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A Health and Safety Policy outlines how a Belgian organization protects its workers and visitors from workplace hazards. It sets clear rules and responsibilities for maintaining safe working conditions, in line with the Belgian Well-being at Work Act (Wet Welzijn). This essential document shows exactly how a company prevents accidents, manages risks, and promotes occupational health.

Every Belgian employer with 50+ workers must create and maintain this policy, but smaller companies often adopt one too. It covers key areas like emergency procedures, safety training, risk assessments, and first aid arrangements. The policy needs regular updates and must actively involve both management and employees through workplace committees (CPPT/CPBW).

Your organization needs a Health and Safety Policy right from the start of operations in Belgium, especially before hiring employees or opening facilities. It's essential to have this policy in place before workplace inspections, when applying for certain permits, or when bidding on government contracts where safety documentation is required.

Update your policy when introducing new equipment, changing work processes, or after workplace incidents. Belgian law requires immediate policy reviews following serious accidents or when safety representatives identify new risks. Many companies also revise their policies during annual risk assessments, merger discussions, or when expanding into new business activities.

• Basic Safety Policy: Required for all Belgian companies, covering fundamental workplace safety rules, emergency procedures, and risk management protocols
• Sector-Specific Policy: Tailored for high-risk industries like construction or chemical manufacturing, with detailed procedures for industry-specific hazards
• Comprehensive Well-being Policy: Broader scope including psychosocial risks, ergonomics, and workplace stress management as per Belgian Well-being Act
• Multi-site Policy: Adapted for organizations with multiple locations, incorporating site-specific risks while maintaining company-wide standards
• Laboratory Safety Policy: Specialized version for research facilities and labs, focusing on chemical handling, biological agents, and specific safety protocols

• Employers: Legally responsible for creating, implementing, and regularly updating the Health and Safety Policy, ensuring compliance with Belgian workplace safety laws
• Safety Advisors (Prevention Advisors): Draft and review policies, conduct risk assessments, and provide expert guidance on safety measures
• CPPT/CPBW Committee Members: Review and approve policy changes, represent worker interests in safety matters
• Department Managers: Implement policy requirements in their areas, ensure staff training and compliance
• Employees: Follow safety procedures, report hazards, participate in safety training, and contribute to policy improvements through workplace committees

• Risk Assessment: Document all workplace hazards, existing safety measures, and incident history specific to your operations
• Legal Requirements: Review current Belgian Well-being at Work Act regulations and sector-specific safety standards
• Stakeholder Input: Gather feedback from department heads, safety advisors, and employee representatives through CPPT/CPBW
• Emergency Procedures: Map out evacuation routes, first aid locations, and emergency contact protocols
• Training Needs: Identify required safety training programs and certification requirements for different job roles
• Review Process: Establish how often the policy needs updates and who approves changes

• Policy Statement: Clear commitment to workplace safety and legal compliance with Belgian Well-being at Work Act
• Risk Assessment Framework: Detailed approach to identifying and managing workplace hazards
• Organizational Structure: Safety roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines including Prevention Advisor details
• Emergency Procedures: Evacuation plans, first aid provisions, and incident reporting protocols
• Training Requirements: Mandatory safety training programs and documentation procedures
• Review Mechanisms: Schedule for policy updates and CPPT/CPBW consultation process
• Enforcement Measures: Consequences for non-compliance and disciplinary procedures

A Health and Safety Policy differs significantly from an Environmental Policy, though both address workplace conditions. The key differences lie in their focus, legal requirements, and implementation scope.

• Primary Focus: Health and Safety Policies target worker protection, accident prevention, and immediate workplace risks, while Environmental Policies address ecological impact, sustainability, and environmental compliance
• Legal Framework: Health and Safety Policies must comply with the Belgian Well-being at Work Act and specific safety regulations, whereas Environmental Policies align with environmental protection laws and EU directives
• Implementation Scope: Health and Safety Policies require immediate action plans, specific safety procedures, and regular workplace committee oversight. Environmental Policies typically involve longer-term strategies and broader stakeholder engagement
• Reporting Requirements: Safety incidents need immediate reporting to authorities under Health and Safety Policies, while Environmental Policies often focus on periodic sustainability reporting and compliance documentation