Health and Safety Policies

What is a health and safety policy?

A health and safety policy is a documented account of how a business will effectively manage and ensure (as reasonably as possible) the health, safety and welfare of its employees and ‘others’, who are not its employees. The document should be able to show who does what, and when and how they do it.

The policy can be broken down into a number of subsections:

Statement: This is a commitment in which the employer acknowledges his/her responsibility to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees and other persons not in their employment whilst carrying out their work.

Organisation: This describes how the business will identify how it can effectively manage not only the general aspects of day to day health and safety but also at which level/s in the organisation and to whom specific health and safety responsibilities are given.

Arrangements: This section is how the business will identify and allocate adequate resources both in terms of financial and physical commitment to ensure successful management of health and safety at the workplace. Information, instruction, training, supervision, monitoring and review of the policy are all essential if the policy is to be effective and meet the employer’s pledges.

Subsections: These reflect and take account of specific and individual operations and activities of the business. These sections should identify particular hazards that can be found or expected and what control measures need to be implemented to control those hazards.

What is the Governing Legislation?

The Health and Safety At Work Act 1974 (HSW) places duties on all individuals at the workplace from the employer to the employee, the self-employed and others such as designers, manufacturers, importers and those in control of premises. The Act is supplemented by detailed Regulations, Codes of Practice and Guidance.

Does this mean that every employer must have a policy?

Section 2 (3) of Health and Safety At Work (HSW) only requires employers with 5 or more employees to prepare a written statement of their policy, organisation and arrangements for health and safety at work. However it is often good practice to record these matters anyway and the process does help to think about and control risks in a logical way.

If I do not have a policy, how do I get one?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has produced a free leaflet called‘Stating Your Business’ which is guidance on preparing a Health & Safety Policy Document.

Where can I get more information?

Workplace Health Connect

Workplace Health Connect is a impartial, confidential service designed to give free practical advice on workplace health, safety and return to work issues to smaller businesses in England and Wales. It is aimed specifically at businesses with 5 to 250 employers.

Small businesses in the borough are able to receive free advice by calling the advice line and may also be eligible for a free workplace visit by a trained Workplace Health Connect adviser.

Advice Line: 0845 609 6006
Website: www.workplacehealthconnect.co.uk

Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publish a lot of useful information on their website (www.hse.gov.uk) and refer to other documents that can be purchased (see below). Some HSE leaflets can be obtained free of charge that cover areas of specific interest for small firms and general health and safety inforamtion. The Council’s Environmental Safety Section also maintains a limited stock of leaflets.

Health and safety regulations and guidance, including free leaflets and information can be acquired by going to the Health and Safety Executive website (www.hsedirect.com) or by emailing enquiries@hsedirect.com.

Tel: 0845 300 3142
Information Line: 089701 545500

Once I have completed a policy, do I have to do anything else?

The policy should be signed and dated by the Employer or the senior person within the organisation, such as a Director or Chief Executive. Any subsequent revisions and amendments of the policy must be brought to the attention of employees.

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, you also have to assess the risks arising from your work activities and record the significant findings.

How can I contact you for further information?

You can contact the section by either:

Writing to:
Environmental Safety Section Street Management & Public Protection Department
London Borough of Hounslow
Civic Centre
Lampton Road
Hounslow
Middlesex TW3 4DN

Fax:020 8583 5044

Tel:020 8583 5555

e-mail: healthandsafety@hounslow.gov.uk

Reception: Ground floor reception desk, Street Management & Public Protection Department, Civic Centre