Health and Safety Assignment: Legislation, Accidents, and Prevention

This assignment provides a comprehensive overview of health and safety in the workplace. It begins with defining health and safety legislation and policies, outlining worker responsibilities, and identifying activities requiring special training. The assignment then delves into accident types, infection control practices, and the role of individuals in preventing the spread of infection. It also covers legislation related to moving and handling, hazardous substances, fire prevention, and emergency procedures. Furthermore, the assignment explores the importance of knowing the whereabouts of colleagues, recognizing signs of stress, and implementing stress management strategies. The content is structured to provide a practical understanding of health and safety principles and their application in various work settings, emphasizing the importance of risk assessment and adherence to safety protocols.

Health and safety

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Define health and safety legislation.................................................................................3
1.2 Main points of health and safety policies.........................................................................4
1.3 Responsibilities of health and safety association workers...............................................4
1.4 Activities which cannot done without special training.....................................................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Access additional support or information relating to health and safety?.........................5
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................6
3.1 Different types of accidents and sudden illness...............................................................6
3.2 Practices that reduce the spread of infection....................................................................6
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................7
4.1 Own role in supporting others to follow practices that reduce the spread of infection ...7
4.2 Describe the causes and spread of infection.....................................................................7
TASK 5............................................................................................................................................7
5.1 Main points of legislation that relate to moving and handling.........................................7
5.2 Main principles of moving and handling..........................................................................8
TASK 6............................................................................................................................................8
6.1 Types of Hazardous substances that may be found in the work setting...........................8
TASK 7............................................................................................................................................9
7.1 Describe what practices prevent fires..............................................................................9
7.2 Procedures to be followed in the event of a fire...............................................................9
TASK 8............................................................................................................................................9
8.3 Why must your colleagues know where you are at all times...........................................9
TASK 9............................................................................................................................................9
9.1 Describe 5 common signs of stress..................................................................................9
9.2 How would you recognise your own stress....................................................................10
9.3 Factors that may trigger your own stress........................................................................10
9.4 Describe 4 different strategies for managing stress........................................................11

CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Occupational health and safety is relevant to all branches of industry, business and
commerce including traditional industries, information technology companies, the National
Health Service, care homes, schools, universities, leisure facilities and offices. It is particularly
important for the construction industry (Clifford, 2012). The purpose of this chapter is to
introduce the foundations on which appropriate health and safety systems may be built.
Occupational health and safety affects all aspects of work.
TASK 1
1.1 Define health and safety legislation
The Health and Safety at Work Act had tended to relate to specific industries or
workplaces. The law was more concerned with the requirement for plant and equipment to be
safe rather than the development of parallel arrangements for raising the health and safety
awareness of employees. A further serious problem was the difficulty that legislation had in
keeping pace with developments in technology. For example, following a court ruling in 1955
which, in effect, banned the use of grinding wheels throughout industry (Gaitonde and et. al,
2010). The Health and Safety at Work Act established the HSC and gave it the responsibility to
draft new Regulations and to enforce them either through its executive arm, known as the Health
and Safety Executive (HSE), or through the Local Authority Environmental Health Officers
(EHO). The HSC has equal representation from employers, trade unions and special interest
groups. The principal recommendations were as follows:
 there should be a single Act that covers all workers and that Act should contain general
duties which should ‘influence attitudes.
 the Act should cover all those affected by the employer’s undertaking such as
contractors, visitors, students and members of the public
 there should be an emphasis on health and safety management and the development of
safe systems of work. This would involve the encouragement of employee participation
in accident prevention. (This was developed many years later into the concept of the
health and safety culture)
 enforcement should be targeted at ‘self-regulation’ by the employer rather than reliance
on prosecution in the courts.

1.2 Main points of health and safety policies
A health and safety policy sets out your general approach and commitment together with
the arrangements you have put in place for managing health and safety in your business. It is a
unique document that says who does what, when and how. To clearly demonstrate management's
full commitment to their employee's health and safety. Below describe several points which must
consider in health and safety policy: -
 to show employees that safety performance and business performance are compatible;
 to clearly state the company's safety beliefs, principles, objectives, strategies and
processes to build buy-in through all levels of the company;
 to clearly outline employer and employee accountability and responsibility for workplace
health and safety (Glasby and Dickinson, 2014).
 to set out safe work practices and procedures to be followed to prevent workplace injuries
and illnesses.
1.3 Responsibilities of health and safety association workers
As I am working in a health and social care association as an employee, here my
responsibilities are stated as under: -
 comply with safe work practices, with the intent of avoiding injury to themselves and
others and damage to plant and equipment
 take reasonable care of the health and safety of themselves and others
 wear personal protective equipment and clothing where necessary
 comply with any direction given by management for health and safety
 not misuse or interfere with anything provided for health and safety report all accidents and incidents on the job immediately, no matter how trivial report all
known or observed hazards to their supervisor or manager.
Responsibilities of an employer: -
 a safe working environment
 safe systems of work
 plant and substances in safe condition
 facilities for the welfare of workers
 information, instruction, training and supervision that is reasonably necessary to ensure
that each worker is safe from injury and risks to health

