Do I legally need a written health and safety policy?

Yes, if you employ five or more people in the UK. Section 2(3) of the UK Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires British employers with five or more employees to prepare and keep up to date a written statement of their health and safety policy in England and Wales.

How often should the policy be reviewed?

The UK policy should be reviewed at least annually and whenever there is a significant change in the British organisation, its activities, or following an accident or near miss. The UK HSE recommends that the policy is kept as a living document that is regularly updated.

Who should sign the health and safety policy?

The UK statement of intent should be signed and dated by the most senior person in the British organisation, such as the managing director, CEO, or sole proprietor. This demonstrates top-level commitment to health and safety in England and Wales.

Do I need a competent person for health and safety?

Yes. Regulation 7 of the UK Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 requires every British employer to appoint one or more competent persons to assist them in complying with their health and safety duties. This can be a UK employee with appropriate training or an external health and safety consultant.

What risk assessments do I need to carry out?

You must carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to the health and safety of your UK employees and anyone else affected by your activities. Specific risk assessments are also required for fire, display screen equipment, manual handling, hazardous substances (COSHH), and work involving young persons or new or expectant mothers under British health and safety law.

Do I need to consult employees on health and safety?

Yes. The UK Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 and the Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996 require British employers to consult with employees on health and safety matters in England and Wales, including changes that may affect their health and safety.

What happens if I do not have a health and safety policy?

Failure to have a written UK health and safety policy when required is a criminal offence in England and Wales. The UK HSE can issue an improvement notice requiring you to produce one, and continued non-compliance can result in prosecution and fines under British health and safety law.

Does the policy need to cover contractors and visitors?

Yes. Under section 3 of the UK Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, British employers have a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that non-employees who may be affected by their activities are not exposed to risks to their health and safety. The UK policy should address how contractor and visitor safety is managed in England and Wales.

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Free Health & Safety Policy Template

Meet your UK legal obligations with a comprehensive health and safety policy covering your statement of intent, responsibilities, risk assessments, training, and incident reporting procedures under English health and safety law in England and Wales.

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HEALTH and SAFETY POLICY

Health And Safety At Work Etc. Act 1974 · Westgate Manufacturing Ltd

Policy Date: 2026-04-12

Next Review: 2027-04-12 · Employees: 45

GENERAL STATEMENT OF INTENT

Westgate Manufacturing Ltd is committed to ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of all its employees and any other persons who may be affected by its undertakings, in compliance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and all relevant statutory provisions. Westgate Manufacturing Ltd will take all reasonably practicable steps to: (a) provide and maintain safe plant, equipment, and systems of work; (b) ensure the safe use, handling, storage, and transport of articles and substances; (c) provide such information, instruction, training, and supervision as is necessary to ensure the health and safety at work of all employees; (d) maintain the workplace and working environment in a condition that is safe and without risks to health; and (e) make adequate arrangements for the welfare at work of its employees. This policy will be reviewed annually or following any significant change in the organisation or its activities.

ORGANISATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Overall responsibility for health and safety: Peter Chambers (Managing Director). Health and Safety Officer (day-to-day management): Karen Willis. First Aid Officer: David Turner. Fire Marshal: Samantha Clarke. Competent Person for HandS Advice (Regulation 7, MHSWR 1999): SafeWork Consultants Ltd (external). All employees are responsible for cooperating with management on health and safety matters, following safe working procedures, and reporting any hazards or concerns promptly.

RISK ASSESSMENT

Westgate Manufacturing Ltd will carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments of all work activities in accordance with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Significant findings will be recorded and communicated to employees. Risk assessments will be reviewed annually or when circumstances change. Status: Risk assessments have been completed.

FIRE SAFETY

In compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Westgate Manufacturing Ltd will: (a) carry out a fire risk assessment and review it regularly; (b) implement a suitable evacuation plan and ensure it is communicated to all persons; (c) conduct regular fire drills; (d) maintain fire-fighting equipment in good working order; and (e) test fire alarms regularly. The Fire Marshal named above is responsible for ensuring that the premises are evacuated safely in the event of a fire alarm.

FIRST AID

In accordance with the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, Westgate Manufacturing Ltd will provide adequate first aid facilities, including a stocked first aid kit and a sufficient number of trained first aiders for the size and nature of the workforce. An accident book will be maintained at the workplace. All accidents, incidents, and near-misses must be recorded. Serious accidents will be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in accordance with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR).

SPECIFIC STATUTORY ARRANGEMENTS

Manual Handling: Westgate Manufacturing Ltd will comply with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. Risk assessments will be carried out for all manual handling activities and appropriate training provided. Display Screen Equipment (DSE): Westgate Manufacturing Ltd will comply with the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992. DSE assessments will be carried out for all regular users and appropriate workstation adjustments made. COSHH: Westgate Manufacturing Ltd will comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. Assessments will be carried out for all hazardous substances and appropriate control measures implemented. Personal Protective Equipment: Westgate Manufacturing Ltd will comply with the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2022. Suitable PPE will be provided free of charge where required and employees trained in its use.

