Workplace Health and Safety Standards

The Health, Safety and Wellbeing Partnership Group (HSWPG) is the occupational health and safety sub group of the NHS Staff Council. The purpose of the group is to raise standards of occupational health and safety in healthcare organisations, and promote best practice across both the NHS and the Independent sector.

The Workplace Health and Safety Standards

The Workplace Health and Safety Standards is a free publication produced by HSWPG aimed at helping NHS and independent sector organisations. They provide practical pointers and signposts for meeting appropriate standards in key areas of employee occupational health and safety. Following the Workplace Health and Safety Standards will help organisations meet their legal obligations and protect staff and patients.

HSE has helped to review the latest version of the Standards. HSE's Chair, Judith Hackitt has endorsed the standards, saying:

'I am pleased that HSE has been able to assist in the development of the revised HSWPG Workplace Health and Safety Standards. Explaining the legal requirements and the working practices expected in healthcare, in language which resonates with the sector, is very important'.

HSWPG continues to provide a valuable service to the sector as a whole in driving improvement in occupational health and safety in healthcare. I am confident that implementing these Standards will help organisations achieve effective management and control of risk in a practical and proportionate way'.