Making HSG65 Work for SMEs: A Practical Guide to the "Plan" Stage
- Steven Harrison CMgr MCMI
- May 3
- 4 min read
At SJH Safety Solutions, we understand that for many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), health and safety management can feel daunting. With limited time, resources and often wearing multiple hats in the business, it’s easy to view health and safety as just another compliance hurdle.
But here’s the truth: good health and safety management doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or time-consuming.
One of the best frameworks to follow — whether you’re a large corporation or a family-run local business — is HSG65: Managing for Health and Safety, published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
In this blog, we’ll break down the "Plan" phase of HSG65, and show you how SMEs can easily and effectively implement this into daily operations without the stress.
Why "Planning" Matters in Health & Safety Management
The HSG65 model works on a Plan - Do - Check - Act (PDCA) cycle, which helps organisations manage risk logically and continuously improve.
Planning is the crucial first step. Without a plan, your safety efforts can become reactive and inconsistent — often only addressed when something goes wrong.
Good planning allows you to:
Set clear objectives and expectations.
Assign clear roles and responsibilities.
Identify and manage risks and resources.
Prepare for emergencies before they arise.
For SMEs, this translates into a focused, no-fuss approach to keeping employees safe while maintaining productivity and compliance.
How SMEs Can Implement the "Plan" Stage
Now, let’s break down how to actually do this in an SME environment.
1️⃣ Define Roles and Responsibilities
Every business needs clarity on who does what when it comes to health and safety.
For SMEs, this doesn’t need layers of management. It could be as simple as:
The owner or director taking overall responsibility.
A manager or supervisor ensuring daily tasks are completed safely.
All employees being accountable for working safely and reporting hazards.
👉 Tip: Document these responsibilities in your health and safety policy and communicate them clearly during team meetings or inductions.
2️⃣ Develop a Simple Health & Safety Policy
HSE requires every business with five or more employees to have a written health and safety policy.
For SMEs, this does not need to be lengthy or filled with jargon. It should cover:
Your statement of intent (your commitment to managing health and safety).
Organisation and arrangements (who is responsible and how you will manage risks).
Review dates and methods to ensure the policy stays current.
👉 Tip: Keep your policy accessible to all staff — in a staff handbook, on your noticeboard, or digitally.
3️⃣ Identify Hazards and Assess Risks
This is where risk assessments come into play.
SMEs should approach this practically:
Walk around the workplace regularly.
Consult with staff — they often have first-hand knowledge of risks.
Look for patterns — incident records, near misses, and sickness absence trends.
Your risk assessment should be proportionate to your work activities. Focus on significant risks that are likely to cause harm and can be controlled.
👉 Tip: Avoid overcomplicating — use simple templates and only record what’s necessary.
4️⃣ Set SMART Safety Objectives
Once risks are understood, you need clear health and safety objectives.
For SMEs, these should be:
Specific — e.g., reduce manual handling injuries.
Measurable — track incidents or training completions.
Achievable — consider your resources.
Relevant — aligned with your business activities.
Time-bound — set review dates to check progress.
👉 Tip: Make objectives visible — display them in staff areas or discuss progress in team briefings.
5️⃣ Allocate Resources
Safety does not happen without investment. However, this does not mean expensive equipment or hiring new staff.
For SMEs, it’s about smart allocation:
Time for inspections, maintenance and training.
People — ensure those with safety responsibilities have authority and competence.
Money — budget for essential PPE, signage, and maintenance.
👉 Tip: Consider free or low-cost resources where possible — HSE guidance, trade bodies, and SJH Safety Solutions offer support tailored to SMEs.
6️⃣ Plan for Emergencies
Emergencies can and do happen — fire, medical incidents, chemical spills and even severe weather. Planning helps avoid chaos.
In an SME, emergency planning should cover:
Clear evacuation procedures.
First aid arrangements.
Fire drills and alarm tests.
Business continuity planning for severe disruption.
👉 Tip: Involve employees in planning and drills. Familiarity reduces panic in real emergencies.
Keep It Proportionate and Practical
The key to success for SMEs is not to overcomplicate the Plan phase.
HSG65 is designed to be flexible and scalable. If your organisation is smaller, the approach can (and should) reflect this. What’s important is that risks are identified, responsibilities are clear, and arrangements are realistic.
Remember, health and safety is about protecting your people and business — not just ticking boxes.
The Role of SJH Safety Solutions
Many SME owners worry they will miss something important or be overwhelmed by legislation. That’s where working with a professional partner like SJH Safety Solutions can help.
We provide:
✔️ Policy drafting and review
✔️ Risk assessments and site inspections
✔️ Tailored safety objectives and improvement plans
✔️ Emergency planning support
✔️ Competent advice and guidance when you need it
Together, we make compliance simple, practical and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
Health and safety planning doesn’t have to be a burden for SMEs. By applying the Plan stage of HSG65 in a clear and proportionate way, you can create a safer working environment, reduce risks, and ensure you are meeting your legal duties.
Remember:
📌 Plan it
📌 Put it into action
📌 Review it regularly
At SJH Safety Solutions, we believe that every business deserves easy-to-implement safety solutions that work for them — not against them.
If you’re ready to take control of your health and safety management, get in touch today for a no-obligation chat. Together, we can make safety simple.
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