June 2, 2003—The Workplacelaw Network has published a new model document with extensive guidance notes to help UK businesses make sure they have a comprehensive, up-to-date health and safety policy. All businesses employing five or more people are required to have a written health and safety policy under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
The Health and Safety Policy and Management Guide version 1.0 (ISBN 1-900648-35-0, 59.99) contains a model policy document, which employers can customize for their own needs, and a comprehensive management guide to help them develop and police their own health and safety policy. The document and guidance are published in association with Kennedys Solicitors.
The guide provides businesses with a strategic positioning statement which specifies the structures and systems they have in place in order to demonstrate that they take health and safety matters seriously.
The 11-page template policy comes with a 42-page Management Guide with instructions on customizing the policy and implementing it in the workplace. It includes seven appendices:
- Index of Health and Safety Policies form
- Health and Safety Master Plan form
- Sample Individual Health and Safety Plan form
- Health and Safety Plan Overview (explains what is required from a plan and how to create one)
—Sample – Safe Working Procedures Index form
—Sample – Safe System of Work (SSW) Procedure form
—Appendix 7: Safe System of Work Overview (explains what is required from an SSW Procedure and how to create one).
The Health and Safety Policy and Management Guide version 1.0 is available in MS Word format as an electronic download from the Workplacelaw Network or by calling 0870 777 8881. A 10% discount is available to members of the Workplacelaw Network, BIFM, IFMA, RIBA, or RICS. Quote reference 1428 when ordering.
