Health & Safety Policies

 

Why does an employer need a Health and Safety Policy?

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act (H&SAWA 1974), the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSAWA 1999) and  Employers Health and Safety Policy Statements (Exception) Regulations 1975, and employer is required to prepare and review on a regular basis a written health and safety policy.

 

What does this policy need to include?

Your Health and Safety Policy needs to include detail under three main headings:

• A Health and Safety Policy Statement (Sets out the Health and Safety aims and objectives of the organisation)

• The Organisation of Health and Safety within your business. (who has specific responsibilities, what are their duties etc.)

• The Health and Safety arrangements in place. (Systems and procedures you have adopted to ensure a safe working environment)

Additionally you will need to

​

Who can write the Health & Safety Policy?

Anyone. It is recommended that those who do write and/or review your Health and Safety Policy have the appropriate knowledge and experience of the workplace to enable them to

A formal Health and Safety Management Qualification is strongly recommended such at the IOSH Managing Safely Award or the comprehensive NEBOSH National General Certificate. Employers who train their staff to this level, or engage professional with these qualifications demonstrate a professional and robust approach to health and safety.

​

When should an employer review or update the Policy?

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSAWA 1999) the Health and Safety Policy should be monitored and reviewed on a regular basis. There are several drivers for this; significant organisational changes, changes to key personnel, changes to legislation or guidance, the introduction of new machinery, processed or hazards; updated manufacturers guidance, changes to the workforce (e.g. new trainees), and also when there has been an accident or near-miss

 

Where can I get more help with my Health and Safety Policy and Health and Safety Arrangements?

DutyMet can help with all aspects of your Health and Safety policy and wider arrangements. Contact us today

 

Risk Assessment

 

Why does an employer need to carry out Risk Assessments?

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act (H&SAWA 1974), and specifically the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSAWA 1999) an employer is required to identify and assess the risks present in the workplace which could cause harm to employees and non-employees (e.g. contractors, members of the public, students, patients, customers) Where an employer has five or more employees, the risk assessments must also be documented

 

What risks does an employer need to assess?

Any and ALL risks present in the workplace (equipment, chemicals, processes) which could cause harm to employees and non-employees (e.g. contractors, members of the public, students, patients, customers) Where an employer has five or more employees, the risk assessments must also be documented

 

Who can carry out a Risk Assessment?

Anyone. It is recommended that those who do carry out risk assessments have the appropriate knowledge and experience of the workplace to enable them to identify the hazard, assess the risk posed by that hazard and recommend any measures needed in order to eliminate or reduce that risk to a manageable level.  

A formal Health and Safety Management Qualification is strongly recommended such at the IOSH Managing Safely Award or the comprehensive NEBOSH National General Certificate. Employers who train their staff to this level, or engage professional with these qualifications demonstrate a professional and robust approach to health and safety.

 

Need to carry out or review your Risk Assessments?  DutyMet can provide this service for you. Contact us today.

 

 

What do I do with my risk assessments?

Risk assessments are one element of your wider arrangements for handling Health and Safety in your workplace.

Amongst other things, you will need to ensure that the risk assessments are acted upon and that any risk reduction/control measures identified are implemented, you need to ensure that all staff are made aware of the risks and the precautions/controls you are putting in place.

 

When should an employer review or update the Risk Assessments?

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSAWA 1999) risk assessments should be reviewed ‘periodically’ (annually is typical). In addition, your assessments need to be reviewed when: conditions change as a result of the introduction of new machinery, processed or hazards; where there are changes in legislation, updated manufacturers guidance, changes to the workforce (e.g. new trainees), and also when there has been an accident or near-miss.

 

Where can I get more help with my Risk Assessments?

DutyMet can help with all aspects of your risk assessment process and wider Health and Safety policy and arrangements. Contact us today.