Introduction to Fire Safety Management

2.1.3 Avoiding 
loss
A clear, effective safety policy will aid the prevention 
of human suffering and fi nancial loss as a result of the 
work activities of any organisation.
The safety culture of an organisation will refl ect the 
safety policy. Thus a well-written policy will enable the 
organisation and those within it to identify hazards and 
Figure 2.2
Maximising staff involvement
Figure 2.1
ACoP of Management of health and safety at 
work

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risks before they cause injuries, ill health or other loss 
outcomes. As has been discussed earlier in this chapter, 
avoiding fi nancial losses attributed to safety failings is 
one of the many factors of business success.
For example, in the event of fi re in the workplace, 
following the response procedures contained within a 
safety policy will mitigate the potential effects of the 
emergency situation, e.g. shutting down a process safely, 
preventing injury to persons or damage to the equipment 
or machinery.
2.2
Key features of a safety policy
In order to satisfy the legal requirements of section 2(3) 
of HSWA and guidance contained in HSE, DCLG and BS 
5588 Part 12 (managing fi re safety), to ensure that the 
safety policy is effective it must include the following:
➤
Policy statement – statement of intent
➤
Organisation
➤
Arrangements.
2.2.1 Statement of intent
The statement of intent can be seen as an organisation’s 
‘mission statement’ for effectively managing safety. The 
policy statement will set the direction that the organ-
isation will take; it will establish standards upon which 
to measure performance. In addition the policy will set 
objectives and targets on which to measure the success 
of the management of safety and the system itself.
In HSG65 the HSE consider that written statements 
of policy should, at the very least, set the direction of 
the organisation by demonstrating senior management 
commitment, placing safety in the context with other 
business objectives and make a continuous improve-
ment in safety performance.
The statement is likely, therefore, to include naming 
the director or senior manager with overall responsibility 
for both the formulation and the implementation of the 
policy and that the document is duly signed and dated 
by the director or chief executive. The policy statement 
briefl y explains the responsibility of all persons from 
board level through to staff members, which also 
recognises and encourages the involvement of all 
employees and safety representatives.
Included in this statement will be an outline of the 
basis for effective communications and how adequate 
resources will be allocated. It will also commit the organ-
isation’s senior management and leaders to plan, review 
and develop the policy. The need to ensure that all 
staff are competent and where necessary that external 
competent advice will be sought, should also assist the 
organisation in developing a framework for managing 
safety.
The policy statement will need to be made avail-
able to a wide variety of groups that will include staff 
members and their representatives, contractors and 
other persons who may be affected by the organisation’s 
activities or undertakings. It often forms part of vetting 
procedures when considering whether to engage an 
organisation in tendering processes.
A large proportion of organisations therefore ensure 
that the policy statement of intent is displayed on safety 
notice boards within the organisation. The policy can also 
be included in team briefi ngs and toolbox talks, during 
induction or refresher training courses. Some companies 
issue individual copies of the policy in booklets and 
include reference to it in newsletters and e-mails. The 
policy is also discussed as an agenda item in a variety 
of safety meetings including those of a safety, health and 
welfare committee.
The policy itself can be enhanced by setting clearly 
defi ned Specifi c, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and 
Time oriented (SMART) safety objectives.
For an example of a policy statement please refer to 
Appendix 2.1.