2.3 Key Features and Appropriate Content of an Effective Health and Safety Policy

Question 1

A health and safety policy, as required by HASAWA, contains three distinct sections, what are they?

Answer 1

(1) Statement of intent (policy statement) – The What
(2) Organisation (people and their responsibilities) – The Who
(3) Arrangements (systems and procedures) – The How

Question 2

Whose H&S responsibilities are being described below:

 take reasonable care of their own health and safety and the health and safety of others who may be affected by their work;
 properly use and not interfere with anything provided to safeguard their health and safety;
 cooperate with supervisors and managers on health and safety matters
 report all health and safety concerns to an appropriate person

Answer 2

all employees

Question 3

Whose H&S responsibilities are being described below:

In addition to the basic employees responsibilities __________________ may well
have responsibility for specific groups of workers or specific parts of the workplace. Additional responsibilities may include ensuring that:
 risk assessments are current and effective;
 employees are working in accordance with safe systems of work;
 the workplace is kept clean and tidy and free of obstructions;
 adequate supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) are available; and
 accidents and near misses are reported and properly investigated.

Answer 3

Supervisors and Managers

Question 4

Whose H&S responsibilities are being described below:

 Establishing effective ‘downward’ communication systems and management structures
 Considering health and safety implications of all business decisions
 Setting targets for improving the organisations health and safety performance
 Regularly reviewing the organisations health and safety performance at board level
 Making provision for adequate resources, including competent health and safety advice

Answer 4

Directors / Senior Management Team

Question 5

Whose H&S responsibilities are being described below:

 advising the board or senior management on strategic health and safety issues
 formulating and developing specific aspects of the health and safety management system, e.g. the practical arrangements for risk assessment
 day-to-day implementation and monitoring of policy and plans including accident and incident investigation, reporting and analysis
 reviewing performance and auditing of the health and safety management system

Answer 5

Health and Safety Advisor / Manager

Question 6

Whose H&S responsibilities are being described below:

 Provision of first aid treatment to employees;
 Recording of all treatment given;
 Liaison with emergency services; and
 Maintenance of first aid kit / first aid room.

Answer 6

First-aider

Question 7

Whose H&S responsibilities are being described below:

 Sweeping an allocated area, encouraging people to leave via the nearest fire escape route and proceed to the assembly point
 turning off equipment and closing doors and windows as they go
 Informing the person in charge of the evacuation that their area is clear

Answer 7

Fire Warden / Marshall

Question 8

The breadth and depth of the systems and procedures contained in the arrangements section should be proportionate to the size of the organisation and its hazard profile. A typical arrangements section should include procedures for the effective planning, organising, control, monitoring and review of which main areas of the business?

Answer 8

(1) Health and safety risk management
(2) Consultation with employees
(3) Safe plant and equipment
(4) Safe handling and use of substances
(5) Information, instruction and supervision
(6) Competency for tasks and training
(7) Accidents, first aid and work related ill health
(8) Monitoring
(9) Emergency procedures

Question 9

SIX categories of persons who may be included in the “organisation” section of the health and safety policy

Answer 9

directors and senior managers 
middle managers 
line managers
safety advisors
safety representatives and representatives of employee safety
employees