A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) policy document for workplace safety compliance should include a commitment to protecting and promoting the safety and health of workers, and preventing injuries and illnesses. The policy should also state the objectives of the program, the organization's health and safety philosophy, who is accountable for the health and safety programs, and the general responsibilities of all managers and workers. It should also state that health and safety shall not be sacrificed for convenience or expediency and that unacceptable performance of health and safety duties will not be tolerated. [2] [2] [2] [2] [2] [2] [2]

An effective policy should acknowledge that the employer is ultimately responsible for worker health and safety, involve senior management and worker representatives in the preparation of the policy, and hold all levels of management accountable for carrying out health and safety responsibilities. [3] [3] [3]

The policy should commit the organization to be compliant with all applicable OHS legislation and other requirements and be seen as consistent with the workplace's objectives of operating in an efficient and predictable manner. It should also commit to protecting the health and safety of workers by eliminating hazards and reducing risks as much as possible. [3] [3] [3]

Additionally, the policy should cover the responsibilities of appropriate personnel in maintaining a healthy and safe workplace, the accountabilities of all levels of management, the importance of consultation and co-operation between management and employees, commitment to monitor the policy's effectiveness, and commitment to provide adequate funds and details of how resources will be available. [3] [3] [4] [4] [4]

A checklist to review an existing or new policy should ensure that health and safety matters will be taken into account when planning new methods processes or premises and include arrangements for disclosing information, including multilingual information, on health and safety and well-being matters. [1] [1]