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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

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)

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