Safety Policy

Regardless of the size of your company, you will have certain arrangements, procedures or rules in place to ensure that accidents are prevented during the course of your day-to-day business.

It is good practice to record all of these details in the form of a policy document. A documented safety policy is a legal requirement where you employ five or more people.

Its main aim is to:

• demonstrate to your employees and others your commitment to their health, safety and wellbeing;

• identify those who are responsible for ensuring that health and safety matters are attended to; and

• explain in detail the arrangements that are in place to control the main hazards identified in your risk assessments.

The policy should follow the format below:

§         General statement of intent – express your commitment to health and safety. This part must be signed and dated by the owner/director in the business.

§         Safety Organisation and Responsibilities – identify persons with health and safety responsibilities and online their specific duties.

§         Safety Rules and Arrangements –describe in detail how you control the risks associated with your business activities. The policy must cover all of your work locations and activities, describing the procedures that you have developed in order to reduce the risk of injury.