Health and safety policy
Published: 01 May 2026Freedom of information class: How we manage our resources
The Health and Safety policy sets out RoS' commitment to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of all its employees, contingent workers, tenants, contractors and other third parties who have contact with RoS by providing healthy and safe working conditions.
Table of contents
1. Vision: to be an exemplar employer in the delivery of health and safety
A 'safety culture' in RoS can be promoted most effectively if the pursuit of health and safety is accepted as an objective shared by us all. The provision of quality service to our customers should be linked to the safety process so the two go together as a positive 'quality and safety culture'.
We must take a positive interest in our health and safety and exercise a common duty of care to others. We must be alert to draw attention to anything we encounter at work which could be a threat to the Health and Safety of ourselves, our colleagues or our customers and others. We also have a special duty of care to those who may have particular requirements through for example disability or inexperience.
To achieve this, we need to be all inclusive and seek the involvement and commitment of everyone in RoS. We also need to recognise the physical, psychological, and social factors that impact on health, safety, and wellbeing.
We will develop and continuously improve our Health and Safety Management System to help prevent, remove, or reduce the workplace factors that cause ill health and injury. All activities shall be carried out with the highest regard for the health and safety of employees, contingent workers, and contractors’, visitors and other people who may be affected by our undertakings. We will act positively to ensure compliance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and other associated legislation, approved Codes of Practice (ACoP), and any other relevant guidance or standards.
Primary responsibility for sensible and practical risk management of any activity rests with those who arrange and direct the work. Meeting legal requirements is a substantial undertaking, and this demands the proportionate integration of health and safety management into all business planning activities. Visible commitment from the Executive Management Team (EMT), Senior Management and within individual Directorates is of paramount importance and specific duties are delegated to them accordingly. However, the support and active co-operation of all employees, contingent workers and contractors’ is essential if safety is to be ensured.
Every RoS employee, contingent worker or contractor has a legal obligation to co-operate in the day-to-day implementation of the policy. We are committed to making available adequate resources to ensure its delivery and that colleagues and the recognised RoS Trade Unions are consulted and involved. We will all focus resources on priorities and deliver key outcomes to support business transformation and delivery.
2. Purpose and scope
2.1 This policy sets out RoS' commitment to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of all its employees, contingent workers, tenants, contractors and other third parties who have contact with RoS by providing healthy and safe working conditions.
2.2 This policy applies to all employees, contingent workers, tenants, contractors and other third parties.
3. Guiding principles
3.1 RoS expects all employees, contingent workers, tenants, contractors and other third parties to co-operate and give support in creating and maintaining safe and healthy working conditions.
3.2 We will provide training for all employees and contingent workers, appropriate to their responsibilities and the work that they do.
3.3 Significant hazards and risks which might affect the health and safety of our employees, contingent workers, tenants, contractors’ and other third parties will be assessed and recorded, and appropriate action will be taken to control, eliminate or reduce any risks. Day to day monitoring is carried out by line managers assessing risks to employees, contingent workers, tenants, contractors and other third parties in their own areas of responsibility.
3.4 In addition, the Estates team carry out regular checks in common areas of the buildings. Technical and specialist advisers check periodically the general condition of premises, equipment, plant and other parts of the work environment. An appointed and competent member of the Estates team will conduct safety audits from time to time to monitor the effectiveness of RoS policy.
3.5 The policy reflects our health and safety aims and vision.
4. The policy
4.1 RoS is committed to promoting standards of health, safety and welfare that comply with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and all other relevant statutory provisions and codes of practice and in doing so we will:
4.2 Provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment, and systems of work for all RoS employees, contingent workers, tenants, contractors and other third parties and to provide such information, training, and supervision as they need for this purpose.
4.3 Provide opportunities for safety representatives to contribute to the promotion of a healthy and safe working environment.
4.4 Provide a safe means of access and egress to all places of work.
4.5 Provide an effective basis for monitoring the health and safety arrangements.
5. Roles and responsibilities
5.1 Overall responsibility for Health and Safety at RoS rests with the Keeper. The Corporate Services Director is responsible for the effective implementation of the policy.
5.2 RoS has an organised Health and Safety Committee which includes Senior Management, Trade Unions as well as Estates and People and Change employees. This committee will meet on a defined regular basis to discuss and ensure that all aspects of health and safety and any actions from these meetings are undertaken and closed to an appropriate standard.
5.3 Health and safety is a responsibility for everyone at all levels. An appointed and competent member of the Estates team provides help to senior management, line managers, employees, contingent workers, tenants, contractors and other third parties by providing information and guidance in applying the provisions of Health and Safety Law.
5.4 To achieve a good standard of health and safety in the workplace, all employees, contingent workers, tenants, contractors and other third parties must take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of colleagues or others who may be affected by their actions. They should co-operate with management in all matters relating to their health, safety and welfare and develop a personal concern for accident prevention.
6. Approval and review
6.1 This policy will be reviewed by the Policy and Practice Group (PPG) every two years unless earlier review is appropriate to reflect changes in legislation, relevant guidance or standards, business needs and structures.
| Author | Estates Health and Safety | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Reviewed | Estates | ||
| Cleared | Corporate Director | ||
| Approval | Executive Management Team | Approval date | May 2026 |
| Policy version | V 2.0 | ||
| Review responsibility | Policy and Practice Group (PPG) | Review date | May 2028 |
| Publication scheme | Yes | ||
| Email to contact | estatesservicedesk@ros.gov.uk | ||