Health and Safety in Health and Social Care Workplace Report

This report provides a comprehensive overview of health and safety practices within health and social care (HSC) workplaces. It begins by outlining current systems, policies, and procedures for communicating health and safety information, emphasizing the responsibilities of HSC workplaces in managing these aspects. The report delves into health and safety priorities, including risk assessment, RIDDOR, and COSHH regulations, and the importance of safety aids and security systems. It further examines how information from risk assessments informs care planning and organizational decision-making, as well as the impact of health and safety policies on practice and service users. The report discusses dilemmas in implementing systems and policies, the consequences of non-compliance with health and safety legislation, and methods for monitoring and reviewing policies and practices. It concludes with an analysis of the effectiveness of these policies in promoting a positive and safe culture, and an evaluation of the author's contribution to prioritizing the health and safety needs of individuals. The report underscores the importance of communication, legal compliance, and a proactive approach to ensuring a safe environment for both staff and service users within HSC settings.

HEALTH AND SAFETY IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL
CARE WORKPLACE
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Task 1 A...........................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Current systems, policies and procedures for communicating information on health and
safety in HSC workplace.............................................................................................................3
1.2 Responsibilities of a HSC workplace for the management of health and safety in relation to
organizational structure...............................................................................................................4
Task 1 B...........................................................................................................................................5
1.3 Health and safety priorities for specific health and social care workplace............................5
Task 2...............................................................................................................................................7
2.1 How information from risk assessments informs care planning for individuals and
organizational decisions making about policies and procedures.................................................7
2.2 Impact of one aspect of health and safety policy on health and social care practice and its
customers.....................................................................................................................................7
2.3 Discuss how dilemmas encountered in implementing systems and policies may be
addressed......................................................................................................................................8
2.4 Effect of non- compliance of health and safety legislation in HSC workplace.....................8
Task 3...............................................................................................................................................9
3.1 How health and safety policies and practices are monitored and reviewed..........................9
3.2 Analyze effectiveness of health and safety policies and practices in promoting a positive
and safe culture..........................................................................................................................10
3.3 Evaluate own contribution to placing health and safety needs of individuals at the centre of
practice.......................................................................................................................................10
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................11
References......................................................................................................................................12
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INTRODUCTION
Health and Safety aspects needs to be followed in health and social care workplace so as
to protect the employees from all sorts of harms, hazards and uncertainties. In this context, it is
the duty of the employer to ensure that all the arrangements are being made in the health care
sector especially for rendering appropriate health care amenities (Cutler and Waine, 2003). Thus,
considering this aspect, researcher has discussed systems, policies and procedures for
communicating information on health and safety aspects. Along with that, description is also
included regarding health and safety priorities that needs to be followed in HSC workplace for
reducing all sorts of accidents and uncertainties. Furthermore, researcher has also stated the
impact of health and safety policy on health care practices and on service users.
There should be appropriate risk management system in the healthcare workplace so that
organizational decisions can be undertaken effectively. Legal norms and framework should be
considered and regarding that all the systems and policies should be implemented in effective
manner. Later on, researcher has also emphasized on impacts of non-compliance of health and
safety legislation in health and safety workplace. Lastly, in the research study, discussion has
been included regarding effectiveness of health and safety policies in promoting a positive and
safe culture.
TASK 1 A
1.1 Current systems, policies and procedures for communicating information on health and
safety in HSC workplace
Communication is an important aspect that needs to exist in health and safety workplace
so that all the essential information related to health and safety can be communicated
appropriately among people (Birne and et.al., 2009). For the purpose of managing proper flow of
information in health and social care organization, the process of communication should be
enforced prominently. At the same time, it is also essential for the management to impart
knowledge related to risks and hazardous factors which can affect the employees and patients
well. For proper communication management, health and social care organizations must have to
accentuate on legal norms and framework. There should be proper availability of training and
development aspects for the employees so that they the issues prevailing in the workplace can be
eradicated (Estes and Harrington, 2008).
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Pro- formats should be followed on higher extent so that accordingly all the systems and
procedures can be followed upon. Exemplar pro- format is useful in terms of analyzing the
effectiveness of communication aspects at the workplace; moreover it can also assist in
managing proper flow of information in different areas. While communicating with the health
care service providers, it is crucial for the respective persons to include all the important aspects.
