8 Understand Health and Safety in Social Care Settings
1 Understand the different responsibilities relating to health and safety in social care settings
1.1 List legislation relating to general health and safety in a social care setting
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA)
The Manual Handling Regulations of 1992
Food safety act 1990
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH)
The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1985 (RIDDOR)
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (PPE)
1.2 Describe the main points of health and safety policies and procedures
Health and safety policies and procedures identify how to keep a safe environment and meet the requirements of health and safety legislation. For example all fire doors/entrances/exits must be safe and kept clear, all equipment must be tested regularly and safe to reduced risks. All harmful chemicals must be used and stored correctly, for example if a pressurised aerosol cans are stored near a source of heat or in direct sunlight, it can lead to the can exploding, therefore they need to be stored in a secure cool dark room with a way of locking the door. Risk assessments are also important to have to protect vulnerable groups, as it protects them from potential risks/hazards. Training and supervision must also be provided for staff regularly to ensure the staff are up to date and any changes to legislation, end ensures staff are up to date on any vital training needed e.g. first aid, manual handling, infection control, medication etc.
1.3(a) Outline the main health and safety responsibilities of: the social care worker
Attend training provided by employer.
Report and record health and safety concerns e.g. machinery nor working, report any injuries etc.
Ensure any activities done in the setting are done in a safely.
Ensure machinery is in working order before use.
Reduce the risk of danger/injury/harm to others and myself.
Do not obstruct and fire doors/entrances/exits to the building and report any obstructions that are found.
1.3(b) Outline the main health and safety responsibilities of: the employer or manager
Ensure each member of staff is aware of their responsibilities under the Health and Safety Policy
Ensure there’s safety procedures and equipment in place to prevent/lower the risk of injury or harm.
Assess and reduce risks.
Provide adequate training, information and supervision for all staff.
Provide first aid boxes in case of emergencies. Provide protective clothing and equipment for all staff, free of charge.
1.3(c) Outline the main health and safety responsibilities of: individuals
All other members of staff and visitors to the care home must follow all Health and Safety procedures put in place, follow instructions when using equipment and report any health and safety concerns.
1.4 Identify tasks relating to health and safety that should only be carried out with special training
Some tasks are hazardous for health and safety when done without special training, these include:
Using hoists and slings,
Waste disposal,
Cleaning and use of chemical substances
First aid
Distributing medication
Food handling and preparation
Moving and handling
1.5 Describe how to access additional support and information relating to health and safety
People:
Any person who is appointed responsibility for health and safety within the setting (health and safety representative)
Manager
Health and safety Executive (HSE)
Environmental Health department
Sources of information:
Attend training
Look on the internet
Read a book
2 Understand the use of risk assessments in relation to health and safety
2.1 Define what is meant by ‘hazard' and ‘risk'
Hazard- the potential to cause harm
Risk- the likelihood of causing harm
2.2 Describe how to use a health and safety risk assessment
There are 5 steps to a risk assessment:
1- Identify the hazards:- Hazards can be identified using a number of different techniques such