When was the last time you reviewed your workplace health and safety policy? If you had to pause and think, then it’s probably time for a refresh!
We get it — health and safety can feel like a box-ticking exercise. But the truth is, a well-thought-out policy isn’t just about compliance; it’s about keeping your team safe, reducing risks, and creating a workplace where people actually feel looked after. So, let’s break it down into simple, practical steps to make sure your policy is up to date and working for everyone.
Why Bother Reviewing Your Health & Safety Policy?
Workplaces evolve—new people join, processes change, and risks can shift. If your health and safety policy is gathering dust, it’s not doing its job. Regular reviews help:
Keep up with the latest legal requirements (UK laws are updated regularly!)
Identify and fix potential hazards before they become problems
Show your staff you genuinely care about their wellbeing
Reduce the risk of fines or legal trouble (nobody wants that!)
How Often Should You Review It?
A general rule of thumb is to review your policy at least once a year or whenever there’s a big change in your workplace (like new equipment, staff, or working practices). Major incidents or near-misses should also trigger a review—because that’s a sign something isn’t working as it should.
Key Areas to Check
Here are a few essential areas to focus on when reviewing your policy:
Risk Assessments – Are they being carried out? Are they up to date? Do they reflect current working conditions?
Emergency Procedures – Are your fire exits, first aid provisions, and evacuation plans still relevant?
Employee Training – Are new staff properly trained? Does everyone know their responsibilities? When to wear personal protective clothing? How to correctly and safely clean machinery?
Workplace Environment – Are there any new hazards, like cluttered spaces, trip hazards, or outdated equipment?
Signage – is your signage up to date regarding trip hazards, fire exits, use of machinery guards and personal protective clothing to be worn?
Mental Health Considerations – Health and safety isn’t just about physical risks; stress and burnout can be just as damaging.
Getting Your Team Involved
A policy only works if people know about it! Keep the conversation open by:
Asking staff for feedback—what do they think needs improving?
Running regular training sessions (and making them engaging, not just another boring slideshow!)
Making sure policies are easy to find, and easy to read - nobody should have to dig through ten folders to find them and a thesaurus to understand them.
Final Thoughts
Health and safety doesn’t have to be a headache. Think of it as an investment in your team’s wellbeing and your company’s future. A little effort now can prevent bigger problems down the line.
So, grab a cup of tea, dust off that policy, and give it a quick review. Your future self (and your staff) will thank you!
How Robinson Grace Consultancy Can Help
At Robinson Grace Consultancy, we know that keeping up with health and safety policies can be overwhelming. Whether you need help reviewing your current policies, training your staff, or implementing best practices, we’re here to support you. Get in touch with our expert team today via HandS@robinsongracehr.com, and let’s create a safer, happier workplace together!
Check out other Blogs in our series:
The content of our blogs is intended for general information and not to replace legal or other professional advice.
A Practical Guide to Reviewing Your Health & Safety Policy
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