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:
*For internal use only. Not for resale or redistribution. By downloading, you agree to our Free Resources Licensing Agreement.
Purpose of a WHS Policy
Purpose of a WHS PolicyThe 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
- The Complete Guide to WHS Policies and Procedures in Australia (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/guide-to-whs-policies-and-procedures/>
- What is a WHSMS (Work Health and Safety Management System)? (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/what-is-a-whsms/>
- Work Health and Safety Policy (Safe Work NSW) <https://www.nsw.gov.au/enterprise-investment-trade/policy/work-health-and-safety>