Hi all, I've been approached to write a Health & Safety Policy for FORS (Fleet Operating Recognition Scheme) and I've got zero clue about how to do it. I vaguley know of FORS but I've never been actively involved, so I'm feeling a bit stressed because I've got very little idea about what it needs to contain. Does anyone have a template I can work from or can give me some guidance please? Thanks.

https://www.fors-online.org.uk/cms/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/FORSStandard_v5.pdf

Page 13 - basically your company H&S policy so long as it addresses:

FORS operators shall have a policy and procedures to reduce the probability and severity of work-related accidents, injuries and cases of ill health. The policy shall be supported by risk assessments or method statements and state the organisation’s commitment to health and safety. The policy shall also:

• Name the person with continuous and effective responsibility for health and safety

• Describe how health and safety is managed, stating who does what, when and how

• Outline the procedure for reporting workplace accidents, occupational diseases and dangerous occurrences (near-misses)

• Be clearly displayed in the workplace

Originally Posted by: Roundtuit

https://www.fors-online.org.uk/cms/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/FORSStandard_v5.pdf

Page 13 - basically your company H&S policy so long as it addresses:

FORS operators shall have a policy and procedures to reduce the probability and severity of work-related accidents, injuries and cases of ill health. The policy shall be supported by risk assessments or method statements and state the organisation’s commitment to health and safety. The policy shall also:

• Name the person with continuous and effective responsibility for health and safety

• Describe how health and safety is managed, stating who does what, when and how

• Outline the procedure for reporting workplace accidents, occupational diseases and dangerous occurrences (near-misses)

• Be clearly displayed in the workplace

Ok thanks. So just to make sure I understand, are they looking for me to produce a general H&S policy statement (a 1/2 page document) or is this essentially our entire manual/policy? I.e. statement of intent, responsibilities, arrangements for H&S, the law etc. And/or does it somehow have to relate back to FORS? I.e. does it have to mention safety around use of vehicles. Probably asking what appears self-explanatory questions (and apologies if I am) just feeling a little uncertain at this moment in time.

We only have one Health & Safety Policy so no separate document to support FORS. It makes reference to the supporting procedure documents covering managerial responsibility, accident recording etc. and is signed by the most senior manager.

It is for the whole activity - the vehicles, the drivers and how both are managed and used by the business in a safe and efficient manner

Looking at questions like this I get the impression that a lot of people want to create management systems that comply TO some external standard. This is a back to front way of doing things. What you need to do and decide what YOU want to deliver, how YOU are going to deliver it and how YOU are going to monitor and review it. Once the system is up and running, you then go and apply for whatever standard you think is appropriate. You may need to tweak some of the terminology for the dimmer auditors but is should be YOUR system base around YOUR aims and objectives. If it requires duplication of effort or crowbarring extra provisions into your systems then there is something wrong with the standard and it is not appropriate for you.