Health and safety Essay

1Understand own responsibilities, and the responsibilities of others, relating to health and safety in the work setting 1.1 identify legislation relating to general health and safety in a health or social care work setting Health and Safety at work act of 1974, it ensures that the employer, the employee have responsibilities to ensure that a good level of safety is attained in the workplace. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992, which supports the health and safety act. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) which ensures safe storage and usage of any substances that could harm other workers or service users. The Manual Handling Regulations of 1992, which sets out methods and requirements to be met when manually handling objects, as well as people. The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1985 (RIDDOR) outlines what is required to be recorded and reported. Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulat ions (PPE) 1992 Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998 see more:explain why it is important to have secure systems for recording and storing information 1.2 describe the main points of the health and safety policies and procedures agreed with the employer The main points of health and safety policies and procedures largely centre on standards that must be upheld in order to create a safe place of work, and also to ensure that somewhere meets all legislation requirements when it comes to things like COSHH, where all harmful substances must be locked away while not in use, and not left around when being used if the worker leaves the room, even for a moment. When handling harmful substances or when administering medication or giving personal care the correct PPE equipment must be worn that is supplied by the employer, such as disposable gloves and aprons. When moving and handling a service user that requires specialised equipment two workers must be present and fully trained to move the service user, manual handling regulations 1992. 1.3 outline the main health and safety responsibilities of: – self – the employer or manager – others in the work setting Self- Health and safety responsibilities that pertain me as the support worker are to maintain any important care procedures, which refer to the policies and procedures once again, but most things do as they outline the ways in which things must be done, this includes attending any training. Health and safety responsibilities include other things such as making sure any activities are done safely, as well as the use of any equipment or materials to be handled with care, minimizing the risk of injury or harm to myself and others, including other staff and service users. If on occasion someone is harmed/hurt then I am to record and report it appropriately, even if it is just a concern. Employer/Manager- Their responsibility is to ensure that every member of staff understands their obligations towards health and safety, and that there are methods in place to allow the employee’s to operate under it. Including keeping enough stock of necessary equipment required to avoid injury, damage or wastage, and not charge for any PPE or first aid facilities. It is also the manager’s role to assess any existing risks and create ways to minimise them, and to provide training on health and safety. Others- All other company support workers, agency, maintenance, nurses, GPs, visitors must adhere to all policies and procedures set out by the management and follow all health and safety protocol. 1.4 identify tasks relating to health and safety that should not be carried out without special training Handling and administering medication/drugs/substances, especially harmful. Manual Handling Using hoists and slings Clinical waste disposal Cooking, food preparation Handling cleaning products, chemical substances 1.5 explain how to access additional support and  information relating to health and safety Speaking to the team leader/manager or by going on the internet and searching for the question you seek the answer for. You could read a book that covers that part of health and safety such as course workbooks. It can be attained by attending any training relating to health and safety, and as always information can be found in the companies policies and procedures. 2 Understand the use of risk-assessments in relation to health and safety 2.1 explain why it is important to assess health and safety hazards posed by the work setting or by particular activities It is important to assess health and safety hazards posed by the work setting or by a particular activity in order to prevent risk of injury to oneself, fellow colleagues and services users. 2.2 explain how and when to report potential health and safety risks that have been identified I would report any potential health and safety risks that have been identified immediately to my line manager both verbally and by written report if necessary. If there is an health and safety risk putting myself or anyone else in immediate danger then I would call 999 and ask for the appropriate emergency service, such as a fire. 2.3 explain how risk-assessment can help address dilemmas between rights and health and safety concerns Risk assessments can help address dilemmas between rights and health safety largely by making the individual, whether that be a service user or a member of staff aware of the risks that exist. For example if someone in a wheelchair who has a partial ability to walk is  feeling discriminated against by not being allowed to walk somewhere unassisted, (it might be wet floor inside or perhaps it could be icy outside) then explaining the reasons behind persuading the use of a wheelchair is for their own safety, and that it is not a decision that even rests in your hands, helps break the dilemma he/she had concerning his/her rights as an individual, and also serve his own health and safety needs. Because it makes the service user aware of the carers responsibilities, and the behind the risk assessments is to keep people safe and not to discriminate for any reason. 3 Understand procedures for responding to accidents and sudden illness 3.1 describe different types of accidents and sudden illness that may occur in own work setting Both service users within my work setting do not have the capability to recognise illness at its earliest occurrence or describe any ill feelings and therefore when the illness comes to show itself on skin, oral areas or eyes the illness can be at a serious stage. As well as everyday accidents such as tripping, falling, cutting oneself with a kitchen knife etc. there are specialised equipment such as hoists that could malfunction during the moving of a service user with possible harm to the service user and staff. 3.2 outline the procedures to be followed if an accident or sudden illness should occur Firstly I must deal with the accident or illness with an appropriate response level. If there has been a loss of limb, head wound, loss of consciousness or loss of breath I will call 999. If there is no immediate risk to life I will call the GP or district nurse and describe the situation clearly allowing them to give guidance on the situation. If the accident is minor and can be resolved by myself immediately such as applying a plaster I must do so. In the occurrence of any serious illness or accident I must record it in the appropriate file clearly stating what occurred and what actions I took and then sign and date it. 5 Be able to move and handle equipment and other objects safely 5.1 identify legislation that relates to moving and handling Manual Handling Operations Regulations, which governs how people manually handle objects and large items as well as people, and tries its best to ensure a safe method for every type of foreseeable movable object. Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which makes injuries and accidents far less likely by making the workplace safe, and that when any injuries are incurred by staff or service users then it is reported and reasonable action is taken. 5.2 explain principles for moving and handling equipment and other objects safely Make sure the area in which the objects are being moved is clear of any trip hazards. Avoid any hazardous manual handling. Adhering to the requirements of any risk assessments in place. Check any equipment to be used is in good working order before using it. Use the equipment properly and safely, while adhering to the agreed ways of working. Using the proper techniques and methods of work, taught in manual handling course. 5.3 move and handle equipment or other objects safely I will demonstrate my competence of moving and handling equipment within the work setting. In my work setting I use both tracking and mobile hoists to move the service users between their beds, commodes, bath, wheelchairs and comfortable living-room chairs. Each service user also has a specialised bed which can be altered in height and resting positions. I confirm that the evidence listed above is my own work and was carried out under the conditions and context specified in the standards.