Section 2(3) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires every employer with five or more employees to prepare and keep up to date a written statement of their general policy with respect to the health and safety at work of their employees, together with the organisation and arrangements for carrying out that policy. This document is the health and safety policy, and it must be brought to the attention of all employees.
The Three Parts of a Health and Safety Policy
A compliant health and safety policy has three distinct parts. The statement of intent sets out the employer's commitment to health and safety and is signed and dated by the most senior person in the organisation. The organisation section identifies who is responsible for health and safety at every level of the business. The arrangements section describes the specific systems and procedures in place to manage the significant risks identified in the business.
Tip: The statement of intent should be reviewed and re-signed at least annually by the most senior person in the organisation — typically the Managing Director or CEO. An unsigned or undated policy is a common enforcement finding.
Beyond Compliance — The Business Case
A well-written health and safety policy does far more than satisfy a legal requirement. It communicates to employees, contractors, and clients that the organisation takes safety seriously, which supports recruitment and retention. It provides a clear framework for managing risks, reducing the likelihood of accidents and the associated costs of investigation, compensation, and lost productivity. It also demonstrates due diligence in the event of an enforcement investigation or civil claim.
Common Weaknesses in Health and Safety Policies
- Generic, off-the-shelf policies that do not reflect the specific activities of the business
- Outdated policies that have not been reviewed following changes to the business or legislation
- Responsibilities assigned to job titles that no longer exist in the organisation
- Arrangements sections that are vague or aspirational rather than describing actual systems
- Policies that are not communicated to employees or made accessible in the workplace
How Cinis Group Can Help
We develop bespoke health and safety policies that accurately reflect your organisation's activities, structure, and risk profile. Our consultants work with you to ensure the policy is practical, legally compliant, and understood by your workforce. We also offer a policy review service for organisations that already have a policy in place but want to ensure it remains current and effective.
Editorial notice: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal, regulatory, or health and safety advice. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, laws and enforcement guidance change frequently — always verify information against current official sources such as hse.gov.uk. Any third-party names, organisations, or trademarks referenced in this article (including but not limited to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Network Rail, AB Agri, NEBOSH, IOSH, and IFSM) are the property of their respective owners and are referenced solely for informational purposes. Such references do not imply any affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement from those organisations. © 2026 Cinis Group Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this article without prior written consent is prohibited.
