Who needs one
Section 2(3) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires every employer with five or more employees to have a written statement of their health and safety policy and the arrangements for carrying it out, and to bring it to employees' attention. Sole traders and smaller firms aren't legally required to write it down, but you'll need one to get onto most commercial sites and for SSIP accreditation.
The three parts
| Part | What it says |
|---|---|
| 1. Statement of intent | Your commitment to managing health and safety, signed and dated by the owner or director. |
| 2. Responsibilities | Who is responsible for what: overall responsibility, day-to-day, site supervision, first aid, accident reporting, training. |
| 3. Arrangements | How you do it in practice: risk assessments, RAMS, COSHH, work at height, plant and tool checks, training, consultation, first aid, accident reporting, fire, welfare, monitoring. |
Health and safety policy
POL-001 · Rev APart 1. Statement of intent
| Signed (owner / director) | |
|---|---|
| Date | |
| Review date |
Part 2. Responsibilities
| Responsibility | Name / role |
|---|---|
Part 3. Arrangements
| Risk assessments and RAMS | |
|---|---|
| Hazardous substances (COSHH) | |
| Work at height | |
| Plant, tools and equipment checks | |
| Training and competence | |
| Consulting with employees | |
| First aid | |
| Accident and incident reporting (RIDDOR) | |
| Fire and emergencies | |
| Welfare | |
| Monitoring and review |
Keep it real
A policy copied from a large company will name roles you don't have and arrangements you don't follow. Inspectors and accreditation assessors check that what's written matches what happens. Keep it short, true to your business, and review it every year or when something changes.
Example statement of intent
Use this as a starting point and change it to fit your business:
"[Company name] will, so far as is reasonably practicable, provide safe working conditions, equipment and systems of work for our employees and others affected by our work. We will assess the risks of our work, provide information, instruction, training and supervision, consult our workers, and review this policy at least once a year. Everyone working for us has a duty to take care of their own health and safety and that of others."
Signed: __________ (Director) Date: __________
Frequently asked questions
Do sole traders need a health and safety policy?
Not by law, but clients, main contractors and accreditation schemes often require one. A short, honest policy takes little time and opens doors to commercial work.
How often should a health and safety policy be reviewed?
At least once a year, and whenever your business changes, for example taking on staff or new types of work.
Does HSE provide a template?
Yes, HSE has a simple example policy. Our template follows the same three-part structure with construction-specific arrangements.
Sources
This guide is written from the legislation and HSE guidance below. Last checked 23 October 2026.