 a commitment to consult and co-operate with workers in all matters relating to health and
safety in the workplace
 a commitment to continually improve our performance through effective safety
management.
1.4 Activities which cannot done without special training
Without the correct level of training you are not allowed to carry out certain tasks relating
to health and safety. Here are a few examples:
 Moving and handling
 Administering medication
 Emergency first aid
 Giving injections
 Peg feeding
 Colostomy
 Fighting fire
If you are unsure about what you can and cannot do, you must discuss this with your
supervisor / manager.
TASK 2
2.1 Access additional support or information relating to health and safety?
The support and information relating to health and safety can be accessed from The
Health and Safety Executive that regulates health and safety at work; they have a website and
leaflets of information and advice. Additional support and information can also come from
attending training and reading books (Hanif and Naqvi, 2014). In my workplace there is health
and safety representatives to ask advice and information and workplace health and safety policies
and procedures that include information about health and safety.’
 The Health and Safety at Work Act requires employers to ensure workers are
appropriately knowledgeable about Health and Safety and that they are properly trained
in relevant areas. Your employer may have a health and safety representative who is
responsible for health and safety issues at work.
 The Health and Safety Executive (known as HSE) is a government organisation with the
role of preventing people from work related death, injury or ill health. They help
businesses to understand how the laws keep people safe at work affect them.

TASK 3
3.1 Different types of accidents and sudden illness
Musculoskeletal disorders and work related stress are the biggest causes of sickness
absence for social care workers. It is therefore essential that you follow the correct moving and
lifting procedures to avoid back injury and that you seek support if you feel stressed or
overwhelmed by your work. Musculoskeletal disorders - The moving and handling of individuals while caring for
them is a major cause of these injuries. Stresses and strains arising from adopting
awkward or static postures when working with individuals can give rise to back
problems. Work related stress - When work demands exceed the person’s capacity and capability to
cope. It is a significant cause of illness and disease and high levels of sickness absence
(Joumard, André and Nicq, 2010). Slips and trips – These can be for many reasons, for example, unsuitable or badly
maintained flooring, wet floors, unsuitable footwear and obstacles.
 Sudden illness – There are many reasons why people fall ill. These examples could apply
to individuals you support, yourself and your colleagues: burns, fainting, bleeding,
choking, fractures, poisoning, shock, stroke or heart attack.
3.2 Practices that reduce the spread of infection
After child immunization, hand washing is the single most effective way of preventing
the spread of infections, including diarrhea bugs, colds, the flu virus and so called 'superbugs'
such as MRSA and Clostridium Difficile. Hand washing is important, not only in the hospital
environment but in everyday life. Children should be made aware of the importance and benefits
of washing hands properly in order to ensure that it becomes a life-long habit. It is never too
early to teach and encourage them to wash their hands properly. Hand washing reduces the
spread of infection, maintains hygiene and prevents contamination of food and surfaces.
Effective hand washing is one of the cheapest, simplest and most effective ways of preventing
the spread of infections. Washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water can help
protect you, your family, children and others.

TASK 4
4.1 Own role in supporting others to follow practices that reduce the spread of infection
My own role involves supporting others in following practices that reduce spread of
infection. This could include colleagues, new staff members and residents. Following infection
control procedures I will ensure my conducts show examples of the right procedures. This would
include the wearing of gloves and aprons, washing hands and the disposal of bodily wastes
appropriately. When using items like mop heads and mop buckets, that I adhere to the color
codes to prevent infections. If I am being shadowed by new staff members then my actions
should be that which follows the policies and procedures for health and safety regarding
infection control. When supporting residents, where appropriate to encourage the washing of
hands before food preparations, after using the toilet and the wearing of the correct PPE.
4.2 Describe the causes and spread of infection
Infection is harm caused by micro-organisms, which are often referred to as ‘germs’.
Micro-organisms (microbes) are living organisms so small that they cannot be seen without the
use of a very powerful microscope – they are microscopic. Micro-organisms that cause infection
are known as pathogens (Lægreid and et. al., 2016). Bacteria, viruses, pathogenic fungi and
parasites are all examples of micro-organisms that can cause infection.
TASK 5
5.1 Main points of legislation that relate to moving and handling
There are several key pieces of legislation that relate to ‘moving and handling’ which
need to be considered during your work environment.
 The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 are designed specifically to
eliminate or reduce a manual handling risk to an acceptable level.
 Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 has specific requirements
relating to work equipment which is used for lifting and lowering people or loads. It
requires an employer to ensure that lifting equipment is positioned or installed to prevent
risk of injury and sufficiently strong, stable and suitable for purpose (Qureshi and Syed,
2014).
 Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 ensures that the equipment
employers provide is suitable for the intention, safe for use, only used by people who
have been trained to do so, and maintained in a safe condition.

