Health and safety compliance is not optional — it’s the law. If you get it wrong, you could face serious penalties: fines often exceeding £20,000, prosecutions, and even imprisonment for directors under Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Protecting your people starts with getting the basics right — and that means having the right Health and Safety Policies in place.
At LEX HR, we help you create or update your policies quickly, accurately, and with confidence.
1. Health and Safety Policy
Every UK employer must have a written Health and Safety Policy if they employ five or more people. This document outlines your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment, defining responsibilities and procedures to prevent accidents and illnesses.
Relevant Law: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
2. Risk Assessment Policy
A Risk Assessment Policy sets out how your business identifies, evaluates, and manages potential hazards. It ensures risks are systematically controlled and that employees know how to work safely.
Relevant Law: Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Regulation 3
3. Fire Safety Policy
A Fire Safety Policy details your organisation’s approach to preventing fires and protecting employees in an emergency. It covers evacuation procedures, fire drills, designated fire marshals, and maintaining fire safety equipment.
Relevant Law: Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
4. Workplace Health and Wellbeing Policy
A Workplace Health and Wellbeing Policy promotes both the physical and mental health of your employees. It outlines support measures, identifies health risks, and fosters a positive, resilient workplace culture.
Relevant Law: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Section 2 – General Duty of Care)
5. Accident and Incident Reporting Policy
This policy ensures that all workplace accidents, incidents, and near misses are properly reported, recorded, and investigated. It supports compliance with reporting duties and promotes a safer working environment.
Relevant Law: Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013
6. Manual Handling Policy
Manual handling injuries are among the most common workplace incidents. This policy educates employees on correct lifting techniques, use of equipment, and risk assessments, helping to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
Relevant Law: Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
7. COSHH Policy (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
If your business uses chemicals or hazardous substances, a COSHH Policy is critical. It explains how hazardous substances must be stored, handled, and monitored to protect employee health.
Relevant Law: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
8. First Aid Policy
A First Aid Policy ensures that immediate care is available for anyone injured or taken ill at work. It sets out the provision of trained first aiders, properly stocked first aid kits, and clear emergency procedures.
Relevant Law: Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981
9. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Policy
A PPE Policy outlines when and how personal protective equipment — such as helmets, gloves, masks, and safety goggles — must be used. It ensures employees are properly equipped and trained.
Relevant Law: Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
10. Hybrid and Remote Working Policy
As hybrid and remote working become the new normal, employers must still protect the health and safety of employees working from home. This policy addresses workstation assessments, safe working environments, and mental wellbeing.
Relevant Law: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Section 2; Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992
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