H&S Policy Documentation
Clear, comprehensive health and safety documentation is the foundation of every compliant workplace. We create bespoke policies, safe operating procedures, and risk management documents that are tailored to your organisation and written in plain English your team can actually follow.
Bespoke Policies Tailored to Your Organisation
Off-the-shelf templates rarely reflect how your business actually operates. Our consultants work with you to produce documentation that is specific to your activities, premises, and workforce — giving you policies that are genuinely useful rather than gathering dust in a filing cabinet.
H&S Policy Statements
A clear general statement of your organisation's commitment to health and safety, including the responsibilities of directors, managers, and employees. This is the cornerstone document that sets out your safety culture and satisfies Section 2(3) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Safe Operating Procedures
Step-by-step procedures for high-risk tasks and activities, written in straightforward language with clear instructions. From working at height to operating machinery, each procedure outlines the safe method of work, required PPE, and emergency steps.
COSHH Assessments
Detailed assessments of all hazardous substances used in your workplace, covering exposure routes, control measures, storage requirements, and emergency first aid procedures. We ensure full compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.
Emergency Procedures
Documented emergency plans covering fire evacuation, first aid response, chemical spills, bomb threats, and other foreseeable emergencies. Each plan includes clear roles, assembly points, communication protocols, and contact details for emergency services.
Annual Reviews & Updates
Legislation changes, your business evolves, and your documentation must keep pace. We provide scheduled annual reviews of all your H&S documentation, incorporating legislative updates, organisational changes, and lessons learned from incidents or near misses.
Your Policies Are Your First Line of Defence
If the HSE inspects your workplace or an accident occurs, your written documentation is the first thing they will ask to see. Robust policies demonstrate that you have identified hazards, assessed risks, and put reasonable measures in place to protect your workers.
Beyond legal compliance, well-written policies give your managers and employees the practical guidance they need to work safely every day. They set clear expectations, define responsibilities, and provide a framework for consistent decision-making across your organisation.
- Meet the legal requirement for written H&S policy (5+ employees)
- Provide clear, actionable guidance for managers and staff
- Demonstrate due diligence to the HSE, insurers, and clients
- Win tenders and contracts that require documented H&S systems
Common Questions
Is a written health and safety policy a legal obligation?
Yes. Under Section 2(3) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, every employer with five or more employees must prepare and keep up to date a written health and safety policy. Even if you have fewer than five staff, having documented policies is strongly recommended as it demonstrates a proactive approach to safety.
What policies does my business need?
At a minimum, you need a general H&S policy statement. Beyond that, the specific policies required depend on your activities and the hazards present in your workplace. Common examples include fire safety, manual handling, display screen equipment, COSHH, working at height, lone working, and first aid policies. We will assess your needs and recommend the complete suite of documents required.
How often should H&S documentation be updated?
We recommend a formal annual review at minimum. However, you should also update your documentation whenever there is a change in legislation, a significant change in your business operations, new equipment or processes, or following an incident or near miss. Our ongoing review service ensures your documentation always reflects current law and practice.
How much does bespoke policy documentation cost?
Pricing varies depending on the number and complexity of documents required. A simple policy suite for a small office-based business will cost less than a comprehensive set of procedures for a multi-site construction firm. We offer a free initial consultation to scope your needs and provide a transparent fixed-fee quote.
Can you update our existing policies rather than starting from scratch?
Absolutely. We are happy to review and update your existing documentation. In many cases, businesses have policies that simply need refreshing to reflect current legislation and working practices. We will carry out a gap analysis, identify what needs amending, and update your documents accordingly — saving you time and money.
Get Compliant Documentation
Our experts will create bespoke H&S policies and procedures tailored to your business. Book a free consultation to discuss your documentation needs.