Health and Safety Policy Template for England and Wales

A Health and Safety Policy shows how an organisation protects its people from harm at work. Every UK business with five or more employees must have one by law, as required under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The policy sets out who's responsible for workplace safety and outlines the practical steps taken to prevent accidents and injuries.

A good policy maps out everything from basic risk assessments to emergency procedures, making it clear what everyone needs to do to maintain a safe workplace. It helps businesses meet their legal duties while giving staff and managers a clear roadmap for staying safe. The policy needs regular updates to reflect new risks and changing work practices.

Use a Health and Safety Policy from day one of starting your business - it's a legal requirement once you have five or more employees. Update it when introducing new equipment, changing work processes, moving premises, or after any workplace incidents. Many companies also review their policy during staff onboarding or when taking on contractors.

The policy becomes especially important during health and safety inspections, insurance renewals, and when bidding for contracts with larger organizations. Having a clear, up-to-date policy helps protect your business if accidents happen and shows regulators you're taking your legal duties seriously. Regular reviews - at least annually - keep it relevant and effective.

• Hazard Identification And Risk Assessment Policy: Core policy focusing on systematic risk evaluation and control measures
• Contractor Safety Policy: Specialized version addressing safety requirements for temporary workers and external personnel
• Subcontractor Health And Safety Policy: Detailed policy for managing safety across complex contractor chains
• Contractors Health And Safety Policy Statement: Simplified statement outlining key safety commitments for contractor relationships

• Business Owners and Directors: Legally responsible for creating and signing off the Health and Safety Policy, with ultimate accountability for workplace safety
• Health and Safety Officers: Draft, implement, and monitor the policy daily, conducting risk assessments and training
• Line Managers: Ensure their teams follow safety procedures and report issues promptly
• Employees: Must understand and follow the policy's guidelines, report hazards, and participate in safety training
• HSE Inspectors: Review policies during site visits and enforce compliance with safety regulations
• Contractors and Visitors: Required to comply with relevant parts of the policy while on-site

• Risk Assessment: Complete a thorough workplace hazard review, noting all potential dangers and existing control measures
• Staff Input: Gather feedback from employees about safety concerns and current procedures
• Legal Requirements: Check current HSE guidelines and industry-specific regulations that apply to your business
• Emergency Procedures: Document your fire safety, first aid, and evacuation protocols
• Training Records: List required safety training and certification needs for different roles
• Review System: Plan how often you'll update the policy and who's responsible for monitoring compliance
• Document Generation: Use our platform to create a legally-sound Health and Safety Policy, ensuring all required elements are included

• Statement of Intent: Clear commitment to workplace safety and legal compliance, signed by senior management
• Organisation Section: Detailed breakdown of safety responsibilities from directors to employees
• Arrangements: Specific procedures for risk assessment, training, emergencies, and accident reporting
• Risk Controls: Methods for identifying and managing workplace hazards
• Review Process: Schedule and method for regular policy updates
• Legal Framework: Reference to Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and relevant regulations
• Implementation Plan: Steps for communicating and enforcing the policy
• Documentation: Using our platform ensures all these elements are properly included and legally compliant

While both documents focus on workplace safety and compliance, a Health and Safety Policy differs significantly from an Incident and Non-Conformance Management Policy. Here are the key distinctions:

• Scope and Purpose: A Health and Safety Policy sets out overall safety strategy and responsibilities, while an Incident Policy specifically deals with handling and reporting accidents when they occur
• Legal Requirements: Health and Safety Policies are mandatory for businesses with 5+ employees under the Health and Safety at Work Act, whereas Incident Policies are voluntary but recommended best practice
• Content Focus: Health and Safety Policies cover prevention and general safety measures, while Incident Policies detail investigation procedures and corrective actions
• Timing of Use: Health and Safety Policies guide daily operations, whereas Incident Policies activate after specific events or near-misses