Health and Safety Policy Template for India

A Health and Safety Policy spells out how a company protects its workers, visitors, and contractors from workplace hazards. In India, this document forms a crucial part of compliance with the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, especially for organizations with 50 or more employees.

The policy typically covers safety procedures, emergency protocols, and clear responsibilities for maintaining a safe workplace. It must identify potential risks, outline prevention measures, and detail reporting systems for accidents or near-misses. Companies update these policies regularly to reflect new safety standards and changing workplace conditions, helping them avoid legal issues while creating a culture of safety.

Use a Health and Safety Policy when starting operations in India, especially if your workforce exceeds 50 employees. This document becomes essential before beginning any industrial, construction, or manufacturing activities where workers face occupational risks like machinery operation, chemical handling, or heights.

The policy needs immediate updates after workplace accidents, when introducing new equipment or processes, or during significant operational changes. Indian labor inspectors often request this document during routine checks, so having it ready prevents compliance issues. It's particularly vital when onboarding contractors or launching new facilities, as it establishes clear safety protocols from day one.

• Contractor Health And Safety Policy: Comprehensive policy for managing direct contractors, covering site access, equipment use, and liability
• Health And Safety Policy Statement For Electrical Contractors: Specialized version addressing electrical hazards, shock prevention, and industry-specific PPE requirements
• Subcontractor Health And Safety Policy: Focuses on managing multiple tiers of contractors, defining chain of responsibility and coordination protocols

• Senior Management: Signs and approves the Health and Safety Policy, sets safety goals, and allocates resources for implementation
• Safety Officers: Draft policy details, conduct risk assessments, and oversee daily compliance across facilities
• Department Heads: Implement policy requirements within their units and ensure staff training
• Employees: Follow safety procedures, report hazards, and participate in safety training programs
• Contractors: Must comply with policy guidelines while working on company premises
• Labor Inspectors: Review policy compliance during site visits and enforce legal requirements

• Site Assessment: Document workplace hazards, equipment types, and operational processes specific to your facility
• Legal Review: Check current Occupational Safety codes and industry-specific regulations that apply to your business
• Team Input: Gather feedback from department heads and workers about safety concerns and practical challenges
• Emergency Plans: Map out evacuation routes, first-aid locations, and emergency response procedures
• Training Needs: List required safety training programs and certification requirements for different roles
• Documentation System: Set up incident reporting forms and safety inspection checklists before finalizing the policy

• Policy Statement: Clear commitment to workplace safety and compliance with Indian safety laws
• Risk Assessment: Detailed analysis of workplace hazards and control measures
• Safety Responsibilities: Specific duties for management, supervisors, and workers
• Emergency Procedures: Response protocols for accidents, fires, and other workplace emergencies
• Training Requirements: Mandatory safety training schedule and documentation process
• Reporting System: Procedures for incident reporting and investigation
• Review Schedule: Timeline for regular policy updates and effectiveness assessment
• Authorization: Senior management signatures and implementation date

A Health and Safety Policy differs significantly from an Incident and Non-Conformance Management Policy in several key ways, though both deal with workplace safety management.

• Primary Focus: Health and Safety Policies outline preventive measures and general safety protocols, while Incident Management Policies specifically detail how to handle accidents and violations after they occur
• Timing of Application: Health and Safety Policies work proactively to prevent incidents through daily operations, whereas Incident Management Policies activate reactively when something goes wrong
• Legal Requirements: Health and Safety Policies are mandatory under Indian labor laws for most businesses, while Incident Management Policies are often voluntary supplements to the main safety framework
• Document Structure: Health and Safety Policies include broad safety guidelines and responsibilities, while Incident Policies focus on investigation procedures, reporting chains, and corrective actions