Key actions in effective policy development and planning

Leaders

Make a statement of intention. Say what you will do to keep a safe and healthy environment for your workers and anyone else who could be affected by your work activities
Clearly set out everyone’s roles and responsibilities. Include those with particular roles, for example directors, supervisors/managers, safety representatives, workers, fire wardens, first-aiders and the competent person
Say how things will be done and what resources will be allocated to make things happen. Include details of the systems and procedures that will be in place to help to meet your legal obligations, such as:
- how risk assessments will be carried out
- what your plans are for training and safe use of equipment
- what controls you will have in place to ensure your specifiers and buyers are competent in assessing the risks in procurement, for example they know the requirements for purchasing suitable personal protective equipment (PPE)
- how accidents/incidents will be investigated
- how workers will be consulted
- how equipment will be maintained
- how you will measure the success of your plan
Consider how you will measure health and safety performance. Will there be performance targets, for example reductions in accidents or absences, or an increase in reporting issues or near misses?
Prioritise actions
Sign the policy statement to demonstrate commitment to health and safety

Think about management of contractors when developing a policy, if this is relevant to your organisation
Identify when you will revisit your policy and plans, for example:
- when changes have taken place, such as in processes or staff
- following accident or incident investigations, both within the organisation and where lessons have been learned from others
- following consultation with employees’ representatives
- if you receive new information, eg from manufacturers or others in the same sector or industry
Talk to other occupants not employed or managed by you, but who share the same premises