Why do I need a Health and Safety Policy?
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, businesses are required to ensure the health and safety of their workers, so far as is reasonably practicable. To comply with this obligation, your business should have clear policies and procedures regarding health and safety.
This Health and Safety Policy outlines the business's and workers' health and safety responsibilities and expectations for constructive engagement in health and safety matters. It also warns workers that any breach of these expectations may result in disciplinary action or termination of engagement.
Please note that this Health and Safety Policy is not designed for businesses in high-risk industries. If your business is in a high-risk industry or sector, you may have specific health and safety obligations and requirements, which may require additional documentation to meet your health and safety obligations. Our employment law firm partner, Edwards Law, can help you with a site-specific Health and Safety Policy or other legal advice to ensure you are meeting your health and safety obligations.
How long will it take to create a Health and Safety Policy?
Less than 5 minutes – less time than making a coffee! During the Q&A you can save your progress to come back later, or repeat the Q&A to change an answer or produce a new version of a document.
What do I do once my Health and Safety Policy is created?
The policy is ready for you to approve and use as soon as you download it. An employer is required to consult with its employees before implementing any workplace policy. We recommend advising your employees (in writing) of the proposed policy (and its proposed start date), providing a copy of the policy, and specifying a time period for your employees to provide feedback/input or raise concerns. After that, the policy can be introduced. This policy includes an option to create a separate consultation letter to provide this information to your employees.
Other helpful information:
- If you would like to speak to a lawyer regarding your policy (or for any other legal queries), please see our specialist employment law firm partner Edwards Law here
- You may also find these bundles or documents useful for your business: Individual Employment Agreement, Employment Essentials, Key Employment Policies and Independent Contractor Agreement
- Check out our FAQs
If you’re unsure whether this policy is what you need, reach out to us at hello@onyourterms.co.nz – we’re happy to help!
This product has been prepared in collaboration with our employment law content partner, Edwards Law.
If you’re not satisfied with your purchase of this product for any reason, let us know why within 10 days of your purchase and we’ll work with you to make sure you’re happy, including giving you a full refund if necessary.
Disclaimer: On Your Terms was created to provide fast, easy and affordable access to legal information and documentation. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. The information and documents we provide are of a general nature, designed for common situations, and may not be suitable for your needs or circumstances. If you need legal advice, we have a network of specialist law firm partners able to help you here.