What are your responsibilities as a health & safety manager?
As a Health and Safety Manager, your responsibilities will span the breadth and depth of your organisation. The role includes advising on arrangements for the health, safety and welfare of employees to ensure your organisation understands its requirements, and complies with its statutory obligations.
This can include, understanding the application of the Health and Safety at work Act 1974, keeping up to date with current and new legislation; monitoring performance, conducting risk assessments, helping reduce accident rates, investigating incidents, conducting health and safety inspections, and promoting health and safety in the workplace.
Is it a legal requirement to have a health & safety policy for a workplace?
Yes it certainly is. If you are a company of five or more employees, you have to be able to demonstrate you have a written Health and Safety policy for your workplace.
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act (HSWA) 1974 says a Health & Safety Policy must contain three sections that provide a:
- Health & Safety Policy Statement of Intent outlining the aims and objectives of the policy;
- Organisation of health and safety outlining who is responsible and what are they responsible for; and
- Arrangements for health and safety outlining how risks are managed
What should be included in a health and safety policy for a professional organisation?
You should always start with a Statement of Intent, signed by a Senior Manager (such as Managing Director. Chief Executive Officer etc). This sets out how you intend to manage health and safety issues in your workplace. Your statement should be clear and concise and should outline key commitments to define your expression of intent.
You should also include reference to performance targets aligned to your overall business aims and objectives.
Next is the Organisation of your health and safety team. Who are they, what are their positions, duties and roles they play in the team. This section should also include reference to the H&S responsibilities of all employees.
The final part of your policy should identify specific Arrangements you have in place to manage and control the risks to the workforce in your organisation. Give detail of specific measures where required by legislation and as relevant to your organisation, including procedures to follow in case of Fire and Emergencies.
Our expertise
As a global deliverer, our expertise spans the full scope of health and safety, with qualified consultants on the approved consultants register - OSHCR, (Chartered) Members of IOSH, NEBOSH principal examiners, and members of the IOSH approval and review panel. So, you know you're accessing the highest quality advice, support and expertise you need.