Policy for Health and Safety

Introduction

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 laid down that all companies who employ 5 or more people must prepare and bring to the notice of their employees a written statement of their general policy with regard to the health and safety at work of their employees. This must be accompanied by a description of the organisation and arrangements made to implement the aims of the policy.

In large companies this will require the compilation of several manuals of procedures and responsibilities. In small companies all procedures will require documenting. The purpose of this health and safety policy document is to give an example of the documents that a small construction company requires in terms of a policy statement, responsibilities for health and safety and procedures for health and safety. Companies can adapt the documents to reflect their own circumstances and add those it has not been possible to predict here.

Policy Statement

It is the policy of this company that all reasonably practical steps will be taken to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its employees and all others who may be affected by company operations.

In order to achieve this objective the company have formulated a set of safety procedures and have defined responsibilities for health and safety at all levels.

These procedures are designed to:

1. Provide and maintain safe plant and systems of work.
2. Ensure the safe use, handling, storage and transport of all goods which can be dangerous.
3. Provide such information, consultation, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of employees.
4. Provide and maintain a safe and healthy working environment and adequate welfare facilities.
5. Maintain the workplace in a safe condition and provide safe means of access to and egress from the workplace.

These procedures will be reviewed periodically and changed in the light of new knowledge, technology or changes in legislation. Consultation with and the active participation of employees is considered to be vital to the success of the policy and copies of this policy document will be discussed with and given to all employees.