Essential principles

These principles are intended to underpin the actions in this guidance and so lead to good health and safety performance.

Strong and active leadership from the top

• visible, active commitment from the board;
• establishing effective 'downward' communication systems and management structures;
• integration of good health and safety management with business decisions.

Worker involvement

• engaging the workforce in the promotion and achievement of safe and healthy conditions;
• effective 'upward' communication;
• providing high quality training.

Assessment and review

• identifying and managing health and safety risks;
• accessing (and following) competent advice;
• monitoring, reporting and reviewing performance.