It is also imperative for health care entities to collect information regarding availability of service
users and their demands (Entwistle and Quick, 2006). The health and social care act, 2008 should
be followed in the same domain because it describes all the crucial facets that lies in health care
sector. While communicating with others, health care entities should consider the role and use of
media in exchanging information from diverse area of concerns. This is yet another facet that can
enhance the value of organizational communication process.
Health and social care organizations should always follow the policy of direct
communication so that communication gaps can be avoided. At the same time, while adopting
any of the organizational policy, organizational structure should be considered so that service
dimensions can be considered appropriately (Gowen and et.al., 2006). Record keeping is also
essential in the area of communication management where in health care entities should maintain
records of each and every aspect. Along with that, legal system and policies should be followed
while communicating with the third party so that information can be properly exchanged among
all the respective parties. This is also crucial for sharing of data among health care service
providers and users.
In this regard, HSC workplace need to adopt The Management of Health and Safety at
Work Regulations 1999 wherein employer is required provide specific information to the
employees regarding the preventive and emergency procedures. Along with that, employer
should also provide appropriate information regarding safety management system so that the
opportunities of accidents and uncertainties can be avoided.
Further, suitable modes of communication should also be used like leaflets, notice
boards, posters and induction training. Through such methods, proper information to employees
could be provided about health and safety aspects.
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Alongside, the above mentioned requirements, HSC workplace should also adhere to The
Personal Protective Equipment at Work regulations SI 1992. Under this act, employers should
provide suitable guidance to the employees regarding the handling of equipment. This needs to
be adopted so that accidents can be minimized at workplace up to certain extent. While
communicating with the clients, Care Standards Act 2000 should also be followed.
1.2 Responsibilities of a HSC workplace for the management of health and safety in relation to
organizational structure
Employers, employees, external agencies and service users are the most important part of
a health care organization and all have to ensure that suitable policies and strategies are being
implemented in diversified areas. Regarding this, it is also vital for the health care workplace to
delegate the roles and responsibilities in appropriate manner (The quality standards for health
and social care. 2006). This will not only assist in creating balance between service dimensions;
but also it can underpin organizational work processes. There should be protected and effective
handling of material, proper transport and disposal of wastage at health and social care
workplace because it assists in promoting safety of clients, staff and public and which also,
protects the environment. Regarding this, authorized person should be employed so as to manage
all the works and duties regarding health and safety aspects as this can help in reducing the level
of issues. Furthermore, auditing is also required so that compliance of all the norms and policies
can be identified.
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With the help of proper auditing, the areas of improvements and modifications can be
ascertained and it can also enhance the quality of service dimension. Employers as well as the
management of health care entities should ensure that they are adhering to health and safety
legislation for the purpose of encouraging safe and secure environment at the workplace. In this
relation, a structured system can be developed by the health care entities which aids the
management to communicate things suitably in all the departments (Towill, 2009). Apart from
this, employees should also cooperate with the employers so that legal requirements can be met.
Similarly, in this facet, employers should do whatever is essential for the employees. In order to
deliver prominent services to the health care users, employers must have to ensure that all the
activities of workplace are risk free and are not associated with any of the uncertainties and
harmful aspects (Fisher, 2003).
Henceforth, in this area, all the stakeholders have to play different roles and duties so that
they can ensure better practices at workplace (Willcocks, 2008). This is also helpful in promoting
positive environment at the workplace. Visitors, contractors and all the partners have to
emphasize on effective health care policies as that will also assist in protecting issues and
accidents at workplace. Alongside, it can also entice other clients to get services from the same
entity.
Employees should take reasonable care of their own health and safety and they should
also protect others who may be affected by any acts or omissions. Portable Electrical Equipment
(PAT) should be checked annually for the purpose of ensuring proper functioning of all the
wires. All the systems should be properly checked so that so that damaged parts and machines
can be identified suitably. Employees should also part in health and safety training so that they
can comprehend the areas that are concerned with risks and uncertainties. Hence, they all should
work in safe and secure manner.
Further, from employer part, it can be said that they should provide and maintain plant
and systems of work that are safe and without risk to health. Arrangement should be made to
ensure that substances can be used, handled, stored and transported safety. Employers should
also adhere to Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 which states that it is employer’s duty to
protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees. Along with that, employers should do
whatever is reasonably practicable to achieve this.
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TASK 1 B
1.3 Health and safety priorities for specific health and social care workplace
Health care organizations have to ensure that they are maintaining all the safe and secure
aspects and for that prominent inspection and monitoring is required. This can also direct the
health care entities to involve only those practices which are mandatory and vital in health care
workplace. In the below section, health and safety priorities are discussed briefly which needs to
be adopted by all the care entities while implementing any sort of legal procedure and rules.
