Blog Article

SME Health & Safety Starter Pack

7 September 2025
H&S Consultancy Team
1 min read

1. Policies

  • Health & Safety Policy Statement (legal requirement if 5+ employees).
  • Fire Safety Policy (aligned with the Fire Safety Order).
  • Accident & Incident Reporting Policy (includes RIDDOR).
  • First Aid & Emergency Arrangements Policy.
  • Manual Handling & Workplace Safety Policy.


2. Risk Assessment

  • General Risk Assessment Template (hazard, who might be harmed, controls, further action, owner, review date).
  • Fire Risk Assessment.
  • Manual Handling Risk Assessments.
  • Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Assessment.
  • COSHH Assessment (for hazardous substances).


3. Checklists

Quick win compliance:

  • Health & Safety Legal Compliance Checklist (do you have insurance, accident book, competent person, etc.).
  • Workplace Inspection Checklist (housekeeping, lighting, welfare, access, etc.).
  • SME Fire Safety Checklist (escape routes, alarms, extinguishers, training).
  • PPE Checklist (correct PPE, storage, training, replacement).


4. Training & Induction Aids

  • H&S Induction (for new starters).
  • Toolbox Talk (e.g. slips & trips, manual handling, working at height, fire safety).
  • Training Record Log (to track inductions and refreshers).


5. Incident Management Forms

  • Accident/Near Miss Report Form.
  • Accident Investigation Form.
  • Corrective Action Log.


6. Record-Keeping Essentials

  • Training Matrix (who’s trained in what, refresher due dates).
  • Equipment Inspection Log (ladders, forklifts, PPE, etc.).
  • Fire Drill & Alarm Test Log.


7. Guidance Notes (Plain English Summaries)

Short guides:

  • Employer Legal Responsibilities (HASWA, Management Regs, Fire Safety Order).
  • How to Do a Risk Assessment in 5 Steps.
  • Mental Health in the Workplace – Employer Duties.
  • When to Report to HSE (RIDDOR explained).
Starter PackSMEsHealth and Safety
Share this article:

Need Expert Help?

Book a free consultation to discuss your specific H&S needs