Free WHS Policy Template

This template may also be called:

• Health and Safety Policy,

• Work Health and Safety Policy,

• Workplace Health and Safety Policy, or

• OHS Policy.

Download our free WHS Policy Template:

• WHS Policy Template.doc file (Word Document)

• WHS Policy Template.pdf file (PDF)

*For internal use only. Not for resale or redistribution. By downloading, you agree to our Free Resources Licensing Agreement.

Purpose of a WHS Policy

WHS policy template example

The purpose of a WHS (Work Health and Safety) policy is to outline an organization's commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

How to Use

This WHS Policy template should be customised by a competent person, signed by a top-level manager (e.g. the director), and displayed in the workplace or provided by other means (e.g. a website). It should also be communicated to new workers as part of their induction or onboarding process.

This document is a template only and it must be customised for your business. Other aspects that need to be considered include ensuring that:

• Relevant legal requirements have been met,

• Workplace specific risks are identified and managed, and

• Workers are consulted with during the customisation / review process.

When to Use

This document should be displayed in a prominent area or uploaded to your website / centralised document system. You should also use it during employee inductions, and you may wish to refresh your workers on the contents of the policy periodically as part of a safety meeting or refresher training.

Who Should Use

This document should be endorsed with the signature of the appropriate top-level manager (such as a director). It can be used by your Safety Advisor, Project Manager, or other Manager/s to communicate the requirements to workers (including new workers).

Legal Considerations

Generally, under the WHS legislation, there is no specific legal requirement to have or display a WHS Policy. However, it is best practice. It can help meet general legal duties, including:

s(19)(3)a WHS Act – Duty to Provide a Safe Working Environment

Workers also have legal responsibilities, including:

• s(28) WHS Act – Duty of workers:

  • Taking care of yourself

  • Taking care of others

  • Following procedure

  • Following instruction

FAQ

What is a WHS Policy?

A WHS policy is a document that sets out an organization's approach and commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment.

Why is establishing a WHS Policy important?

Establishing a WHS policy demonstrates an organization's commitment to protecting the health and safety of its employees, contractors, and visitors. It helps to reduce workplace risks, ensures compliance with legal obligations, promotes a safety culture, and minimises the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and costly disruptions to operations.

How often should the WHS policy be reviewed?

A WHS policy should be reviewed regularly, typically every 1-2 years, or whenever there are significant changes in operations, legislation, or following a major incident.

Did you know?

WHS policies aren't just about physical safety. They also address mental health, aiming to create psychologically safe and supportive environments. This means promoting well-being, reducing stress, and ensuring employees feel valued and supported, which leads to a healthier and more productive workplace overall.

Article Sources and Further Reading

1. The Complete Guide to WHS Policies and Procedures in Australia (Spire Safety)

2. What is a WHSMS (Work Health and Safety Management System)? (Spire Safety)

3. Work Health and Safety Policy (Safe Work NSW)

Need help putting this into practice? Spire Safety builds and implements tailored WHS management systems for Australian businesses.