Workplace Safety & Health Literature Review

The assignment requires a thorough review of academic literature focusing on various aspects of workplace safety and health. Key areas explored include the impact of job demands and resources, the prevalence of workplace bullying and harassment, and effective strategies for risk communication. The review should synthesize best evidence from studies and draw conclusions about interventions that can improve presenteeism in workers.

Health and Social
care

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
1.1 Reviewing the Systems, Policies and Procedures formed by legislation..............................1
1.2 Assess the responsibilities in a specific health and social care workplace...........................2
3.3 Self- Contribution to evaluate health and safety standards...................................................2
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................3
1.3 Analysis of health and safety priorities for social and health care work..............................3
2.4 Effect of non-compliance with health and safety legislation................................................4
2.2 Analysis of the impact of one health and safety policy........................................................5
3.1 Reviewing and monitoring of health care policies................................................................6
2.1 Analysis of information obtained and its role in care planning and organisational decision-
making.........................................................................................................................................6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
2.3 Dilemmas are encountered in relation to implementing systems and policies.....................7
3.2 Analysis and effectiveness of health and safety policies and practices in workplace...........8
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
Health and social care is referred to as services which are provided to the residents of a
country so that they are able to carry out a healthy and stable lifestyle (Cancelliere and et al.,
2011). This term is used often to define healthcare structure of a country inclusive of private
sector. The practitioners who work in such domain makes sure that clients of this sector are able
to carry out an basic and holistic care needs are met. This sector is closely related to the medical
profession and emphasis on catering needs of people majorly through community day care
centres and nursing homes.
1.1 Reviewing the Systems, Policies and Procedures formed by legislation
Risk is defined to be probable loss which might occur to an individual. The worker have
to ensure that all the precaution are taken and their impact have been minimized on the client.
The focus of service provider should be on the risks which carry the power to cause potential
harm to the client. Staff needs to rightly identify the same and take precautionary measures so
that major accidents can be prevented. There is an essential needs in a health-and-social-care
institution to install a communication pattern so that such incidents can be communicated before
they cause any real harm to client. The two major risks are physical risks (slippery floors, faulty
equipment, hot surfaces) and Procedural risks (Task handling, infection control and attitudes of
clients) Communication in an organisation can be facilitated through revamping organisational
structure and equipping workforce with right set of training so that major accidents can be
prevented from happening (Cooper and Quick, 2017). The legislations which aims to maintain
health and safety standards are as follows:
Health and safety of employees act 1974: this act aims to ensure that employees are safe
and tasks which are allotted to them can be practised. The provision under this act are to equip
them will safe operations and welfare provisions so that they are provided with a healthy and
riskless working environment.
Health and social care act 2008: this law takes into consideration the circumstances of
clients. The emphasis is on welfare and preferences of client. Emphasizing on safety of client a
service provider have to take balanced and calculated risks.
Workplace safety regulation 1999: This act was introduced as a reformed version of the
1974 Act. This legislation bounds a service provider to avoid risks and combatting which are
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unavoidable by organisation. The health and safety provisions are to be conformed under this
legislation.
1.2 Assess the responsibilities in a specific health and social care workplace
Managing risk is a task which cannot be carried out by a single individual. Therefore to
manage risk in an ideal manner responsibilities are divided on to various individual such are:
Organisational Responsibilities: An organisation in health and social care segment
comprises of numerous parties such as employers, employee, service-user and carers. Risk have
become an integral part of service provision. It is an inclusive part of treating patients and
service priorities. The organisation can formulate policies and strategies which ensure that
activities are carried out in an riskless manner (Demerouti and Bakker, 2011.).
Monitoring and evaluation processes: these are the measures which are carried out at
operational level at the same time conforming to legislation introduced by the government. The
efforts include safety inspections and hazard monitoring so that major risks can be countered
with.
Auditing: It refers to the examination of health and safety measures adopted by the
business. The large organisation carry a formal system through which health and safety
performance of a health care is audited. Such organisation conducts both internal and external
audit to ensure that health and safety measures are up-to-date at the same conforming to
legislation established by the government. The safety & health audit recognition programme
(SHARP) is a renowned in-house management tool used to audit risk management measures of a
system.
Management structure: The management structure in health and social care comprises of
a health and safety committee who is responsible for formulating policy and planning. Health
and safety officers are individual which come under policy formulators and are responsible for
planning and implementation of the same then followed by personnel who are implementers of
policy. Organisation or management structure is also crucial in setting standard of health and
safety at a workplace (Freivalds and Niebel, 2013). The management with their policy
formulation defines the standards of risk assessment in context of an organisation.
