GUIDELINES TO
PREPARING A SIMPLE
HEALTH AND SAFETY
POLICY
Guidelines: The workplace health and safety policy should include:
1. Statement of Intent
State your general policy on health and safety at work,
including your commitment to managing health and safety and
your aims. As the employer or most senior person in the
company, you should sign it and review it regularly.
Guidelines: The workplace health and safety policy should include:
2.
Preventive Action
Activities includes the following:
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Conducting scheduled safety briefings.
Detailed risk assessments around the workplace.
Job hazard analysis.
Preventive measures to avoid workplace related injuries and illnesses.
Guidelines: The workplace health and safety policy should include:
Emergency Management Provisions
3.
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Plans for dealing with sudden catastrophes like fires, floods, and other
emergencies.
Delegation of responsibilities and roles of employees during an emergency
situation.
Guidelines: The workplace health and safety policy should include:
3.
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Additional Measures
Updating the policy based on legislative changes, as well as risk analysis
recommendations.
Analyzing past incidents.
Establishing clear procedures for reporting accidents and incidents.
Scheduling of drills and safety equipment training.
Example of an OHS Policy
Policy brief & purpose
Our Occupational / Workplace Health and Safety Policy help us preserve the best possible
work conditions for our employees. Every employee has a right to feel safe at work. Our
company is committed to follow legal standards and create a hazard-free workplace.
Our Occupational / Workplace Health and Safety Policy help us preserve the best possible
work conditions for our employees.
Example of an OHS Policy
Scope
This Occupational / Workplace Health and Safety Policy applies to all prospective and
current employees of the company as well as volunteers, contractors and consultants.
Example of an OHS Policy
Policy elements
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Preventive
Emergency Management
Example of an OHS Policy
Preventive
Preventative action is any action we take to avoid injuries or illness related to workplace
conditions.
We’ll conduct periodical risk assessments and job hazard analysis to discover what is likely
to harm employees. We’ll establish preventative measures accordingly.
Example of an OHS Policy
Potential threats and dangerous situations include but are not limited to:
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Performing task on elevated spaces, scaffolds, ladders and unsteady structures.
Chemical substances (toxic or flammable etc.)
Operating power tools and heavy machinery.
Slippery or uneven surfaces.
Electrical infrastructures.
Noise.
Temperature.
Air quality
Example of an OHS Policy
We’ll take the following preventative measures:
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Employees will be trained before conducting work in dangerous context or locations.
Safety precautions shall be provided such as Personal Protective Equipment, safety nets and fall
arrestors.
Using safety equipment is obligatory before continuing task.
Safety inspectors and quality control personnel shall conduct regular inspection of equipment and
facilities.
Safety training sessions we’ll be held every month.
All highly dangerous task will require at least two employees present.
Cleaning and maintenance crews must put up caution signs before resuming their task.
Example of an OHS Policy
Emergency Management
Emergency management refers to our plan to deal with sudden catastrophes like fire, flood,
earthquake or explosion. These depend on human error or natural forces.
Example of an OHS Policy
Our emergency management involves the following provisions:
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Smoke alarms and emergency sprinklers, that are regularly inspected and maintained.
Technicians to repair leaks, damages and blackouts.
Fire fighting equipment that are easily accessible.
Posted fire escape plans.
Fully stocked first aid kits at convenient locations.
Example of an OHS Policy
Additional Measures
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Update the policy according to OHS legislation.
Use incentives for health and safety (eg. safe employee award).
Analyze past incidents to determine what went wrong.
Standardize a clear accident and incident reporting procedure.
Revise procedures to improve safety.
Experts shall be consulted to ensure the policy complies with local and international standards
Example of an OHS Policy
Disciplinary Consequences
Every team leader is responsible for implementing this health and safety policy.
Employees should follow health and safety instructions and will be held accountable when
they don’t. We’ll take disciplinary action that may extend to termination when employees
consistently disregard health and safety rules.
It’s everyone’s responsibility to contribute to a healthy and safe workplace.