{"id":1396,"date":"2023-10-27T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-27T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/staff\/health-and-safety-guide\/"},"modified":"2025-05-22T13:12:45","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T13:12:45","slug":"health-and-safety-policy-template","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/staff\/health-and-safety-policy-template\/","title":{"rendered":"Small business health and safety policy \u2013 what should I include?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A health and safety policy is an important document that a business can use to outline its health and safety standards.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep reading to learn what to include in your own health and safety policy to make sure you\u2019re covered \u2013 and also find out why you need one and how to make sure it complies with the law.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a health and safety policy?<\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you\u2019re <a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-become-self-employed\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1418\" >self-employed<\/a>, <a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-structure\/what-is-a-general-business-partnership\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"938\" >run a partnership<\/a>, or <a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-structure\/setting-up-a-limited-company\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1270\" >a limited company<\/a>, a health and safety policy is an important document that all businesses need to have.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A health and safety policy provides more structure for growing businesses that are hiring new staff, implementing new processes, or moving to new premises.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every business\u2019s policy will be different depending on how many employees they have and what sector they operate in. However, all policies will include information on key topics such as first aid and risk assessments.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A good health and safety statement will be clear, accessible, and easy for employees to understand.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to include in a health and safety policy<\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A health and safety policy clearly explains what it\u2019s there to do, including:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">understanding and managing risks<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">maintaining safe conditions for employees and the public<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">keeping staff up to date with changes to the company\u2019s processes<\/li>\n\n<\/ul><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019ll need to outline who\u2019s responsible for each area of health and safety, including things like first aid, fire safety, and relevant training.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most health and safety policies also explain the procedure for when accidents happen and all the information staff need to know about the company\u2019s health and safety practices.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to write a health and safety policy<\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most health and safety policies are split into three parts: a statement of intent, responsibilities, and arrangements. Keep reading to learn more about each part.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Statement of intent<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This section will give an overview of your company\u2019s approach to health and safety.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019ll usually give details of the policy\u2019s aims, such as:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">maintaining safe and healthy working conditions<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">managing risks effectively<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">reviewing and revising the policy regularly<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">training staff on health and safety<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"nba-body-001\">\n<\/div>\n<h3 id=\"responsibilitiesforhealthandsafety\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Responsibilities for health and safety<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This section will outline who\u2019s responsible for each health and safety responsibility and their role in the business. For example, your HR director may also be your designated first aider.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s important to make sure that you appoint people with the right skills for each position.<\/p><h3 id=\"arrangementsforhealthandsafety\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Arrangements for health and safety<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This part of the policy will explain how you\u2019ll achieve the health and safety aims set out in the statement of intent. It\u2019ll give details of the arrangements you have in place, for example:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">completing risk assessments<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">putting up relevant safety signs<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">training employees regularly<\/li>\n\n<\/ul><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The arrangements section is also where you\u2019ll set out what\u2019ll happen if people don\u2019t follow the company\u2019s health and safety procedures.<\/p><h2 id=\"isahealthandsafetypolicyalegalrequirement\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Health and safety regulations you need to know<\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you don\u2019t have a company health and safety policy in place, you could be breaking the law.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Businesses in England, Wales, and Scotland need to comply with the following health and safety regulations:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hse.gov.uk\/legislation\/hswa.htm\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 <\/a>(also known as the HSWA or HSW Act)<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.uk\/uksi\/1999\/3242\/contents\/made\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations<\/a><\/li>\n\n<\/ul><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The HSWA sets out your responsibilities as an employer on keeping your people and members of the public safe. It also details how employees are expected to look after themselves. <\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To do this, you\u2019ll need an up to date <strong>health and safety policy document<\/strong>.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have five or more employees, the policy will need to be in writing. Even if you\u2019re a <a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/sole-trader-vs-self-employed\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1533\" >sole trader<\/a> and work with contractors, it\u2019s useful to have everything written down in the event of an incident, or if you\u2019re hoping to expand in the future.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll also need to make sure your <a href=\"\/knowledge\/staff\/health-and-safety-risk-assessment-guide\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"884\" >risk assessment process<\/a> is up to date, and that you meet any industry-specific regulations, such as <a href=\"\/knowledge\/hospitality\/food-labelling-regulations-for-small-businesses\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"870\" >Nataha\u2019s Law<\/a> for catering businesses.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/knowledge\/staff\/occupational-health-for-businesses\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1248\" >What is an occupational health assessment?<\/a><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reporting workplace accidents<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019re required by law to report certain work-related injuries and illnesses. If you have more than 10 employees, then this must also be recorded in an accident book (this can also be helpful if you need to make a claim on your <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"5152\" >insurance<\/a>).<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What type of accidents need to be reported?<\/strong><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Health and Safety Executive is a government resource, which details the specific <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hse.gov.uk\/riddor\/reportable-incidents.htm\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">types of reportable incidents and injuries<\/a>. These include: <\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">certain injuries to workers, such as fractures and serious burns<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">loss of consciousness caused by head injury or asphyxia <\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">occupational diseases (for example carpal tunnel syndrome or occupational dermatitis)<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">dangerous occurrences and near-misses (such as electrical incidents causing a fire)<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">gas incidents <\/li>\n\n<\/ul><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The HSE also explains when an incident should be recorded but not reported, and when you need to do both. <\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to submit a report<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) is the legislation that requires businesses to report such work-place incidents. Only \u2018responsible persons\u2019 can submit a report, and you\u2019ll need to use the relevant form on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hse.gov.uk\/riddor\/report.htm\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">HSE website<\/a>. <\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When recording people\u2019s personal information, make sure you\u2019re following <a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-structure\/data-protection-act-principles-for-small-business\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1011\" >GDPR and data protection legislation<\/a>. <\/p><h3 id=\"doesmybusinessneedahealthandsafetypolicy\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does my business need a health and safety policy?