Why You Need a Robust Safety Policy
A strong health and safety policy does more than tick a legal box; it protects your staff, boosts workplace confidence, and keeps your business running smoothly. It clearly sets out who is responsible for what, outlines practical procedures to manage risks, and ensures everyone knows what to do if something goes wrong. For businesses with five or more employees, having a written policy isn’t just good practice – it’s a legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Why Your Policy Matters
A strong health and safety policy:
- Shows your commitment to protecting staff and visitors
- Clarifies roles and responsibilities at every level
- Provides a clear framework to prevent accidents and manage risks
Even smaller businesses benefit from having a written policy, as it demonstrates professionalism and builds trust with employees, clients, and regulators.
Key Elements of a Strong Policy
Every effective policy should include:
Statement of intent
Signed by senior management, confirming the organisation’s commitment to health and safety.
Organisational Responsibilities
Clear definitions of who is responsible for what, from managers to staff.
Procedures and Arrangements
Practical, easy-to-follow steps to manage risks and ensure a safe working environment.
A generic policy bought off-the-shelf is rarely enough. Your policy should reflect the specific activities, processes, and risks unique to your organisation.
How PHSC Ltd Can Help
PHSC Ltd specialises in creating tailored health and safety policies that are:
- Fully compliant with current UK legislation
- Practical and easy to implement in your workplace
- Designed to foster a culture of safety across your organisation
We work closely with you to ensure your policy isn’t just a document, it’s a living tool that protects your staff, supports your business, and meets regulatory requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Only businesses with five or more employees are legally required to have a written policy. However, even smaller businesses benefit from having one, as it shows professionalism and helps keep staff safe.
A robust policy usually contains three parts: a statement of intent, clear organisational responsibilities, and practical arrangements for managing risks.
Templates can be a starting point, but they often miss the specific details that apply to your workplace. A tailored policy is essential to ensure it reflects your actual risks and complies with the law.
At least once a year, or whenever there are significant changes to your business activities, processes, or legislation.
Without a written policy, you risk non-compliance with UK law, potential fines, and increased chances of accidents in the workplace.
We work with you to create a bespoke, compliant policy that’s easy to put into practice and strengthens your workplace safety culture.
Ready to strengthen your health and safety policy?
The Old Church | 31 Rochester Road | Aylesford |Kent | ME20 7PR
