What is a Health & Safety Policy?

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 free statement template, alongside our health & safety policy template. With both policies, you can effectively manage and reduce workplace risks and accidents.

What is a health & safety policy statement template?

The first part of a 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.

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. 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.

What should I include in a health & safety policy statement?

Most health & safety policies are unfortunately quite basic and express vague aims for improving the workplace. Instead, your statement of intent (and health & safety policy) should include more specific and realistic aims, like:

• Identify work hazards.
• Introduce management methods for workplace risks.
• Meet the basic legal requirements.
• Assign responsible workers to manage H&S.
• Provide information, training, and support.
• Review health & safety policies.
• Deal with health & safety performance.
• Provide resources for reaching targets.

All employers should ensure that everyone accepts and follows your health & safety policy statement.

Peninsula provides expert advice on workplace health & safety

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 our Health & Safety consultants also provide services on risk assessment and safety training.

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 028 2420.

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.