Health and Safety Policy Template for the UK
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What is a Health and Safety Policy?
A health and safety policy is a written statement showing how an organisation protects its people from harm at work. Every employer in Great Britain with five or more employees must have one in writing by law, under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The policy sets out who is responsible for workplace safety and the practical steps taken to prevent accidents, injuries and ill health.
A complete policy covers risk assessments, emergency procedures, and the handling of hazardous substances and unsafe conditions, making it clear what each person must do to keep the workplace safe. It helps an employer meet its legal duties and gives staff and managers a clear roadmap. Using a template keeps the structure consistent, and the policy should be kept current as new risks, equipment or work practices appear.
Sample clauses: standard wording in a UK health and safety policy
4. Organisation and Allocation of Responsibility
4.1 Overall and final responsibility for health and safety within [Company Name] rests with [name of director or partner], who shall report to the board on health and safety performance at least [quarterly] and shall ensure that adequate financial and human resources are made available to give effect to this policy.
4.2 Day to day responsibility for implementing this policy, including the maintenance of the accident book, the reporting of matters notifiable under RIDDOR and liaison with the enforcing authority, is delegated to [name or job title of health and safety manager].
4.3 Each line manager is responsible for the health and safety of employees, agency workers, visitors and contractors under their control, for ensuring that risk assessments applicable to their area are followed, and for escalating any hazard they cannot resolve within [2 working days].
4.4 Every employee shall take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others affected by their acts or omissions, shall co-operate with the Company so far as is necessary to enable it to comply with its statutory duties, and shall not interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health, safety or welfare.
6. Risk Assessment, Consultation and Review
6.1 The Company shall carry out and record suitable and sufficient assessments of the risks to the health and safety of its employees and of persons not in its employment, and shall implement the preventive and protective measures identified, prioritising elimination of the hazard over control of it.
6.2 Each risk assessment shall be reviewed at intervals of no more than [12 months], and in any event without delay following an accident, a near miss, a change in work practice or equipment, or the introduction of a new process at [site or location].
6.3 The Company shall consult employees, and any recognised trade union safety representatives, on matters affecting their health and safety, and shall provide the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to enable them to work safely.
6.4 This policy shall be reviewed by [name of responsible director] at least annually, and the revised statement brought to the attention of all employees within [10 working days] of approval.
Illustrative extract showing typical drafting under the law of England and Wales. Documents generated with GenieAI are tailored to your rules, standards and context.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you use a Health and Safety Policy?
Use a health and safety policy from day one of starting your business. Once you employ five or more people, a written policy is a legal duty for every employer. Update it when you introduce new equipment, change a work process, move premises, take on contractors, or after any workplace incident. Many organisations also use it during staff onboarding and when a new condition or hazardous substance enters the workplace.
The policy matters most during health and safety inspections, insurance renewals, and when bidding for contracts with larger organisations. A clear, current policy helps protect your business if accidents happen and shows regulators you take your duties seriously. Keeping an up-to-date template, with a record or register of risk assessments and training, keeps it relevant and effective year to year.
What are the different types of Health and Safety Policy?
- 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
Who should typically use a Health and Safety Policy?
- 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
How do you write a Health and Safety Policy?
- 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
What should be included in a Health and Safety Policy?
- Statement of Intent: Clear commitment to workplace safety and legal compliance, signed by senior management on behalf of the employer
- 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, including unsafe conditions and hazardous substances
- Records and Register: A register of risk assessments, incidents and training completed, kept current and accessible
- Review Process: Schedule and method for keeping the policy up to date
- Legal Framework: Reference to the Health and Safety at Work etc. 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
What's the difference between a Health and Safety Policy and an Anti Bribery and Corruption Policy?
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
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About the Health and Safety Policy
- 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
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