3.3 Self- Contribution to evaluate health and safety standards
It is the duty of each and every individual related to an organisation to analyse health and
safety standards so that differences can be addressed. I have been a part of this health care
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system and my efforts are aimed to improve quality and safety standards so that there are lesser
risks. The employees are the best individual who can suggests chances that uplift the level of
health and safety standards of a health and social care institution. As a practitioner, I have
identified that the execution of policies in context of health and safety is not paid emphasis to.
This institution on papers have conformed to the legislature requirements but failed in the
internal auditing. This makes it essential for a business to implement it in ideal manner so that it
complies with health and safety standards. There are some of the differences which I have
identified while working here are that the security system installed is outdated and not able to
carry out the tasks which that is supposed to carry out. It has to keep surveillance on the clients
so that practitioner can be at their service whenever required. The people are adequate
authentication should be allowed to meet clients. The maintenance staff is not active as they
come after calling them 3-4 times. They need to be pro-active so that major technical breakdown
can be resolved in earlies possible. The main machines which needs to working at all times are
ventilation, temperature control and supporting equipments so that major accidents can be
avoided.
TASK 2
1.3 Analysis of health and safety priorities for social and health care work
It is essential to critically analyse health and safety priorities of institution so that they are
matched with the standards established by the government. Mr John when employed with
Respite care home has identified that social care provider was in pretty bad shape and have failed
miserably on the CQC examination. The health and safety executive was charged with a fine of
30,000 euros. He is awarded with a task to restore the discrepancies and ensure that it matches
with benchmarks established by the care quality commission. The major grounds which are to
be considered are as follows:
Safety aid: Respite care home failed to comply with safety and health standards. It has
been found out during inspections that there were open wires, tripping hazards, absence of basic
amenities such as toiler paper, food items and cleanliness. The provision of basic necessities is to
be facilitated along with provision of walking aid and wheelchair so that client can be served in a
better manner (Goetsch, 2011). The health and safety law of 1981 ensures that provision of first
aid at all times so that client are served in a rapid manner. To match with food and hygiene
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standard of the legislation 1974, food are to be kept separately are to be disposed in an ideal
manner so that there are no chances of serving contaminated food.
Security Systems: the security systems are installed in a health and social care systems so
to reduce risk of intruders (Hogh, Mikkelsen and Hansen, 2011). It is making sure that windows
and doors of the room are locked to reduce the outside risk and restrain access of outsiders. The
technology can be applied so that people with authorisation can enter the premises. Alarms and
firewall are another area which needs to be emphasized on any unauthorised access will raise
alarm to make guards aware. In terms of technology information of clients is to be protected
with firewalls so that they can be preserved. The various hazard which can also be considered are
social and biological which are to countered.
Maintenance: Maintenance of technical and mechanical equipment needs to be on time
so to reduce the risk in that domain. Ventilation and temperature control systems are to be
maintained in an ideal state so that it minimizes the risk. It is essential for clients to be provided
with right set of ventilation and temperature so that infection and germs do not spread ( Goetzel
and et. al., 2014). Mr John have to emphasize on building a maintenance team which resolves the
technical difficulties in less time.
Breakdown of machineries in health and social care segment will lead to irreparable
damage to the care home. It can lead to immense rise in the risk factor for this health care
system. The hazards which can typically erupt out of failure of machinery are skin and
respiratory sensitisers, gas leakage, electrical unsafely and infection due to failure to provide
right environment to clients. So equipments are need to be dealt with competent and experienced
staff so that it does not results in bad outcomes for this institution.
2.4 Effect of non-compliance with health and safety legislation
If an institution is catering its services in health and social care system will experience
effects on various grounds which are as follows:
Financial: the most intense effect of non-compliance with the legislation will result in
financial losses for the company. In context of respite care home they are penalised with a fine of
30,000 euros by health and safety authority of the country as they failed to match the standards.
In addition to that 15,000 euros have to be provided as a compensation to the worker who broke
his hip due to negligence of the institution.
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Health: The another effect can be observed in the health of the client at care home. They
are more vulnerable to infections and illnesses as their care home does not match the standards
set up by the government. They have failed to provide basic amenities which may results in food
contamination and health issues.
Legal: the failure to comply with the legislation related to health, safety and welfare
regulation 1992, will automatically avoid legal trouble for business. They will be inspected
frequently and failure to match targets within allotted time will result in cancellation of license to
carry out operations to respite care homes.
Moral: Moral beliefs in health-and-social-care aims to provide non-discriminatory
practice along with maintaining confidentiality and providing ideal service to clients. Moral in
nursing are doing good to the clients, valuing someone else's life more than our own. The failure
to comply with the health and safety standards will also results in violation of moral ethics of an
individual of providing good services to the clients.
