A health and safety policy is a written statement which should comprise a minimum of the following three key elements:
- A statement demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to health and safety
- An allocation of responsibilities for health and safety within the organisation
- Details of how specific activities and functions related to health and safety should be managed (Risk Assessments, First Aid details, Work equipment).
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
The HSE is the UK government body which is responsible for enforcing health and safety at work legislation. The mission of the HSE is to prevent work-related death, injury and ill health by performing a number of functions:
- Assist and encourage persons concerned with matters relevant to the operation of the objectives of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
- Make arrangements for and encourage research and publication, training, and information in connection with its work.
- Make arrangements for securing government departments, employers, employees, their respective representative organisations, and other persons are provided with an information and advisory service and are kept informed of, and adequately advised on such matters.
- Propose new health and safety regulations.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASWA 1974)
This is an Act of Parliament and the main piece of UK health and safety legislation.
It places a duty on all employers “to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work” of all their employees.
The Act requires:
- Safe operation and maintenance of the working environment, plant and systems
- Maintenance of safe access and egress to the workplace
- Safe use, handling and storage of dangerous substances
- Adequate training of staff to ensure health and safety
- Adequate welfare provisions for staff at work
All organisations which employ five or more people must have a written Health and Safety Policy statement. It should cover all aspects of the organisation and be relevant to all employees.
Employers must keep a written record of health and safety policies and consult with employees or their representatives on such policies.