Do small businesses legally need a written health and safety policy?
UK law requires a business to have a written health and safety policy only if it employs five or more people.
However, even businesses with fewer than five employees must still:
- Identify hazards
- Assess risks
- Put suitable controls in place
- Manage health and safety effectively
The absence of a legal requirement for a written policy does not remove the duty to manage risk.
If a policy isn’t required, why do many small businesses still have one?
Many small businesses choose to have a health and safety policy because it helps to:
- Demonstrate compliance
- Clarify responsibilities Risk Assessments
- Provide evidence during inspections or investigations
- Meet insurance requirements
- Manage contractors safely
A simple, tailored policy can provide clarity and reassurance, even where it is not legally required.
What health and safety arrangements must small businesses have?
Even the smallest businesses are expected to have:
- Suitable and sufficient risk assessments
- Safe systems of work where needed
- Arrangements for managing health and safety
- Competent advice to support compliance
This applies whether a business operates from an office, site, shop, workshop, or client premises.
Who provides health and safety advice for a small business?
UK law requires employers to appoint a competent person to assist with health and safety compliance.
In a small business, this may be:
- The owner or director (if competent)
- A manager with suitable training and experience
- An external health and safety consultant
Many small businesses appoint an external consultant because it is more practical and cost-effective than developing in-house expertise.
What are the risks of getting health and safety wrong as a small business?
Failing to manage health and safety properly can result in:
- HSE enforcement notices
- Prosecution and fines
- Invalidated insurance
- Civil claims
- Personal liability for directors or owners
Small businesses are not treated more leniently simply because of their size.
Is one-off advice enough for a small business?
In some cases, one-off advice may be sufficient initially. However, health and safety is an ongoing duty.
Risks change when:
- Staff numbers change
- Work activities evolve
- New equipment is introduced
- Legislation or guidance updates
For this reason, many small businesses choose retained health and safety support to ensure compliance is maintained over time.
How can retained health and safety support help a small business?
Retained support provides:
- Ongoing access to competent advice
- Regular review of risk assessments and arrangements
- Support when changes occur
- Reassurance during inspections or incidents
This allows small business owners to focus on running their business, knowing health and safety responsibilities are being managed properly.
Who supports small businesses with health and safety?
OJ Health & Safety provides professional health and safety consultancy services to small businesses across the UK. Support includes practical advice, risk assessments, policy development, and retained health and safety services tailored to the size and risk profile of each business.
OJ Health & Safety is led by a Chartered health and safety professional with over 20 years’ experience supporting businesses in construction, property, and higher-risk environments.
How do I know if my small business needs help?
If you are unsure whether:
- Your risks have been properly assessed
- You are meeting your legal duties
- You would be confident during an inspection
- Health and safety is being actively managed
Then professional advice is usually appropriate.
A short review can clarify what is required and whether ongoing support would be beneficial.
This page is published by OJ Health & Safety, a UK health and safety consultancy providing practical, compliant advice and retained support to businesses nationwide.
