What is a policy statement?

An organization's occupational health and safety policy is a statement of principles and general rules that serve as guides for action. Senior management must be committed to ensuring that the policy is carried out with no exceptions. The health and safety policy should have the same importance as the other policies of the organization.
The policy statement can be brief, but it should mention:

• management's commitment to protect the safety and health of employees
• the objectives of the program
• the organization's basic health and safety philosophy
• who is accountable for occupational health and safety programs
• the general responsibilities of all employees
• that health and safety shall not be sacrificed for expediency
• that unacceptable performance of health and safety duties will not be tolerated

The policy should be:

• stated in clear, unambiguous, and unequivocal terms
• signed by the incumbent Chief Executive Officer
• kept up-to-date
• communicated to each employee
• adhered to in all work activities