How to Manage Safety

Risk Assessment is the first step to managing Health and Safety — but ensuring that the people in your Church or Place of Work know about safety on an ongoing basis is equally essential. Managing safety is not a one-off task; it is a continuous process that keeps everyone protected.

Key Steps to Managing Safety Effectively

1. Carry out a Risk Assessment. This is the foundation. Identify hazards, assess the risks to people, and document your findings. See our Risk Assessments page for more detail.
2. Implement control measures. Act on the findings of your Risk Assessment by putting the right precautions in place — whether that's adding signs, repairing equipment, or changing how tasks are carried out.
3. Communicate with everyone. Make sure all employees, volunteers and regular visitors know about the safety arrangements in your building — including fire evacuation procedures, first aid provision and who to report hazards to.
4. Keep records. Maintain written records of Risk Assessments, fire alarm tests, equipment maintenance, and any accidents or near-misses. Good records protect you legally and help you improve over time.
5. Review regularly. Your premises and activities change over time. Review your Risk Assessments periodically (at least annually) and after any significant change, incident or near-miss.
6. Appoint a responsible person. Someone needs to be clearly identified as responsible for Health and Safety. This should be written into your Health and Safety Policy. Everyone has a role, but one person must lead.

Writing a Health & Safety Policy

If you employ five or more people, you are legally required to have a written Health and Safety Policy. Even if you have fewer staff or rely on volunteers, having a written policy is good practice. It demonstrates your commitment and makes responsibilities clear.

A good policy has three parts: a statement of intent (your commitment to safety), the organisation (who is responsible for what), and the arrangements (how you manage specific risks day-to-day).

How We Can Help

We don't just assess your premises and leave — we can also teach you and your team how to manage safety on an ongoing basis. This includes helping you understand your legal duties, how to carry out your own future Risk Assessments, and how to keep records that will stand up to scrutiny if needed.