Health and safety in social care Essay

1.1 List legislation relating to general health and safety in a social care setting. Health & Safety at Work Act The Management of Health & Safety Work Regulations Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) Manual Handling Operations Regulations The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) Personal Protective equipment regulations see more:explain why medication must only be handled following specialist training 1.2 Describe the main points of health and safety polices and procedures. Some of the main points of health and safety are as follows; control measures for hazards the arrangements for reporting accidents or health problems the arrangements for first aid, fire and emergencies who the key person is for health and safety matters how health and safety is communicated in the workplace the arrangements to protect others 1.3 Outline the main health and safety responsibilities of: The social care worker Social care workers are responsible for a lot when it comes to health and safety this includes, to take reasonable care for their own and others’ health and safety, they are to report to employer any potential and actual hazards and risks, they must take part in health and safety training and they need to understand and comply with health and safety instructions and procedures The employer or manager The employer and managers must provide a safe place of work, it is their job to assess risks and take action to reduce them, they must provide information, instruction, training and supervision, they must provide safety and warnings signs when necessary and they must provide adequate welfare and first aid facilities Individuals Individuals (service user) must try to understand and comply with health and safety instructions and procedures and they must take responsibility for their own and other’s health and safety. 1.4 Identify tasks relating to health and safety that should only be carried out with special training. Administration of medicines by any method other than by mouth or external application. Moving and handling using a mechanical device First aid Emergency procedures 1.5 Describe how to access additional support and information relating to health and safety. There are many ways to access different sorts of support and information in relation to the health and safety if it is needed. You could seek additional support and information by talking to the manager within the home or you could talk to your supervisor. You could discuss these matters with more experienced work colleagues who could give you extra information on health and safety. Outside organisations will also help with understanding of the correct to adhere to the rules. Outcome 2 Understand the use of risk assessments in relation to health and safety. 2.1 Define what is meant by ‘Hazard and risk’ A Hazard is a potential source of harm or adverse health effect on a person or persons. A risk is the chance or probability that a person will be harmed or experience an adverse health effect if exposed to a hazard 2.2 Describe how to use a health and safety risk assessments Health and Safety risk assessments are used for the following, Identifying risks, potential impact of risk, likelihood of occurrence, proposing precautionary measures, reducing risk and costs, complying with legal requirements and policies and procedures of organisation. 2.3 Explain how and when to report potential health and safety risks that have been identified There are a few ways to report a potential health and safety risk and also certain procedures which must be followed such as, you should continuously be checking for risks and hazards in your work place, if a risk or hazard is found you must report to your senior member of staff immediately and make a written report of the risk or hazard as soon as possible, you must also alert anybody who could be in danger and do what you can to assist them. 2.4 Describe how risk assessment can help address dilemmas between an individual’s rights and health and safety concern You can address dilemmas between an individual’s rights and health and safety concerns by Drawing upon legislation/ policies and procedures to justify precedence of health and safety concerns, by demonstrating that rights and health and safety requirements are reconciled, ensuring individuals are aware of risks to help them with decision-making and ensuring individuals understand that certain requirements are mandatory. Outcome 3 understand procedures for responding to accidents and sudden illness. 3.1 Describe different types of accident and sudden illness that may occur in a social care setting. Accidents: Slips, Trips, Falls, Burns, Choking, misuse of equipment, etc†¦ Illnesses: strokes, Cardiac arrest, food poisoning, Allergies, influenza, flues/colds, bugs, asthma, seizures, convulsions, fainting. 3.2 Outline the procedures to be followed if an accident or sudden illness should occur. If an accident or sudden illness should occur you must first inform your senior member of staff by either raising the alarm by use of emergency alarm system or go and find them immediately, remain calm and explain the situation, ensure safety of all involved, assessing situation, provide assistance/ administering first aid as required and within limits of training, completing accident reports ans incident reports, inform Health and Safety Executive etc. in accordance with policies and procedures of organisation. 