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Health and Safety Policy
I need a health and safety policy that outlines procedures for maintaining a safe workplace, includes emergency response protocols, and complies with New Zealand's Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. The document should also address risk assessment processes and employee training requirements.
What is a Health and Safety Policy?
A Health and Safety Policy sets out an organization's commitment to protecting workers and visitors from harm. It's a core document required under New Zealand's Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, spelling out how a business will manage workplace risks and keep people safe.
The policy outlines specific safety responsibilities, emergency procedures, and reporting requirements that everyone must follow. It helps businesses meet their legal duties while creating a positive safety culture. A good policy goes beyond basic compliance - it shows staff and stakeholders that safety truly matters and guides day-to-day decisions about managing workplace risks.
When should you use a Health and Safety Policy?
Every New Zealand business needs a Health and Safety Policy from day one of operations. It's especially crucial when hiring your first employees, moving to new premises, or starting work in high-risk industries like construction or manufacturing. Regular policy reviews become necessary after workplace incidents, when introducing new equipment, or when legal requirements change.
Use your policy actively during staff inductions, contractor agreements, and workplace inspections. It's particularly important to update and refer to it when WorkSafe investigators visit, when bidding on major contracts, or when insurance providers assess your risk profile. Having a current, well-communicated policy helps protect your team and demonstrates your commitment to legal compliance.
What are the different types of Health and Safety Policy?
- Contractor Health And Safety Policy: Focuses on managing external workers and defining safety responsibilities when working with contractors on your premises.
- Health And Safety Policy Statement For Electrical Contractors: Addresses industry-specific risks and compliance requirements for electrical work and high-voltage environments.
- Hazard Identification And Risk Assessment Policy: Specializes in systematic processes for identifying workplace hazards and implementing control measures.
Who should typically use a Health and Safety Policy?
- Business Owners and Directors: Hold ultimate responsibility for creating and approving the Health and Safety Policy, ensuring it meets legal requirements and allocating resources.
- Health and Safety Representatives: Help develop policy content, conduct workplace consultations, and monitor implementation.
- Managers and Supervisors: Implement policy requirements daily, train staff, and ensure compliance within their teams.
- Employees: Must understand and follow policy guidelines, report hazards, and participate in safety initiatives.
- Contractors and Visitors: Required to comply with relevant policy sections while on company premises.
How do you write a Health and Safety Policy?
- Workplace Assessment: Document all business activities, identify hazards, and list current safety measures in place.
- Legal Requirements: Review the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and relevant industry regulations that apply to your business.
- Staff Input: Gather feedback from workers and health and safety representatives about current safety concerns.
- Emergency Procedures: Map out evacuation routes, first aid locations, and emergency contact details.
- Policy Structure: Use our platform to generate a compliant policy template, ensuring all required sections are included.
- Review Process: Set up regular review dates and designate responsible staff members for updates.
What should be included in a Health and Safety Policy?
- Policy Statement: Clear commitment to worker safety and compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
- Responsibilities: Defined roles for management, workers, contractors, and health and safety representatives.
- Risk Management: Processes for identifying, assessing, and controlling workplace hazards.
- Emergency Procedures: Detailed response plans for accidents, injuries, and evacuations.
- Training Requirements: Specified safety training and induction processes for all workers.
- Reporting System: Methods for recording incidents, near-misses, and hazard notifications.
- Review Process: Schedule for regular policy updates and effectiveness assessments.
What's the difference between a Health and Safety Policy and an Incident and Non-Conformance Management Policy?
While both documents focus on workplace safety, a Health and Safety Policy differs significantly from an Incident and Non-Conformance Management Policy. Here are the key distinctions:
- Scope and Purpose: A Health and Safety Policy provides comprehensive safety guidelines and preventive measures across all operations, while an Incident Policy specifically deals with handling and reporting accidents after they occur.
- Timing of Application: Health and Safety Policies work proactively to prevent incidents and guide daily operations. Incident Policies activate reactively when something goes wrong.
- Legal Requirements: Every NZ business must have a Health and Safety Policy under the 2015 Act, while Incident Policies are recommended but not strictly mandatory.
- Content Focus: Health and Safety Policies outline broad responsibilities and preventive measures. Incident Policies detail investigation procedures, reporting requirements, and corrective actions.
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