The Health and Safety at Work Act identifies that providers must have a written health and safety policy (where there are five or more employees). An effective health and safety policy is one which is regularly reviewed, written and updated in line with local and national guidance.
An effective health and safety policy includes:
- practitioner and managers responsibilities with regard to health and safety;
- infection control and hygiene within the setting;
- accident procedures;
- first aid procedures;
- security – i.e. windows, doors, spillages;
- risk assessment procedures;
- COSHH procedures (consider what processes involve hazardous substances, how they may cause harm and how to reduce the risk);
- food hygiene procedures;
- insurance cover.