What is the purpose of a written statement in health and safety contexts?

The purpose of a written statement in health and safety contexts is to document health and safety policy. This statement serves as an essential tool for communicating the organization's commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of its employees and others who may be affected by its activities. It typically outlines key aspects such as responsibilities, objectives, and procedures related to health and safety practices within the organization.

Having a documented health and safety policy ensures that there is clarity in the expectations regarding safety standards, promotes a proactive approach to hazard identification and risk management, and helps in compliance with legal requirements. This formal documentation is vital for training, guiding actions, and providing a standard against which the organization can measure its health and safety performance.

In contrast, topics such as employee benefits, company profits, and sales targets do not pertain to health and safety policies. While they are important aspects of an organization, they do not directly address the framework or commitments necessary for ensuring a safe working environment.