Health and Safety Manuals

What is a health and safety manual?

A health and safety manual is a document that outlines policies and procedures related to Health and Safety in your organisation. Health and Safety manuals typically the following sections:

• Company Background
• H&S Policies
• Organisational Structure
• Business Planning, Review and Communication
• Continual Improvement
• Human Resources
• Document Control
• Supplier and Contractor Management
• Emergency Preparedness
• Accidents and Incidents
• Hazard Management

These manuals can be made available to all employees within the organisation, ensuring that everyone has the same understanding of H&S at work.

You can download a free example of a health and safety manual here.

How do you write a health and safety manual?

When writing a health and safety manual, you must first consider what elements need to be in it. You may find it beneficial to include flow charts, diagrams, photos, tables or charts that help in explaining what the manual is setting out.

It is also important to write in plain-English. Ensure the sentences are kept clear and short, using everyday words. Any technical language used should be explained.

The format of the manual should be easy to read, with bold headings and a contents that makes it easy for the reader to skip to particular topics.

Learn more: 

• What is a health and safety policy?
• What is a health and safety objective?