In workplaces across Ireland, maintaining a culture of health and safety is not only essential—it's the law. Central to this is the safety statement, a written document that outlines how a business manages health and safety risks. But drafting it once and filing it away isn’t enough. HSA guidelines require that this statement is reviewed and updated at least annually, or more frequently if significant changes occur.
So why is this annual update so crucial, and what are the responsibilities of employers and employees?
The Employer’s Duty of Care
Under health and safety legislation—such as the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 employers are legally obliged to provide a workplace that’s safe and without risks to health. This includes:
- Reviewing and updating the safety statement at least once a year, or whenever there are major changes in the workplace (like new processes, equipment, or work environments).
- Ensuring that any new risks are identified, assessed, and managed.
- Communicating the updated safety statement to all staff, ensuring they’re aware of any changes that might affect their work.
- Keeping a record of all risk assessments and ensuring that control measures are current and effective.
An outdated safety statement can lead not only to legal repercussions but also to real harm if it fails to address newly emerged risks.
The Employee’s Role in Safety
While employers carry the bulk of the responsibility, employees also have legal obligations. These include:
- Co-operating with employers to ensure the safety measures are implemented effectively.
- Taking reasonable care to protect their own health and safety, and that of their colleagues.
- Reporting hazards or safety concerns promptly so they can be incorporated into the safety statement review.
- Familiarising themselves with the current safety statement—and actively engaging in any consultations or training that arise from updates.
Workplace safety is a shared responsibility, and employees are the eyes and ears on the ground. Their involvement ensures the safety statement reflects the real, lived experience of the work environment.
Updating your safety statement annually is not an administrative chore—it’s a vital step in keeping your workplace safe and legally compliant. It ensures that evolving risks are recognised and addressed, and that both employers and employees are playing their parts in upholding a safe working environment.
After all, the true value of a safety statement lies not in the paper it's printed on, but in how it's put into action. It should be constantly referred to like a good cookbook.