Rank: Forum user 
|
Hi
I need some advice regarding the H&S policy. I work for a group of companies. There is the main group and within it is 4 other companies. Would I need to write a policy for each of the companies or would writing a policy for the group and then a statement for each of the companies referring to the main policy suffice?
Seems a daft question but I am unsure and so want to seek advice.
Many thanks
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
The answer you probably don't want is: It all depends! If the 4 subsidiary companies are similar and there is synergy between them then you could have a single document. On the other hand if the companies are very different then obviously you need separate documentation. Or if it is somewhere in between then the situation might be similar to my set up where the core department in Whitehall deals with the generic stuff- stress, office safety, fire safety etc and we focus on the specialised stuff that happens at our agency ( labs, inspectors, fieldwork).
None of these are ‘right’ just appropriate.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
It would often depend on how similar or different the hazards/risks are between the different companies in the group. Many parts of an umbrella policy would be common in each part of the business and so you could have a group policy and just implement it as the policy for each part of the business or else if they are vey different then you could have a group policy on the common parts and then individually add on the unique parts for the relevant part of the group.
The business I work for also has 4 different sites and so the group policy is very general and consists of a few statements and each site has their own individual local policy. We do this because the 4 sites are different languages whereas if they were all one language then I am sure our policies would each be about 95% common and so even if we had individual ones there would simply be a fair bit of copy and paste.
Regards.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Sorry, another it depends answer. It will also depend on the remit of the umbrella company with regard to H&S and how responsibilities are arranged and managed. If the umbrella company direct the others then one may not be needed and only specific operational procedures required.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user 
|
My take on this is that a single policy should be sufficient for all the company. For example my company has sites across UK and Europe but we only have one H&S policy. The policy describes what the companies health and safety management system is and how it is organised. What each site does is to develop procedures and standards to meet the policy requirements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
This has been debated on this site for years. It comes down to the interpretation of the word POLICY. Policy is the overarching stance the company(s) take and is supported by H&S arrangements. The policy can be overarching with general aims whilst the arrangements contain the nitty gritty methods of how the policy is implemented and is the specific actions neede to ssuit the business actually being undertaken. Please remember the POLICY is the overall aim of the company and please dont get them mixed up.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
I work for a group of companies - some of them very different from each other.
We use one Policy document but each company has their own local procedures.
The policy document is only one page - covers basic aims, support for health and safety etc.
Don't really see why you would need one for each company myself - keep it simple.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.