 Risk assessment: Management of health care entity should analyze risks and
uncertainties continually so that the appropriate changes can be made in possible
manner. In this respect, it is crucial for health care entities to inspect and review
organizational policies and strategies effectively under healthcare priorities (Risk
assessment. 2012). Employers and employees both have to communicate with each
other regarding the accidents and uncertainties happening in the premises so that further
improvements can be made to the organizational practices. This can also enhance the
service quality dimensions of health care entities.
 RIDDOR: Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations
2013 has been introduced European Union which puts duties on employers so as to
control the work premises (Saaroni, n.d). As per the regulation, it is crucial for the
employers to report all the serious workplace accidents, occupational diseases and
specified dangerous occurrences. This is essential for overall workplace safety and
security.
 COSHH: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 can also be
applied in the service provision wherein employers have to ensure that hazardous
substance are not used in the workplace in any of the area. Hence, as per the application
of COSHH, all the hazardous substances should be removed from the workplace for
employees and patient’s safety and security.
 Safety aids: There should be all sorts of facilities for the service users for example-
wheelchairs, walking aid and hoist so that at the time of emergency, proper services can
be delivered to them (Nordgren, 2011). Proper investment should be made in all sorts
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of machineries and technical equipment’s so that clients may not face any sort of issues
while getting health care services.
 Security systems: In terms of security systems, it is essential for the health care
workplace to focus on security systems and there in chief emphasis should be given to
all the systems that enhances safe and secure environment. Moreover, it is also vital for
the health care entities to focus on door locks so that security can be maintained for
patient’s service aspects. Along with that, health care entities should also emphasize on
cameras for the purpose of recording each and every moment. This is highly essential
for managing safety and security of patients (Mosadeghrad, 2013). Alarms and knock
system should be there at health care workplace so that at the time of uncertainty,
people can identity that something uncertain happened. Hence, according to that,
specific arrangement can be made. There should be proper patrolling in the health care
entity so that each and every situation can be managed appropriately. While developing
buildings, adequate emphasis should be given towards ventilation, maintenance aspects
and temperature control areas.
For instance- specific health care amenities are required to be given to the patients (to the
lady who lost her leg after two slip accidents). In the case, there is a lady who had knee surgery
and who needs proper rest after; however due to shortage of staff, she is unable to get appropriate
care from the practitioners and as a result, this affects her health condition more. Henceforth, in
this area, health and safety priorities should be defined for the patient so that she could overcome
her health issues as early as possible. Therefore, in this case, GSCC code of practice should also
be applied wherein the employers must provide training and development opportunities so as to
enable social care workers to underpin their skills and knowledge. Health care workers are also
required to inform the employer about any sort of personal difficulties that might affect the
ability while working in the health care setting.
TASK 2
2.1 How information from risk assessments informs care planning for individuals and
organizational decisions making about policies and procedures
At the time of developing care plan, it is essential for the entities to consider all the
principles like as promoting independence, reducing health inequalities by standardising care and
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promoting integration and partnership working. These principles are essential to be applied so
that proactive approach to health and social care services can be adopted.
Risk assessment is a process that helps in analysing the areas of risks and uncertainties;
hence it needs to be applied in the health care service entity so that the areas of development and
improvement can be found out subsequently. A number of risks and issues can be seen within the
health care and social organization that affects the health and safety of employees (Greener,
2008). Therefore, in this response it is highly required for the health care entity to determine the
activities that are associated with risks and hazards. Regarding this, proper inspection and
observation is required from the senior team members. Identification of risk management further
assists in managing care planning where in specific activities can be involved as per the
requirements.
Care plan for risk management
To- The management of XYZ
Subject – Care plan
This information is regarding further requirements that are essential to exist in the health care
entity for the wellbeing of employees, employers and service users. Moreover. With the help
of this, it is essential for the health care entities to ensure safety and security aspects so that
accidents and uncertainties can be avoided up to maximum extent. In the same area, principles
of good practice should be followed upon wherein all the facilities should be made available to
the clients as per their requirements.
Risk assessment is essential in developing management plan wherein the health care
practitioners should regularly review the effectiveness of care plan. Risk assessment procedure is
useful in identifying the hazards; hence similarly it records and implements all the areas that
could impose potential harm on the care activities. Therefore, focus should be given to several
areas such as care and daily living and practices that can be adopted for challenging behaviour
and rehabilitation cases.
