included in part three of your policy should be:
- All the steps you and your business will take to ensure you meet your commitments in your statement of intent.
- A full description of how risks will be managed and reduced, based on a completed risk assessment.
- Details on safety elements such as: risk assessments, accident and incident reporting, fire safety procedures, staff training programs, using equipment safety, keeping the workplace clean and maintained.
We have created a free Health & Safety policy template for you to download and use when it comes to creating yours. Access your Health & Safety policy sample now and ensure total safety compliance for your business.
You may be wondering how to create a Health & Safety policy, but not worry no more - download our Health & Safety policy template UK for free and stay compliant.
FAQs concerning a Health & Safety policy
Why is a Health & Safety policy important for employers?
By law, employers are required to have a documented Health & Safety policy. Failing to comply will result in severe consequences, including fines, prosecution, and possibly imprisonment.
Are there any benefits?
A strong Health & Safety policy reduces accidents and the costs associated with them—medical expenses, compensation, and legal fees. Also, happier workforce tends to be more productive.
Does it minimise risk?
Encouraged by a Health & Safety policy, employers will proactively identify and control hazards, which in turn helps limit risks. It also cements a framework that outlines procedures and responsibilities.
Download your example Health & Safety policy template
The workplace can present a multitude of accidents and injuries. So, it’s vital that employers have safety practices and relevant training.
Commitment to Health & Safety for workers will lead to a positive business outcome and workforce morale.
Peninsula can introduce a Health & Safety at work policy template perfect for your business. We offer expert
employment Health & Safety advice. And also provide services on
risk assessment and safety training. Download our Health & Safety policy template for free today and take the first step to total compliance.
Peninsula clients also get access to
24/7 HR consultation for workplace Health & Safety requirements. And if you are not yet a client, you can still enjoy free advice from one of our business experts. Simply call us on
0800 158 2313.
Disclaimer: This template is provided ‘as is’ and Peninsula Business Services Ltd excludes all representations, warranties, obligations and liabilities in relation to the template to the maximum extent permitted by law.
Peninsula Business Services Ltd is not liable for any errors or omissions in the template and shall not be liable for any loss, injury or damage of any kind caused by its use. Use of the template is entirely at the risk of the User and should you wish to do so then independent legal advice should be sought before use.
Use of the template will be deemed to constitute acceptance of the above terms.
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