2.2 Analysis of the impact of one health and safety policy
There are varieties of policies which are to be taken into consideration while running a
health and social care service. Confidentiality policy in this sector is plays a significant role. It
the act of maintaining confidence between service provider and user (Law and et. al., 2011). It is
termed to be a crucial part of ideal care practice being rendered to clients. It refers to not telling
critical information to a person who doesn't need to know. During earlier times there was no
confidentiality in health and social care the reason being a practitioner have to discuss a
particular condition related to an individual to another experienced practitioner so that he can be
served in an improved manner. But later this policy is being emphasized on in this domain and
practitioner are not supposed to take name of a person while discussing his health so to main
confidentiality. Such situation enhances the level of relation shared by the two. At present any
violation in policy of confidentiality results in the legal action and individual responsible for the
same is punishable under the law.
This policy will carry an influence on the functioning of the whole system of health and
safety as it determines the level of bonding and trust shared between service-user and
practitioner. The disclosure of information should be done in a lawful and ethical manner. This
policy is constantly reviewed and monitored by Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA98) and Human
rights act 1998. it is the duty of staff to maintain and preserve all private information and ensure
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that there are no incidents which involves gossiping, discussion and talking about the same in
public places. Respite home care can employ electronic measures such as firewall so that
information is kept secure over the internet.
3.1 Reviewing and monitoring of health care policies
It is very essential to review policies in health and social care to match steps with
changing times. The changes introduced are too frequent therefore it is difficult to cooperate with
the environment. Management of policy is a continuous process which involves times reviewing
policies of health care (Lundgren and McMakin, 2013). It aims to ensure that policies match with
the standards established by the government of UK. The size and complexity of operation
determine time at which reviewing process in the business is to be carried out.
There are n number of standards and regulation which are to followed by an institution.
Each standard enforce a business to either update or introduce new policy in its working. The
healthcare organisation should review their policies internally and CQC externally review the
functioning of a business. The failure to abide by the rules and regulations invites legal trouble.
Referring to the above cited case-study there can be another method for reviewing plans
and policies is linked with taking feedback from customers about their experiences with the
services and safety systems and policies which were developed by them. The failure to abide by
health and safety standards is a major cause of concern for this business. Therefore Mr John have
emphasized on updating of policies and comply with governmental standards to render quality
services to people. Such policies are required that can help in offering quality services to client
and support them in the best possible manner. The Health and safety committee is external
auditor responsible for reviewing services and policies being offered to public.
2.1 Analysis of information obtained and its role in care planning and organisational decision-
making
In context of Health and social care, risk assessment is defined to be measures which care
employed by an institution to control risk factors which are existing in the environment. The
hazards in the environment are identified and countered so that they cause minimum harm to the
institution (Magnavita and Heponiemi, 2011).
Identify Hazards: it is the main duty of employers that identify hazards that have the
ability to cause harm to the business. In context of health and social care HIPPA violations,
medical accidents and data breaches. Such hazards carry the potential to invite losses to business.
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Factors under risk: This step aims to identify domain which will be affected the most if
the risk have occurred. The various sectors which will be harmed i.e. staff, visitors, clients and
public. Employers have to be extra cautious while dealing with clients so that hazards are
avoided (What is health and social care?, 2017). The consideration to the risk help a business in
formulating decisions which are beneficial for business.
Assess the risk and take action: This step aims to take detailed analysis of the risk in
qualitative and quantitative measures. It is to be determined that the risk is high or low. While
consideration the same planning for future of a business is to be carried and decisions are
constructed (Nahrgang, Morgeson and Hofmann, 2011).
Record findings: The finding of assessment are to be recorded by the employer. The
finding must include details about potential threats and should be countered with suitable
planning. It is to be analysed effectively so that policies and practices for the future can be
formulated.
Review: It is the last step in the risk assessment. The reviewing of risk assessment aims to
reconsider whether newly planned strategies and decision are suited to the circumstance and
have the ability to counter the risks which may arise within the institution. Mr John have to
reviews the steps taken by the management in countering risk and make sure that they are
appropriate in reducing the impact of hazard.
TASK 3
2.3 Dilemmas are encountered in relation to implementing systems and policies
Dilemmas are defined to be a situation of confusion in the life of a person. Such situation
arises when a person is legally and ethically stopped to take a decision. In a business there are
variety of stakeholders such as management, employees, clients, government and communities
surrounding (Salvendy, 2012). Implementation of policies and systems can sometimes cause
dilemma to employees are they are confused among two or more choices.