3.3Explain why it is important for emergency first aid tasks only to be carried out by qualified first aiders. When an emergency occurs and first aid is required it is always important for a qualified first aider to carry out any first aid required there are many reasons for this, the most important is that if a non qualified person try s to give first aid they may cause more damage or injury to the individual, it is also against policies and procedures of organisations and health and safety legislations. Outcome 4 . Know how to reduce the spread of infection. 4.1 List routes by which an infection can get into the body Routes by which an infection can. Respiratory (airborne infections breathed in) Digestive (within foods/ drinks), Blood circulation (via broken skin/ wounds), Body fluids (sexually transmitted diseases, cross contamination, poor hygiene). 4.2 Describe ways in which own health or hygiene might pose a risk to an individual or to others at work. Own health or hygiene might pose a risk to individuals or others at work by causing infections, causing illness or causing fatalities, this can be prevented by washing hands thoroughly before preparing food and after going to the toilet, covering mouth/ turning away when coughing, applying/ replacing old plasters, disposing of used tissues, taking sick leave if ill etc. 4.3 Explain the most thorough method for hand washing Method for hand washing. Hands must be washed thoroughly, after every contact with potential source of contamination/ before food preparation etc.; including: wetting hands with warm water, applying soap bar/ liquid, lathering, scrubbing, rinsing, drying with air dryer/ paper towel; ensuring that all areas of the hand are washed including the back of the hand, between fingers and nail areas. 4.4 Describe when to use different types of personal protective equipment. Different types of personal protective equipment is to be used at different times for different activities these include, cooking/ preparing food, handling waste, providing personal care, cleaning equipment, any activities posing hygiene/ safety risks etc. the types of protective clothing that can be used are, gloves, masks, aprons, hair nets and sometimes protective jackets. Outcome 5 Know how to move and handle equipment and other objects safely 5.1 Identify legislation that relates to moving and handling Legislation  relevant to moving and handling The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HASAW/ HSW) The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR) you can find up-to-date policies from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website/ National Archives website. 5.2 List principles for safe moving and handling There are many principles for safe moving and handling they are put in place to ensure the safety or yourself and others they are as follows: Only move/ handle when necessary assess the potential risks take steps to reduce the risks request support report any difficulties/ hazards use alternative methods adhere to policies and procedures of organisation agreed ways of working and legislation. 5.3 Explain why it is important for moving and handling tasks to be carried out following specialist training Specialist training is given for moving and handling tasks for many reasons, with the correct training you can reduce the risk of harm or injury to yourself or others, reduce the risk of damaging equipment, safe guard own and others health and safety, you will also be told all policies and procedures and agreed ways of working practises, it also promotes good practise to collegues. Outcome 6 Understand the principles of assisting and moving an individual 6.1 Explain why it is important to have specialist training before assisting and moving an individual It is important to have specialist training because it helps you become aware of many things such as, understanding the needs and preferences of individuals, meeting the needs and preferences of individuals, it enables you to move individuals safely and correctly, it reduces the risk of harm or discomfort, ensures correct procedures are practised, it also helps you to know how to fill in a care plan properly and what specific areas need to be covered. 6.2 Explain the importance of following an individual’s care plan and fully engaging with them when assisting and moving A care plan is a document where day-to-day requirements and preferences for care and support details. Following a care plan helps you to understand and meet the individuals needs and preferences, it helps you to move and assist the individual in the correct way, it allows you to minimize injury to individuals and your self and also ensures you move an individual in a comfortable and supporting way, by using there care plan and discussing with the individual you are allowing active participation for the individual. Outcome 7 Know how to handle hazardous substances 7.1 Identify hazardous substances that may be found in the social care setting cleaning products clinical waste bodily fluids/ waste medication used needles used dressings solvents, disinfectants 7.2 Describe safe practices for †¢ storing hazardous substances keep hazardous substances stored in correct and labelled containers only keep hazardous substances under correct conditions as per instructions keep hazardous substances in a secure area where no one with out the right training can get hold of them. †¢ using hazardous substances always read instructions on label before using be careful not to mix substances together incorrectly you should only use substances if trained to