Posted By Breezy Mark, I would say no... as long as it has been approved by the highest level (e.g. CEO). The trick is, how can you demonstrate this? I understand that a signature is the normal method, though I guess an electronic signature (or fingerprint!?) is equally acceptable, providing it cannot be forged.

Posted By Richard Beales Mark Leaving aside any legal requirements, the policy serves in one respect as an important commitment by senior management to health and safety. Putting a signature to the statement of intent indicates that, at least on paper, there is an individual who has 'signed up' to the various assurances contained in that statement. A signature is also a clearly visible sign of authorisation and one hopes that at least in some instances, the person who signs the statement actually reads it. As for the rest of the policy....!

Posted By Breezy Ditto, Tabs It's always good to physically see a signature and be able to identify someone. But I would not have too much of an issue if for example the company stamp was used instead... providing that it was not readily accessible.

Posted By Merv Newman I ask for the site manager to write, in his/her own words (often ghosted by H&S) HIS/HER safety policy. Under the printed policy they often add a few handwritten words. The content and meaning of the policy is then cascaded down through management and supervision. Participants at such communication meetings are asked to sign a "presence" sheet. This does not mean acknowledgement, understanding or acceptance. However, the policy, for me, should be in simple, easy to understand language. "Lawyer speak" should be avoided. Don't talk Guardian (Grauniad?)when you have Sun listeners; "Yeah, they told me, I even read it. And I signed it. But no-one actually explained it to me" The examples I have which have been signed "The board of Directors" or "The Management" are excruciatingly bum-covering. Merv