The case study is a perfect example of dilemma where Mr Sam who is fond of reading
newspapers wishes to go out and buy news daily from the shop. As a domiciliary it gives rise to
dilemma as ethical conduct of business states that he should not go out due to his lack of road
awareness and moral principles of a person wants him to go out and to buy his favourite
newspaper. In such confusion I would prioritize my responsibility to safeguard Mr Sam and
prevent him from going out.
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Implementation of policies states that private data of a client is to be kept confidential
and must not be shared or discussed. But when families of a client asks about his well-being,
under such circumstances a service worker might be in a confusion whether to share information
or not. Failure to oblige with Data protection Act will result in unprofessional behavioural
whereas sharing will help in better diagnosis.
3.2 Analysis and effectiveness of health and safety policies and practices in workplace
It is essential to promote workplace health and safety procedures so that well-being of
stakeholders can be assured (Wilson and Sharples, 2015). It is a must that organisational culture
is positive and safe so that clients are offered with best services. The practices and policies
established by the management carry the power to influence positive, safety and safe culture.
Practising: it refers to the practice of of managers and employees to create a positive and
safe environment. The outcomes of this practising a positive environment will results in better
outcomes in terms of service provision to the clients.
Promotion of health and safety practices reduces the chances of accident which results in
stability in service provision and number of disruption will be comparatively lower. The another
benefit which can be availed from health and safety practices is that managers are able to
maintain ideal quality standards which are adopted by the organisation. The people working in
organisation ensures that standards established are met and often succeeded.
Risk assessment aims to identify potential threats in the environment so that corrective
measures can be taken. It can help in constructing contingency plans so that stable services are
provided (Zohar, 2014). Promotion of health sand safety ensures that emergency situation arising
within institution are dealt with in an ideal manner.
Another example can be linked with risk assessment at health cares are giving
information to all persons that when the floors are wet they become slippery and there are higher
changes of accidents. The risk teams will develop plans in order to avoid accidents in future
times by giving alert notice.
CONCLUSION
From the above mentioned report it can be concluded that health care organisations are
concerned about safety aspects of all their employees in order to develop positive environment at
work place. The health care teams are visiting these care centres in order to ensure safety aspects
at their places and if it is not implemented then they had to pay heavy fines. The audit tools are
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very useful in order to analyse all the risk factors and develop plans in order to ensure future
safety and security. Government had developed various plans and policies which they had to
implement at work place while performing business activities.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Cancelliere, C. and et al., 2011. Are workplace health promotion programs effective at
improving presenteeism in workers? A systematic review and best evidence synthesis of
the literature. BMC public health. 11(1). p.395.
Cooper, C. L. and Quick, J. C. Eds., 2017. The Handbook of Stress and Health: A Guide to
Research and Practice. John Wiley & Sons.
Demerouti, E. and Bakker, A. B., 2011. The job demands-resources model: Challenges for future
research. SA Journal of Industrial Psychology. 37(2). pp.01-09.
Freivalds, A. and Niebel, B., 2013. Niebel's Methods, Standards, & Work Design. Mcgraw-Hill
higher education.
Goetsch, D. L., 2011. Occupational Safety and Health for Technologists, Engineers, and.
Goetzel, R. Z. and et. al., 2014. Do workplace health promotion (wellness) programs work?.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 56(9). pp.927-934.
Hogh, A., Mikkelsen, E. G. and Hansen, A. M., 2011. Individual consequences of workplace
bullying/mobbing. Bullying and harassment in the workplace: Developments in theory,
research, and practice. 2. pp.107-128.
Law, R. and et. al., 2011. Psychosocial safety climate as a lead indicator of workplace bullying
and harassment, job resources, psychological health and employee engagement.
Accident Analysis & Prevention. 43(5). pp.1782-1793.
Lundgren, R. E. and McMakin, A. H., 2013. Risk communication: A handbook for
communicating environmental, safety, and health risks. John Wiley & Sons.
Magnavita, N. and Heponiemi, T., 2011. Workplace violence against nursing students and
nurses: an Italian experience. Journal of Nursing Scholarship. 43(2). pp.203-210.
Nahrgang, J. D., Morgeson, F. P. and Hofmann, D. A., 2011. Safety at work: a meta-analytic
investigation of the link between job demands, job resources, burnout, engagement, and
safety outcomes.
Salvendy, G., 2012. Handbook of human factors and ergonomics. John Wiley & Sons.
Wilson, J. R. and Sharples, S. eds., 2015. Evaluation of human work. CRC press.
Zohar, D., 2014. Safety climate: Conceptualization, measurement, and improvement. The Oxford
handbook of organizational climate and culture, pp.317-334.
Online
What is health and social care?. 2017 [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.worldskills.org/what/career/skills-explained/social-and-personal-
services/health-and-social-care/> .
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