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Safety Geek  
#1 Posted : 29 September 2011 12:19:42(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Safety Geek

Morning everyone I've just been on-line and noticed that the HSE have produced a template H&S Policy: www.hse.gov.uk/risk/health-and-safety-p ... xample.doc Now I'm getting a little confused as I was always under the impression that the policy formed a much larger document and in essence it followed the elements of HSG 65. For example 1, Statement of Intent 2, Organisational Structure, Roles and Responsibilities 3, Arrangements for Significant Risks presented by the Hazards from the companies undertakings. As a result the H&S Policy would also act as the Health and Safety Management System. Is my understanding wrong? Barney
David Bannister  
#2 Posted : 29 September 2011 12:32:52(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
David Bannister

Barney, Your #1 Statement of Intent is what I understand to be the Policy: a top level set of words that spell out the organisation's approach to managing the H&S of its people and those it affects. Often a single page set out in a staff handbook and posted on noticeboards and websites, signed by the CEO. This is supported by your #2 and #3, which together make up the management system. #3 or the Arrangements section will be a concise or as extensive as the organisation needs, depending on its range and type of activities. If they've bought their "H&S Policy" off-the-shelf then it will typically be most effective as a fire-door-stop and about as high as the saleman's arm.
Safety Smurf  
#3 Posted : 29 September 2011 12:34:15(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Safety Smurf

Hi Barney, It's a question of semantics. What some people call a policy might consist only of the statement whereas others might consist of their entire H&S system. It is also likely to depend on the size of the operation. The sample one on the internet might be fine for SME's but for Global's having all their information in one docuemnt would probably be unmanagable. As long as you have all the bits it doesn't really matter whether they are in one or seperate parts. As to what you call them? that really is entirely up to you as long as the meaning can be translated when asked.
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