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As well as being a legal requirement, a health and safety policy helps you to make sure you have the right processes in place and that people are accountable for key areas of health and safety, such as first aid.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A health and safety policy allows you to manage risk and reduce the chances of accidents happening, helping your business to grow and run smoothly.<\/p><h2 id=\"howoftenshouldabusinessreviewitshealthandsafetypolicy\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How often should a business review its health and safety policy?<\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your health and safety at work policy should be reviewed at least once a year. It\u2019s likely you\u2019ll need to review the policy if you make any significant changes to your business, such as:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">working with new equipment or machinery<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">starting a new department within the business<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">moving to a new location or refurbishing your current premises<\/li>\n\n<\/ul><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another reason you may need to review your health and safety policy is if an incident occurs, such as staff raising safety concerns about processes or someone getting seriously injured because of an accident.<\/p><h2 id=\"howtoreviewahealthandsafetypolicy\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to review a health and safety policy<\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reviewing your health and safety policy is an important process, but it shouldn\u2019t be too complicated.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll need to do:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">look over your policy and make sure it reflects the business as it\u2019s currently operating<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">conduct risk assessments and inspections, speaking with key members of staff to make sure everything is covered<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">make a record of discussions and suggested changes to the policy<\/li>\n\n<\/ul><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019ve decided what changes you\u2019re going to make, you\u2019ll need to update your policy with any new information and a refreshed date.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll then need to make it available to staff and replace the old version anywhere where it\u2019s published, such as in your office or on the company intranet.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More policy guidance for your small business<\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/staff\/how-to-write-a-grievance-policy\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1455\" >grievance policy template<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/staff\/employment-contract-template\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1379\" >employment contract template<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/strategy\/annual-general-meeting-notice-template\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1322\" >minutes of general meeting template<\/a><\/li>\n\n<\/ul><h2 id=\"doyouneedemployersliabilityinsurance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do you need employers\u2019 liability insurance?<\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you employ people, having employers\u2019 liability insurance is likely to be a legal requirement. <\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This cover can protect your business when health and safety issues occur if your employees get injured or sick as a result of working for you. <\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read our guide to <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/employers-liability-insurance\/\">employers\u2019 liability insurance<\/a> to find out how much it costs, what it covers, and how claims work.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related guides for your small business<\/h3><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-structure\/small-business-guide-to-pat-testing\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1271\" >A guide to PAT testing (portable appliance testing) for small businesses<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/staff\/occupational-health-for-businesses\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1248\" >What is an occupational health assessment? An employer\u2019s guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/campaign\/mind-your-business\/\">What is a mental health first aider? How to support your staff<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/faq\/how-much-employers-liability-insurance-do-i-need\/\">How much employers&#8217; liability insurance do I need?<\/a><\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"nba-upsell-001\" class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-94e519ba wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><h3 id=\"readytosetupyourcover\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Ready to set up your cover?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">As one of the UK&#8217;s biggest <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"5152\" >business insurance<\/a> providers, we specialise in <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/public-liability-insurance\/\">public liability insurance<\/a> and protect more trades than anybody else. Why not take a look now and build a quick, tailored quote?<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/quote.simplybusiness.co.uk\/business\">Start your quote<\/a><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Photo: Jacob Lund\/stock.adobe.com<\/em><\/p>\n<div id=\"nba-body-end\">\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is a health and safety policy and do you really need one for your small business? Keep reading to find out how to write your own.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2847,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"sb_hreflang":"","sb_hreflang_url":"","disable_breadcrumbs":false,"sb_breadcrumbs":[],"sb_reviewed_by":"","sb_review_date":"","sb_enable_content_gating":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[336,342,110],"hidden-category":[],"coauthors":[24],"class_list":["post-1396","knowledge","type-knowledge","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-structure","category-staff","category-business-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Small business health and safety policy \u2013 what to include<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What is a health and safety policy and do you really need one for your small business? 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Starting her career in health insurance, she also worked in education marketing before returning to the insurance world. <a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/rosannaparrish\/\\\" target=\\\"_blank\\\" rel=\\\"noopener\\\">Connect with Rosanna on LinkedIn.<\/a>\"},\"headline\":\"Small business health and safety policy \u2013 what should I include?\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-10-27T00:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-22T13:12:45+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/staff\/health-and-safety-policy-template\/\"},\"wordCount\":1385,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/staff\/health-and-safety-policy-template\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/health-and-safety-policy-template.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Business structure\",\"People management\",\"Small business news\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/staff\/health-and-safety-policy-template\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/staff\/health-and-safety-policy-template\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/staff\/health-and-safety-policy-template\/\",\"name\":\"Small business health and safety policy \u2013 what to include\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/staff\/health-and-safety-policy-template\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/staff\/health-and-safety-policy-template\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/health-and-safety-policy-template.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-10-27T00:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-22T13:12:45+00:00\",\"description\":\"What is a health and safety policy and do you really need one for your small business? 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