What should a construction health and safety policy include?
A useful policy explains the organisation’s commitment, who carries responsibility and how health and safety is managed across the business and its projects.
Reviewed 24 August 2026 · By Lloyd GodsallWhen must the policy be written down?
Every employer needs arrangements for managing health and safety. If the business employs five or more people, the policy must be recorded in writing. Smaller contractors often document it as good practice and because clients, insurers or accreditation schemes request evidence.
1. Statement of intent
Set out the company’s overall commitment and objectives. The most senior person should sign it and review it regularly. Keep the statement credible: promises made here must be supported by the responsibilities and arrangements that follow.
2. Responsibilities
- Name the people or roles with specific responsibilities
- Explain who provides competent assistance and who can authorise work
- Define site-management, supervisory and worker responsibilities
- Include routes for reporting concerns, stopping work and escalating gaps
- Keep responsibilities aligned with the actual organisational structure
3. Arrangements
Describe how the company controls the risks relevant to its work. Typical construction arrangements cover risk assessment and RAMS, CDM duties, competence, consultation, subcontractors, plant and equipment, work at height, hazardous substances, occupational health, emergencies, incidents, welfare, monitoring and review.
Avoid a policy that overpromises
Do not claim inspections, training, audits or review frequencies that the business cannot deliver. A simpler arrangement that is owned and evidenced is stronger than a polished document disconnected from practice.
Keep the policy connected
Responsibilities in the policy should match job descriptions, project plans and tender submissions. Arrangements should link to the procedures, forms and records used by the team. Review the document after significant organisational or operational change, and when experience shows an arrangement is no longer effective.
Read the HSE guidance on preparing a health and safety policy. For a review or project-specific set of arrangements, see our policy and procedure support.