Do I need a written health and safety policy if I have fewer than 5 employees?

The legal requirement for a written policy only applies to businesses with 5 or more employees. However, all employers must manage health and safety, and the HSE strongly recommends keeping a written record regardless of size.

Health and Safety Policy Template for UK Businesses

Q: What should a health and safety policy include?

A health and safety policy must include three sections: a Statement of Intent, an Organisation section (who is responsible), and an Arrangements section covering specific procedures for managing risks such as fire safety, manual handling, first aid, and accident reporting.

Q: What is the difference between a health and safety policy and a risk assessment?

A Health and Safety Policy sets out your overall approach. A Risk Assessment identifies specific hazards in your workplace, who is at risk, and what controls are in place. Both are required.

A health and safety policy is a legal requirement for all UK employers under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Get one tailored to your specific business, industry, and workforce — ready in minutes.

Get H&S Policy — £15 Get all 6 documents — £39

Instant PDF & Word download · 14-day money-back guarantee

What is a health and safety policy?

A health and safety policy is a written statement that sets out your business’s commitment to managing the health and safety of employees, contractors, and visitors. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, all employers with five or more employees must have a written policy. All employers — regardless of size — must manage health and safety.

What your policy must include

Statement of Intent — your commitment to health and safety
Organisation — who is responsible for what
Arrangements — specific procedures for fire safety, manual handling, first aid, COSHH, accident reporting
Review date and signature of the responsible person

Our Health and Safety Policy is generated specifically for your business type, premises, and workforce. A building contractor gets a very different policy to a salon or restaurant.

Get your health and safety policy today

£15

Health & Safety Policy

Single document

Get this document

£39

6 core compliance documents

Essentials plan

Get all 6 documents

£99

14 documents including fire safety & lone worker

Complete plan

Get all 14 documents

Common questions about health and safety policies

Is a health and safety policy a legal requirement in the UK?

Yes. Section 2(3) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires all employers with 5 or more employees to have a written health and safety policy. All employers must manage health and safety regardless of size, and the HSE strongly recommends a written policy even below that threshold.

What should a health and safety policy include?

Your policy must include a Statement of Intent, an Organisation section (who is responsible for what), and an Arrangements section covering specific procedures for managing risks including fire safety, manual handling, first aid, COSHH, and accident reporting.

Do I need a written policy if I have fewer than 5 employees?

The strict legal requirement only applies to businesses with 5 or more employees. However, all employers must still manage health and safety, and the HSE strongly recommends keeping a written record regardless of size.

What is the difference between a health and safety policy and a risk assessment?

A Health and Safety Policy is your overall framework and commitment to safety. A Risk Assessment identifies specific hazards in your workplace, evaluates who is at risk, and documents the controls in place. Both are required and complement each other.

All 14 UK compliance documents

Privacy Policy Data Protection Policy Data Retention Policy Health & Safety Policy Risk Assessment Employee Privacy Notice Cookie Policy CCTV Policy Data Breach Procedure SAR Procedure Acceptable Use Policy Social Media Policy Fire Safety Policy Lone Worker Policy