Every organisation has a legal duty to protect its people - and a clear health and safety policy is essential. Below is a preview of the key opening clauses from a model policy that aligns with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. With Lex HR, you can instantly generate the full version - complete, legally compliant, and tailored to your business needs, covering everything from risk assessments to staff training.
Health & Safety Policy
PURPOSE AND SCOPE
1.1 This policy sets out our commitments and responsibilities for keeping everyone safe and healthy at work. This includes employees, temporary workers, contractors, visitors, and anyone else who may be affected by our work.
1.2 We must comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which requires us to have a written policy if we employ five or more people. This document explains how we intend to fulfil those responsibilities, who is accountable for carrying them out, and how we will make safety a priority in our day-to-day activities.GENERAL PRINCIPLES
2.1 We aim to prevent accidents and ill health, as well as protect everyone from hazards that could arise at work. We will provide safe equipment, systems, and methods of work.
2.2 We will ensure that staff have access to information, training, and supervision so they can perform their duties without harm to themselves or others.
2.3 We will regularly review our operations, how we store and use materials, and how staff interact with the workplace environment, to make sure we stay up to date with legal duties and best practice.RESPONSIBILITIES
3.1 Senior Management
(a) The most senior person in our organisation (for example, the Managing Director or Chief Executive) has ultimate responsibility for health and safety. They sign this policy to show commitment.
(b) Senior managers must acquire resources, approve safety initiatives, and oversee that everyone understands their own role in maintaining a safe workplace.
(c) Senior management will also review health and safety performance regularly.3.2 Health and Safety Manager or Competent Person
(a) This person coordinates day-to-day health and safety matters, conducts investigations into accidents or near misses, and recommends ways to prevent reoccurrences.
(b) They keep up to date with relevant laws, good practice guidance, and changes that could affect our procedures.
(c) They organise risk assessments and ensure that staff receive suitable training.
(d) They collaborate with managers, employees, and any representatives on safety improvements or compliance issues.3.3 Department Managers and Supervisors
(a) Managers and supervisors ensure safe working methods within their areas, encourage staff to follow safe practices, and address safety concerns promptly.
(b) They carry out regular inspections, coaching, and oversight, so that tasks are done using correct procedures.
(c) They monitor that any personal protective equipment (PPE) is used properly and stored correctly.
(d) They investigate any accidents in their department, record details accurately, and act to prevent similar outcomes.3.4 Employees
(a) Employees have a duty to take due care of themselves and others who might be affected by their work.
(b) They should follow any training and instructions provided, and refrain from misusing any safety equipment.
(c) They must report hazards, accidents, or near misses to their manager as soon as possible.
(d) They are encouraged to be proactive in suggesting ways to improve workplace safety.3.5 Contractors and Visitors
(a) Contractors working on site must follow our health and safety instructions. They should consult their own safety guidelines too, ensuring they work to best practice standards.
(b) Visitors and anyone else affected by our work activities shall be made aware of any relevant risks, escorted when required, and kept away from any area or machinery that could be hazardous.RISK ASSESSMENTS
4.1 We will conduct risk assessments to identify hazards, evaluate how likely harm is, and decide how best to reduce any hazards to the lowest level reasonably practicable.
4.2 Managers or delegated staff will regularly conduct the following:
(a) Formal risk assessments in each department or on each process, to spot possible dangers.
(b) Specialist risk assessments for specific activities or substances, such as working at height, manual handling, or hazardous substances.
(c) Ongoing reviews of hazards, especially if there are changes, for example new equipment or changes to processes.
4.3 We will keep written records of completed risk assessments, update them when needed, and share findings with those who rely on them to work safely.SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK
5.1 Safe systems of work help staff carry out tasks in a way that reduces risk. We will:
(a) Analyse tasks that could pose a risk and establish written safe methods of doing them.
(b) Train staff in these procedures, making sure they have opportunities to ask questions or suggest improvements.
(c) Change procedures if new equipment or processes introduce new risks or if risk assessments show a need for improvement.TRAINING
6.1 We will provide everyone with suitable information, instruction, and training so that they know how to work safely. This includes:
(a) Inductions for new starters or those new to a role, covering basic risks, safety rules, first aid arrangements, and emergency procedures.
(b) Ongoing or refresher training for activities with higher risks, such as using machinery or chemicals.
(c) Specific training on manual handling, working at height, fire safety, or other topics relevant to job roles.
(d) Recording the training provided, with staff signing attendance to acknowledge receiving it.CONSULTATION
7.1 We will consult employees on health and safety issues that affect them, listening to concerns before taking major decisions. If there is a recognised union, we will work with union safety representatives. If we do not have union representatives, we will consult through other representative methods or staff meetings.
7.2 Staff are encouraged to openly discuss any issues, such as defective machinery, hazards, or near-miss incidents that could be prevented in future. We aim to create an environment where people feel comfortable raising issues without fear of blame.WELFARE AND FIRST AID
8.1 We will provide and maintain adequate welfare facilities including:
(a) Toilets that are clean, with working handbasins, soap or sanitiser, and enough drying facilities.
(b) Safe drinking water readily available.
(c) A place to rest, eat meals, and take breaks comfortably.
(d) If applicable, private facilities for pregnant or nursing mothers.
8.2 There will always be at least one appointed person on site to look after basic first aid needs, and adequate first aid supplies will be accessible. If the level of risk suggests it, we will have fully trained first aiders.
8.3 Any first aid incident will be recorded, detailing what happened, where it happened, and any treatment given. This helps us track patterns and improve our systems.WORK EQUIPMENT…
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