Which statement about the health and safety policy is true?

• A. It is optional for small businesses
• B. It only applies to managers
• C. It should be signed and dated by senior management
• D. It is the responsibility of the safety officer only

Answer: (C)

A health and safety policy is most effective when senior leadership officially endorses it. When the policy is signed and dated by top management, it signals clear commitment, assigns authority, and establishes accountability across the organization. The date also provides version control and indicates the plan’s current status and renewal schedule, helping ensure the policy stays up to date and enforceable. This reinforces that health and safety are the responsibility of the whole organization and not just one role. Policies should be formal and widely communicated, not optional, not limited to managers, and not the sole duty of the safety officer.