Health and Safety Policies & Procedures

A policy is a formal course of a action that everyone must follow.

What is a Procedure?

A procedure is the way in which a task must be completed or carried out.

Most employers have a health and safety policy which sets out how they will protect everyone who is affected by their business, e.g. employees, visitors, contractors and individuals who access services.

Health & Safety Policies and Procedures

Policies must give clear instructions so that everyone is kept safe and no one is harmed through the work that is being carried out. Examples of procedures include:

How to store and give out medication
How to provide personal care
How to lift and carry loads
What to do in the event of fire
What to do to provide First Aid
How to handle soiled bed linen

The Responsibility of the Employee

Take reasonable care of yourself and others in the workplace
Follow policies and procedures of your employer
Avoid actions that could cause ill health or harm to others
Act respectfully and not put others at risk
Not to cause damage to property
Report any health and safety hazards

The Responsibility of the Employer

Ensure the health, safety and welfare of all employees.
Provide all the necessary training.
Provide appropriate and safe work equipment.
Put policies and procedures in place
Provide enough time and monies to put safety in the center of all tasks

The Responsibility of the Employer

There are a number of activities that you must not carry out until you have received special training.

Use of equipment such as hoists and lifts to move people and objects safely
Medication: There is legislation & guidance that controls the prescribing, dispensing, administration, storage and disposal
Assisting and moving: it is essential so that you don’t hurt yourself or the individual
First aid – this is the immediate assistance given to someone
Emergency procedures: for emergency situations such as fire, flood explosion etc
Food handling and preparation.

Additional Support & Information

Additional support about Health & Safety can be found in your company policy and procedures, the Health and Safety manager or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website.

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