How to Develop a Health & Safety Policy

A health and safety policy is a written statement of an organization's commitment to protect the health, safety and well-being of employees. A staff health and safety committee is usually responsible for developing and implementing the policy, in conjunction with senior management. The policy should demonstrate the commitment of senior management to a safe and healthy workplace and describe the roles and responsibilities of both staff and management to contribute to a safe and healthy work environment. The policy should also reflect the goals and principles of your organization.

Things You'll Need

• Occupational health and safety laws and regulations
• Health and safety committee or representative
• Policy template

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Instructions

• 1

  Contact your local Department of Labor and visit your public library for information on workplace health and safety legislation and guidelines. Look for policy templates and resources either online or at your local library. Use this information to inform and guide the development of your health and safety policy.

• 2

  Work with staff to develop a health and safety policy that is reflective of the principles, goals and objectives of your workplace. Clearly indicate the roles and responsibilities of staff and management with respect to workplace health and safety.

• 3

  Include a statement of management's commitment to provide a safe and healthy workplace that is free of potential hazards. Describe how this commitment will be incorporated into daily work activities.

• 4

  Provide a statement that the organization is aware of its responsibilities to provide a safe and healthy workplace for employees. Acknowledge the right of every employee to work in a healthy and safe environment. Give examples of how the organization will support a healthy workplace for management and staff through training, resources and monitoring of compliance.

• 5

  Include a statement in which you recognize the requirement to comply with your local safety and health act and regulations. Emphasize the importance of health and safety as an organizational priority. Provide opportunities for education and collaboration on workplace health and safety initiatives.

• 6

  Finalize your draft health and safety policy with input from management and staff. Include a statement describing how the policy will be communicated to management and all staff. Once the policy is finalized, prepare a final copy of the policy that is ready for sign-off.

• 7

  Submit the final policy to senior management for sign-off. Once it has been approved, circulate the final copy to all staff and management and post a copy in a visible location.

• 8

  Review the policy on an annual basis to ensure it is being followed and to make any necessary changes.