Health and safety

What is a Health and Safety Policy?

A policy is a written statement, usually comprises three elements:

• a statement section (often a single page) detailing how safety will be managed and that demonstrates the organisation's commitment to health and safety
• an organisation section that details where responsibilities are allocated and how employees fit into the overall safety management system
• an arrangements section that contains details of how specific activities and functions are managed.

This arrangements section could include such matters as risk assessments, fire safety, first aid, accident reporting, electrical safety, work equipment, hazardous substances, manual handling and other workplace issues.
In larger organisations the arrangements section may refer to other documents, such as safety manuals or safe systems of work.

Why have a Health and Safety Policy?

All organisations employing five or more people must have a written Health and Safety Policy statement. The policy should cover all aspects of the organisation and be relevant to all employees.
A Health and Safety Policy demonstrates how seriously an organisation takes its health and safety responsibilities. A good policy will show how the organisation protects those who could be affected by its activities.
The policy should be of an appropriate length and relevance to the activities and size of the organisation.

Legal duties and obligations around Health and Safety Policies

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
The Act says that you must prepare your own statement and bring it to the attention of all employees. The policy should be reviewed and revised as often as necessary.
Legally, the policy only requires you to address the health and safety matters relating to employees, but in many organisations, it is a good idea to have a policy that considers the safety of others who might be affected by your activities, i.e. volunteers, contractors and the general public.
With or without a written policy, all employers have a duty of care to protect their employees and others from harm arising from work activities.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
These regulations place duties on employers to assess and manage risks to their employees and others arising from work activities. How this is carried out should be included in the policy.

SOURCE:  http://www.healthyworkinglives.com/advice/minimising-workplace-risks/health-safety-policy.aspx#what

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