TRAINING AND INFORMATION

Westgate Manufacturing Ltd will ensure that all employees receive adequate health and safety induction training before commencing work. Ongoing training will be provided as required, including refresher training where necessary. Health and safety information will be communicated to all employees, and this policy will be brought to the attention of all staff and made available on request.

SIGNED BY (MOST SENIOR PERSON)

Peter Chambers, Managing Director

Policy Date: 2026-04-12

Westgate Manufacturing Ltd

Date: ____________________

What Is a Health & Safety Policy?

A UK health and safety policy is a document that sets out a British organisation's commitment to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of its employees and others affected by its activities. It describes the organisation's approach to managing health and safety risks, assigns responsibilities, and outlines the arrangements in place to prevent accidents and ill health in England and Wales.

Under section 2(3) of the UK Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, every British employer with five or more employees is legally required to have a written health and safety policy. The policy must be brought to the attention of all UK employees and should be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changes in the organisation, its activities, or the law in England and Wales.

A well-drafted UK health and safety policy consists of three parts: a general statement of intent signed by senior British management, an organisation section setting out roles and responsibilities, and an arrangements section describing the practical systems and procedures in place to manage health and safety risks under English law.

What's Covered in This Template

This health and safety policy template covers all three required sections and provides a comprehensive framework for managing workplace health and safety.

Statement of Intent

A signed commitment from senior management to provide a safe and healthy working environment.

Responsibilities

Clear allocation of health and safety responsibilities at every level: directors, managers, supervisors, and employees.

Risk Assessment

Procedures for identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing control measures.

Training and Competence

Arrangements for health and safety induction, ongoing training, and ensuring employee competence.

Accident and Incident Reporting

Procedures for reporting, recording, and investigating accidents, incidents, and near misses.

Fire Safety

Fire prevention measures, emergency evacuation procedures, fire warden roles, and fire drill schedules.

First Aid

First aid provision, trained first aiders, first aid equipment, and procedures for medical emergencies.

Workplace Hazards

Specific arrangements for managing common workplace hazards including manual handling, display screen equipment, and hazardous substances.

Consultation

Arrangements for consulting with employees on health and safety matters, including safety representatives and committees.

Monitoring and Review

Procedures for monitoring compliance, auditing arrangements, and reviewing and updating the policy.

How to Create a Health & Safety Policy

Our template guides you through creating a comprehensive health and safety policy that meets your legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

1
Draft the Statement of Intent
Write a clear statement of your organisation's commitment to health and safety, signed by the most senior person (such as the managing director or CEO). This sets the tone for the entire policy.
2
Assign Responsibilities
Define health and safety responsibilities at every level of the organisation, from directors and senior managers to supervisors and individual employees. Include any competent person appointed under the Management Regulations.
3
Document Risk Assessment Procedures
Describe your process for identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing control measures. Include provisions for regular review of risk assessments and specific assessments for particular activities or groups.
4
Set Out Arrangements and Procedures
Detail the practical arrangements for managing health and safety, including training, accident reporting, fire safety, first aid, and the management of specific workplace hazards relevant to your activities.
5
Establish Monitoring and Review
Include procedures for monitoring compliance with the policy, conducting regular audits, and reviewing the policy at least annually or following any significant change, accident, or near miss.

Legal Considerations

Health and safety in the workplace is heavily regulated in the UK. Employers have extensive legal duties to protect their employees and others.

This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor for advice specific to your situation.

Reviewed for England & Wales law

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

The UK Act imposes a general duty on British employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare at work of all employees (section 2). This includes providing safe systems of work, a safe working environment, adequate training, and necessary supervision. Section 2(3) requires UK employers with five or more employees to prepare a written health and safety policy in England and Wales.

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

These UK regulations require British employers to carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments (regulation 3), appoint one or more competent persons to assist with health and safety (regulation 7), provide health surveillance where appropriate (regulation 6), and provide UK employees with comprehensible and relevant information on risks and preventive measures (regulation 10) in England and Wales.

RIDDOR 2013

The UK Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) require British employers to report certain types of work-related injuries, diseases, and dangerous occurrences to the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Reportable incidents in England and Wales include fatalities, specified injuries, over-seven-day incapacitation injuries, occupational diseases, and dangerous occurrences.

Enforcement and Penalties

The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities enforce British health and safety law. They can issue improvement notices, prohibition notices, and prosecute offenders. Penalties for health and safety offences in England and Wales can include unlimited fines for UK organisations, and individuals (including directors and managers) can face fines and imprisonment for serious breaches under English law.

Frequently Asked Questions

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