Health and Safety Policy Template for UK Businesses: What the Law Requires
Is Your Business Required to Have a Written H&S Policy?
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, any employer with 5 or more employees must have a written health and safety policy. Failure to have one (or to bring it to employees' attention) is a criminal offence. The HSE can issue improvement notices and prosecute.
The Three-Part H&S Policy Structure
Part 1: Statement of Intent
Signed by the most senior person in the organisation. Confirms your commitment to protecting health, safety, and welfare. Should be reviewed annually.
Example: "[Company Name] is committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of all employees, contractors, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our work. This policy will be reviewed annually."
Part 2: Responsibilities
Who is responsible for what? Must name specific roles (not just job titles) for:
- Overall responsibility (Directors/Owners)
- Day-to-day implementation (Operations/HR Manager)
- First aid (named First Aiders)
- Fire safety (Fire Warden)
- Risk assessments (who conducts and reviews them)
Part 3: Arrangements
How will you implement the policy? Include arrangements for:
- Risk assessments (how conducted, reviewed, communicated)
- Emergency procedures (fire evacuation, first aid)
- Accidents and near misses (RIDDOR reporting)
- Manual handling
- Display Screen Equipment (DSE) for office workers
- Lone working
- Stress and mental health at work
- Staff training and induction
- Contractor management
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