Health & Safety Policies

It must be made clear that the policy has a strong backing of the most senior people in the organisation and not just a half-hearted gesture to comply with the law.

The three parts to the policy as identified above are:

• A written statement (Statement of Intent) of the employer's commitment to health and safety, signed and dated by the managing director (or equivalent)
• Organisational details for implementing the policy (Organisational Responsibilities). These should identify and record, who is reportable to whom and for what. It should also indicate where day to day and overall operational responsibilities lie.
• Arrangements for ensuring health and safety, including practical guidance and procedures. Examples of subject that may be covered in this section include fire precautions, the reporting of accidents, arrangements for risk assessments, inspections and audits.

Statement of Intent:

This will outline, in broad terms, the organisation's overall philosophy in relation to the Management of Health and Safety. It shows the commitment of the company's management. It will typically re-state the principles of the legislation applying to the organisation in terms which are appropriate to its particular circumstances, and identify the broad responsibilities of both management and the workforce.  It will also set aims, objectives and targets.

Organising Health & Safety:

Organisation of health and safety involves putting an effective framework in place to allow the policy to be implemented.  The organisation of health and safety is normally based upon four defined areas, these being, 'Control', 'Communication', 'Co-operation' and 'Competence'.

Control: begins with getting managers and staff to take responsibility for health and safety and being clear as how to exercise their responsibilities.

Communication: is a major issue for most organisations for all aspects of its management. Both verbal and written communication is important, effective systems are needed to manage information:
- coming into the organisation: such as legal developments
- flowing within the organisation: such as procedures and accident reporting
- going out of the organisation: such as to enforcing authorities and potential customers.

Co-operation: Health and Safety is best managed by encouraging all employees to take "Ownership" of their own and others health and safety. Co-operation could be many different forms, for example:
- training safety representatives
- setting up health and safety committee meetings
- asking employees for their comments
- encouraging employees to report potential hazards or near misses

Competence: Workers and Managers must be competent to carry out their jobs safely. Competence goes further than just being trained; it includes having the right personal attributes and having a positive attitude towards following safety procedures.

Call PIRA on 01803 295510.