1.1 Identify legislation relating to health and safety in a care setting.
The main piece of legislation governing health and safety in a care setting is the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974. The comprehensive act outlines general health and safety principles, such as an employer’s duty to ensure that their facilities are secure for employees and clients.
The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations of 1999 (MHSWR) also apply, which mandate that employers make “suitable assessments” or risk assessments to identify risks from any activities they engage in and manage those risks appropriately. This requirement holds for healthcare settings as well. These regulations mandate that employers evaluate workplace hazards and, where necessary, take action to prevent injury or illness by isolating potentially harmful behaviour, equipment, or substances if elimination is not possible or by providing adequate control measures like personal protective equipment (PPE).
The Control Of Substances Hazardous To Health Regulations 2002 apply to specific medical procedures, such as vaccinations. Those working in care settings will likely be responsible for administering medication, so they should be aware of the risks associated with hazardous substances. This regulation requires employers to provide training, information, and instruction for staff on these topics.
In order to assess the risk of exposure posed by these substances when used at work, such as through inhalation or skin contact, etc., and determine the need for protective measures (PPE), employers are also required by the COSHH Regulations to identify any “substances that may cause harm” – such as cleaning chemicals.
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations of 1992 govern manual handling (MHOR). Given that many activities in healthcare and care settings involve physically demanding tasks that put service users and staff at risk of injury or illness due to their efforts being poorly managed, these regulations are crucial. This means that lifting and handling procedures should be carefully considered to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and other injuries in staff members, with a focus on those tasks that require “repetitive or sustained force.” To ensure that employees are aware of the risks connected with manual handling and how to manage them appropriately, employers must also provide adequate training.
The Fire Precautions Regulations (Workplace) 1997 are essential because fire safety is crucial in healthcare/care settings where vulnerable service users reside or visit. Employers are responsible for providing a safe working environment by managing potential hazards that could contribute to a fire breaking out, such as poor electrical wiring, and by training staff on their responsibilities should they discover an outbreak has occurred, such as initiating emergency procedures and evacuating the area.
Other answers in the full document:
- 1.2 Explain the main points of health and safety policies and procedures agreed with the employer.
- 1.3 Analyse the main health and safety responsibilities of:
– Self
– Employer / Manager
– Others - 1.4 Identify specific tasks in the work setting that should not be carried out without special training
- 3.1 Describe different types of accidents and sudden illness that may occur in own work setting.
- 3.2 Explain procedures to be followed if an accident or sudden illness should occur.
- 4.1 Explain own role in supporting others to follow practices that reduce the spread of infection.
- 4.2 Describe the causes and spread of infection.
- 5.1 Explain the main points of legislation that relate to moving and handling.
- 5.2 Explain the principles for safe moving and handling.
- 6.1 Describe types of hazardous substances that may be found in the work setting.
- 7.1 Describe practices that prevent fires from: Starting, Spreading.
- 7.3 Explain emergency procedures to be followed in the event of a fire in the work setting
- 8.3 Explain the importance of ensuring that others are aware of own whereabouts.
- 9.1 Describe common signs and indicators of stress in self and others.
- 9.2 Analyse factors that can trigger stress.
- 9.3 Compare strategies for managing stress in self and others.
- 9.4 Explain how to access sources of support.