1.1 Identify legislation relating to health and safety in a care setting.
Health and Safety in a care setting are covered by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This UK legislation puts employers under a ‘duty of care’ to ensure, so far as possible, that their employees are safe from harm whilst they are working. The employer has responsibility for both preventing injury and managing any risks identified through assessments or reports of incidents or accidents. They must provide suitable safety equipment, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), where needed, make sure it’s properly maintained, give appropriate training on health and safety procedures, and assess hazards associated with tasks to identify risk factors before any work takes place.
In addition, there is also the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, which requires employers or organisations to assess the risks to health and safety that arise from their workplace activities. It also places a duty on them to appoint competent people with suitable qualifications and experience, who are then responsible for ensuring safe working conditions in terms of measures, systems and procedures.
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 requires employers to provide appropriate first-aid equipment, facilities and personnel so employees can be given immediate help if they are injured or taken ill at work.
The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 covers the provision of care services and applies to many premises, including hospitals, residential homes and day-care centres. It includes regulations relating to health and safety in these settings, such as the requirement for fire safety measures which are specific requirements related to assessments and training, fire safety, electric shock protection, etc.
Also, The Control Of Substances Hazardous To Health 2002 requires employers who use hazardous substances at work must identify any risks posed by them under COSHH regulations from inhalation or skin absorption/contact etc., carry out an assessment of these risks which should include information about risk factors associated with exposure limits set by law along with control measures needed to protect workers, e.g., wearing PPE when handling certain chemicals in the health and social care setting.
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.