Health and Safety Policy Template (UK)

Establish a clear, compliant, and legally sound approach to workplace health and safety with our professionally drafted Health and Safety Policy Template (UK). This template provides employers with a comprehensive framework for managing health and safety obligations, identifying workplace risks, and protecting employees, contractors, and visitors.

This UK health and safety policy template is suitable for organisations of all sizes and sectors. It supports employers in meeting their statutory duties by setting out responsibilities, risk management procedures, reporting mechanisms, and monitoring arrangements in a structured and accessible format.

Drafted in solicitor-style language, the policy aligns with core UK health and safety legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. It demonstrates organisational commitment to maintaining safe systems of work while reducing regulatory, civil, and reputational risk.

Why Use This Health and Safety Policy Template?

Clear Allocation of Responsibilities
Defines employer, management, and employee duties to ensure accountability at all levels.

Legally Informed Structure
Reflects statutory health and safety obligations and recognised UK best practices.

Practical & Adaptable
Easily customised to reflect organisational size, industry risks, and operational activities.

Risk Reduction
Supports systematic risk identification, assessment, and control to prevent incidents and claims.

Professional Drafting Standard
Written in precise, authoritative language suitable for HR teams, directors, and legal advisers.

Who Should Use This Template?

• Employers across all industries and sectors

• Company directors and senior management

• HR managers and health and safety officers

• Line managers with operational responsibility

• Legal advisers reviewing statutory compliance

Key Features Included

• Statement of intent and commitment to health and safety

• Employer and employee responsibilities

• Risk assessment and control procedures

• Safe systems of work and workplace arrangements

• Accident, incident, and near-miss reporting

• Training, supervision, and competence requirements

• Monitoring, review, and policy enforcement provisions

Step-by-Step Instructions for Use

1. Insert organisational details and identify responsible persons.

2. Tailor risk management sections to reflect workplace activities.

3. Define reporting and escalation procedures for incidents and hazards.

4. Communicate the policy clearly to all employees and contractors.

5. Provide appropriate training and supervision.

6. Review and update the policy regularly or following incidents or operational changes.

Practical Examples

• A small business adopts the policy to meet statutory requirements and formalise safety procedures.

• A growing organisation uses the template to assign health and safety responsibilities across departments.

• HR teams rely on the policy to support inductions and ongoing staff training.

• Directors use the policy to demonstrate compliance during inspections or audits.

• Legal advisers review the document as part of broader regulatory compliance programmes.

Risks If Not Used

• Increased risk of workplace accidents and injuries

• Regulatory enforcement action or improvement notices

• Civil liability for breach of statutory duty or negligence

• Inconsistent safety practices across teams or locations

• Lack of documentary evidence in the event of investigations

FAQs

Q: What is a health and safety policy?
A health and safety policy is a formal document setting out an employer’s approach to managing workplace health and safety, including responsibilities, procedures, and risk control measures.

Q: Is a health and safety policy legally required in the UK?
Yes. Employers with five or more employees are legally required to have a written health and safety policy under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

Q: Who is responsible for implementing the policy?
Overall responsibility sits with the employer, supported by directors, managers, and employees in accordance with their defined duties.

Q: How does this policy help with compliance?
It provides a structured, documented framework demonstrating that the employer has taken reasonable steps to manage health and safety risks.

Q: How often should the policy be reviewed?
The policy should be reviewed regularly and updated where working practices change, risks evolve, or incidents occur. This version is current for 2026.

For a bespoke version of the Health and Safety Policy document ask for a free quote