Key features of a safety policy

The statement of intent can be seen as an organisation s mission statement for effectively managing safety. The policy statement will set the direction that the organisation will take it will establish standards upon which to measure performance. In addition the policy will set objectives and targets on which to measure the success of the management of safety and the system itself. 

In HSG65 the HSE consider that written statements of policy should, at the very least, set the direction of the organisation by demonstrating senior management commitment, placing safety in the context with other business objectives and make a continuous improvement in safety performance. 

The statement is likely, therefore, to include naming the director or senior manager with overall responsibility for both the formulation and the implementation of the policy and that the document is duly signed and dated by the director or chief executive. The policy statement briefly explains the responsibility of all persons from board level through to staff members, which also recognises and encourages the involvement of all employees and safety representatives. 

Included in this statement will be an outline of the basis for effective communications and how adequate resources will be allocated. It will also commit the organisation s senior management and leaders to plan, review and develop the policy. The need to ensure that all staff are competent and where necessary that external competent advice will be sought, should also assist the 

The policy itself can be enhanced by setting clearly defined Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time oriented (SMART) safety objectives. 

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