do so using PPE as instructed (personal protective equipment) reporting any difficulties immediately †¢ disposing of hazardous substances under correct conditions as per instructions by following disposal workplace procedure Outcome 8 Know environmental safety procedures in the social care setting 8.1 Outline procedures to be followed in the social care setting to prevent †¢ fire no smoking not having fire doors propped open checking appliances are turned off checking plugs are switched off following a procedure check-list †¢ gas leak checking appliances are turned off e.g. cooker, fire †¢ floods being aware of how to turn off main water supply ensuring taps are turned off after use e.g. bath, sink †¢ intruding being vigilant of security of building i.e. doors, windows locking doors and windows not giving out key codes to others following a procedure check-list †¢ security breach being vigilant of security of building i.e. doors, windows reporting any concerns following a procedure check-list 8.2 Outline procedures to be followed in the social care setting in the event of †¢ fire raise the alarm dial 999 or inform health and safety officer/manager immediately go to fire assembly point move self and others away from danger area if safe to do †¢ gas leak dial 999 or inform health and safety officer/manager immediately do not turn any switches on/off go to assembly point move self and others away from building immediately record incident †¢ floods turn off main water supply dial 999 or inform health and safety officer/manager immediately do not turn any switches on/off go to assembly point move self and others away from building immediately record incident †¢ intruding dial 999 or inform health and safety officer/manager immediately move self and others to a safe area if possible record incident †¢ security breach dial 999 or inform health and safety officer/manager immediately move self and others away from building immediately record incident Outcome 9 Know how to manage stress 9.1 Identify common signs and indicators of stress. There are many signs and indicators of stress these are as follows: Feeling more tearful and sensitive loss of motivation feeling more tired and lethargic changes in sleeping pattern changes in eating habits Becoming easily agitated Avoiding others 9.2 Identify circumstances that tend to trigger own stress increased demands from others changes in working practices or new working practices changes in team members relationships/divorces unexpected changes i.e. financial, personal, work Bereavements money problems health issues Family problems 9.3 Describe ways to manage stress Stress management starts with identifying the sources of stress in your life. This isn’t as easy as it sounds. Your true sources of stress aren’t always obvious, and it’s all too easy to overlook your own stress-inducing thoughts. There are many ways of dealing with stress and overcoming your obstacles: taking time out for yourself talking through how you feel with your line manager attending any stress management courses available engaging in relaxing activities whilst away from work Exercise getting around 8 hours sleep a night sharing your concerns with others Outcome 10 Understand procedures regarding handaling medication. 10.1 Describe the main points of agreed procedures about handling medication When it comes to handling medication in a social care setting it is important that you do so with competence, handling medication is not something to be messed around with, you must be accountable, it is up to you to complete  orders and make sure they are sent of properly, ensuring that the medication is stored correctly, use-by date checks, disposal and recording all the above as required; adhering to policies and procedures of organisation and legislation. 10.2 Identify who is responsible for medication in a social care setting trained worker (normally must have a level 3 in health and social care or over) designated person individual when self medicating 10.3 Explain why medication must only be handled following specialist training Medication must only be administrated by a qualified member of staff as if not administrated properly there could be risk of injury or illness, it reduces risk of mistake, avoids unnecessary harm, follows legislative requirements. Outcome 11 Understand how to handle and store food safely. 11.1 Identify food safety standards relevant to a social care setting The food safety act 1990 The General Food Regulations 2004 The Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006 The Food Labelling Regulations 1996 Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 (lays down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety) 11.2 Explain how to: †¢ store food †¢ maximise hygiene when handling food †¢ dispose of food Make sure containers are sealed correctly, if a product is to be refrigerated/frozen make sure it is done so asap, checking expiry dates, cooling down/ reheating has to be done to correct temperatures else you could cause illness, personal cleanliness is important, keeping clean surfaces, separate utensils for meats raw/ cooked, prompt removal of waste, cleaning spillages thoroughly, use of personal protective equipment, covering injuries, not working when ill, reporting contamination, accidents and pests. 11.3 Identify common hazards when handling and storing food Exceeding expiry dates incorrect thawing/ cooking time cross contamination allergic reactions dangerous use of utensils hot items and cookers leaving food exposed