Health & Safety Policy, a new example from HSE - Do you need to make changes, what can be learnt?
The HSE has recently published new guidance and issued an example health & safety policy statement which is downloadable from its website. The intention is to act as a guide to small businesses wishing to complete their health and safety policy statement from a simple template.
Its certainly worth taking a look at and it incorporate the principles of HSE's other documents and guidance such as 5 steps to risk assessment. However, it is simply an example of what the HSE would expect (and be happy) to see in a small business. By all means take a look and see what changes have been made but in terms of updating your own statement their is no need for a change unless you feel it is necessary. Also, don't confuse a health and safety policy statement with a health and saftey policy document, it doesn't contain the COSHH risk assessments, arrangements and responsibilities, fire risk assessments and so on which are required by law, its simply the p[age which is displayed in your workplace.
Finally, you need to remember is sign it, date it and display it. Take a check now and make sure that your own policy statement is on display, perhaps next to your ELSI insurance certificate (Employers Liability Statutory Insurance) and Health and Safety Law Poster. The statement should have been signed by your Chief Executive or Managing Director within the last 12 months.
If you feel you would benefit from a review of you health and safety policy, fire risk assessment, COSHH risk assessments or any other part of your safety management system please call us on 01453 800100 to speak with one of our experienced health & safety consultants.
