ABSTRACT
This chapter is concerned with policy, which is an essential first step in the formulation of a health and safety management system. The policy will only remain as words on paper, however good the intentions, until there is an effective organization set up to implement and monitor its requirements. Some policies are written so that most of the wording concerns strict requirements laid on employees and only a few vague words cover managers’ responsibilities. Generally, such policies do not meet the requirements of the HSW Act or the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, which require an effective policy with a robust organization and arrangements to be set up. For a policy to be effective, it must be honoured in the spirit as well as the letter. A good health and safety policy will also enhance the performance of the organization in areas other than health and safety, help with the personal development of the workforce and reduce financial losses.