 The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (known as WHSWR)
ensure employers provide suitable working conditions for their employees.
5.2 Main principles of moving and handling
 Theory including legal requirements - Theory and practical can be done together or
separately. Theory can be e-learning or a classroom based training course.
 Practical activities including use of a hoist and general mobility equipment - Practical is
either classroom based or taught to you on a one to one basis.
 Practical training on specialist equipment - Learning to use specialist equipment usually
takes place where the individual is based.
TASK 6
6.1 Types of Hazardous substances that may be found in the work setting
It is a legal requirement for employers to carry out a risk assessment of their specific
activities to identify where control measures need to be put in place. Risk assessments should
identify the hazards, identify people at risk and assess the risks. Employers' will therefore need to
consider if there is anything you do that involves hazardous substances, how they can cause harm
and how you can reduce the risk of harm. These substances may include things such as:
 cleaning products
 latex
 medicines
 blood
 asbestos
 solvent-based paint and ink
 solvents
 chemical waste
 pesticides
TASK 7
7.1 Describe what practices prevent fires
A fire prevention strategy and a fire risk assessment should include detail and a full
consideration of all of the issues - including issues arising from heat, oxygen and fuel. Advice on
these three elements follows. This advice is not exhaustive and is given in no particular order.
The Fire Prevention Triangle – Heat, Oxygen and Fuel

A fire needs three elements – heat, oxygen and fuel. Without heat, oxygen and fuel a fire
will not start or spread. The risk assessment should include detail on all three elements to
minimise the risk of a fire starting/ spreading.
7.2 Procedures to be followed in the event of a fire.
You need to know how to respond to a fire emergency, in particular, how to raise the
alarm if you come across a fire, who will contact the emergency services, what to do if you hear
the fire alarm and where the fire assembly point is for each environment you work in. You will
receive fire training and your knowledge will need to be refreshed annually to make sure you
continue to know what to do in a fire emergency. If you hear the fire alarm, you must act calmly
but very quickly. Don’t wait for others to decide action needs taking. Fires can spread quickly.
Taking control could save your and other people’s lives.
TASK 8
8.3 Why must your colleagues know where you are at all times
The work becomes more efficient. A manager may already know an employee’s
strengths, but learning what their passions are can add new meaning and drive. “When strengths
and passions collide, that’s real purpose. You become a more effective coach. “When you get to
know your employees, you learn best how your employees receive feedback, which makes you a
more effective coach because feedback is all about the receipt.
TASK 9
9.1 Describe 5 common signs of stress
Stress is the body's reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. The
body reacts to these changes with physical, mental, and emotional responses. Various types of
stress stated as under: -
 Frequent headaches, jaw clenching or pain
 Gritting, grinding teeth
 Stuttering or stammering
 Tremors, trembling of lips, hands
 Neck ache, back pain, muscle spasms
9.2 How would you recognise your own stress
Each of us has situations that can make our heart race, our blood boil — deadlines,
interviews and teenagers, to name a few. Knowing what causes you stress is vital and powerful

information and the beginning steps toward living a healthier, stress-reduced life. Stress is the
body’s reaction to a mentally or emotionally disruptive or upsetting condition; to adverse
external influences capable of affecting our physical health (Sloan, 2010). Below describe
various elements through which individuals can manage their own stress: -
 Memory lapses
 Becoming rather vague
 Easily distracted
 Aches/pains & muscle tension/grinding teeth
 Frequent colds/infections
 Allergies/rashes/skin irritations
 Constipation/diarrhoea/ IBS
 Weight loss or gain
9.3 Factors that may trigger your own stress.
Circumstances that tend to trigger stress include:
 Long, unsociable hours or shift work
 Work overload / under-load
 New technology
 Repetition
 Danger of injury or infection
 Difficult relationships at work
 Closed, negative policies
 Level of involvement in decision making
 Lack of autonomy or control
 Rapid, substantial change
 Poor communication at all levels
9.4 Describe 4 different strategies for managing stress.
 Slow down / do one thing at a time
 Take up a new hobby or sport
 Learn to say ‘NO’
 Reward yourself
 Take a 20 minute walk Delegate work to others

CONCLUSION
This assignment is discussing about health and safety in the HSC workplace. Healthcare
organizations are having certain methods as well as safety procedures for ensuring workplace
safety in accord with national laws but 3rd party suppliers might not be having measures related
to health and safety, which at times might be resulting in having a workplace that is unsafe as
well as increased accident rates.
REFERENCES
Books and Journal
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Glasby, J. and Dickinson, H., 2014. Partnership working in health and social care: what is
integrated care and how can we deliver it?. Policy Press.
Hanif, F and Naqvi, S. R., 2014. Analysis of work family conflict in view of nurses, in health
sector of Pakistan. International Journal of Gender and Women’s Studies. 2. pp.103-16.

Joumard, I., André, C. and Nicq, C., 2010. Health care systems: efficiency and institutions.
Lægreid, P. and et. al., 2016. Organizing for coordination in the public sector: practices and
lessons from 12 European countries. Springer.
Qureshi, M. O. and Syed, R. S., 2014. The impact of robotics on employment and motivation of
employees in the service sector, with special reference to health care. Safety and health
at work. 5(4). pp.198-202.
Sloan, S., 2010. The continuing development of primary sector physical education: Working
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pp.267-281.