Potential
hazard
Who is at
risk
Existing
control
Risk rating Preventive
measures
Responsibilities
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measures
Wet floor Everyone in
HSC
Proper
controlling
and
monitoring
on practices
is required
Higher Properly
monitoring
should be
conducted
Cleaning
department
should ensure to
clean the floor
properly.
Improper
availability of
resources
Patients Lift and
other tools
like
wheelchairs
should be
properly
arranged.
Medium Proper
arrangement
is required
Adequate
analysis of
every activity
Unavailabilit
y of beds
Patients and
family
members
Proper
arrangement
of bed is
must
Low Number of
beds should
be arranged
according to
the needs
Adequate
analysis of
every activity
Security
issues
Patients,
visitors and
practitioners
Proper
security is
vital
High CCTV and
other
security
measures
should be
arranged by
HSC.
Proper security
measures should
be applied
2.2 Impact of one aspect of health and safety policy on health and social care practice and its
customers
While working in health and social care sector, I have seen several aspects that needs
improvements and most of the time, I communicated with the top management as well regarding
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the need of development. However, among all the issues, I have observed that there are several
practitioners who do not dispose wastage medicines and instillations and as a consequence, it
pollutes then environment of the health care setting (Gowen and et.al., 2006). Most of the issues
have also been observed in this area, where practitioners negligently failed to dispose the
wastage materials. They must always have to consider the fact that medicated equipment should
never be reused because that is highly unsafe and hazardous for health. Thus, in this response,
the health care entity have applied different rules and norms so that to ensure that all these issues
may not happen in the workplace setting.
As per my experience, I can say that risk assessment is the major factor that needs to be
given more consideration so that patients as well as practitioners could safeguard themselves
from harm, risks and uncertainties. I have also observed that in health care sector, risks increases
because people do not follow proper procedure for risk assessment and management. There
should be proper reporting of accidents and injuries (RIDDOR) so that further preventive
measures could be adopted.
2.3 Discuss how dilemmas encountered in implementing systems and policies may be addressed
Apparently, ethical dilemmas are increasing in each and every sector and organizations
are adopting diverse measures for the same; however still there are several health care entities
that do not emphasize on such issue (Alternative penalties for health and safety offences. 2013).
Following are the dilemmas that typically arise at the time of implementing health care policies:
 Lack of appropriate information: At the time of implementing health care policies and
practices, it is essential to get appropriate information about the area of requirement.
Several times, people do not follow suitable standards and in terms of consequences, it
creates challenges and issues in the health care provision.
 Inadequate support from the employees: Employees working in health care
organization should always support the management especially at the time of
implementing any policy and framework (Goetzel and et.al., 2008). However, absence
of such thing affects the practices and performance of health care organization.
 Improper concern towards safety and quality dimensions: It is mandatory for the
health care sector to focus on quality dimensions so that appropriate services can be
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delivered to the patients. But, absence of quality dimensions can impede the overall
process of implementation of health care policies.
 Right to self-determination: As per this principle, the client is in charge of making his
own decision and finding solutions appropriately regardless of whether a social worker
agrees with his course of action.
 Practitioner and client relationship: Health care practitioners should engage
themselves in developing dual relationships so that proper interaction can be developed
among them. At the same time, it is also essential for resolving all the issues and
conflicts.
 Confidentiality: Most often issues occur due to confidentiality; therefore HSC
practitioners should respect client’s rights regarding privacy and confidentiality.
2.4 Effect of non- compliance of health and safety legislation in HSC workplace
UK government has made many laws for safeguarding the people in the country. Effect
of non- compliance of health and safety legislation in HSC workplace are as following:
Legal implications: Health and safety act6 1974, Fi9rst-aids Regulation 1981 etc. some
some acts which increases confidence of patients and they trust on the doctors. As data protect
act legally bound health care organizations to keep secure the personnel data of service users.
Because of these patients can share their confidential detail, with medical professionals thus,
they will be able to provide effective treatment to them (Enabling risk, ensuring safety: Self-
directed support and personal budgets. 2010).
Effects of health: It is mandatory to follow these legislation in the workplace and if any
firm found breaking these regulations then noncompliance can impact negatively on such health
care organization. In the absence of this, medical professional will not be able to provide
standard treatment thus, it may lead to situation of accident or injury.
Physical impact: it is essential to implement laws effectively on the workplace. Health
care organization are required to installed safety measure so that no patient or professional may
face any physical injury (Entwistle and Quick, 2006).
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