Understanding health and safety practice in a care setting

Aim

This unit is about legal and workplace requirements, awareness of hazards and risks in the workplace and good health and safety practice.

Outcome 1 Identify relevant laws and care setting requirements in relation to health and safety at work

1.1 identify the relevant laws and legal regulations relating to health and safety in a care setting

1.2 identify procedures relating to health and safety practice in a care setting

1.3 explain the procedures for recording and reporting accidents and emergencies

1.4 describe the requirements for ensuring that the rights of the individual are respected when dealing with health and safety matters.

Outcome 2 Identify hazards and risks in a care setting

2.1 describe how to reduce the spread of infection in the care setting

2.2 explain how own health and hygiene may affect the safety of others in the care setting

2.3 describe the types of personal protective equipment that should be used during hazardous activities

2.4 explain why personal protective equipment should be used in a care setting

2.5 identify hazards that might cause accidents or injuries in a care setting

2.6 explain why some individuals may be more at risk of accidents or injury than others

2.7 describe own responsibility in identifying hazards and risks in the care setting

2.8 identify different kinds of emergency which may occur in the care setting.

Outcome 3 Describe good health and safety practice in a care setting

3.1 explain how to work safely with hazardous and non-hazardous materials and equipment

3.2 describe how to move and handle people safely and with dignity

3.3 describe how to move objects safely

3.4 describe the correct use of health and safety records

3.5 explain the correct actions to take when the candidate sees key changes in an individual’s condition.

This assignment comprises six tasks. All tasks must be successfully completed to pass this unit.

Task A

Select three laws or regulations relevant to health and safety in a care setting eg in the event of fire and accidents. Identify your responsibilities in relation to each of these.

Laws/regulations in a care setting Responsibilities

Task B

1 An individual you are caring for burns themselves while they are preparing a meal.

a Describe the actions you would take.

b Produce your own form to record the essential details of the accident.

Task C

1 Make a diagram of a home environment. For each room or area:

a identify two possible health and safety hazards in each of the areas.

b make one suggestion for working safely to reduce the risk for each of the hazards.

Task D

Produce a list of guidelines relating to infection control to be displayed in the care setting. You should include:

• how infection may affect people in the care setting

• good hygiene practice

• responsibilities of care staff in relation to their own health and hygiene

• how personal protective equipment is used to reduce the spread of infection

• disposal of waste

Task E

1 Choose one individual you work with. Either use the existing risk assessment for their care or devise one that covers the following areas:

a identify the risks that relate to this individual

b explain why the individual is vulnerable to those risks

c a description of how best to work with them to reduce the risks.

This could be done as a written piece of work or as a discussion with a colleague.

2 Identify three records that could be completed in relation to health and safety (eg administration of medicines, accident forms)

3 List six different emergencies that could occur in a care setting.

Task F

1a Explain the risks involved in moving and handling people.

b Describe ways to reduce these risks.

2 Identify two pieces of equipment to support individuals to move or change position.

3 Describe how to protect the individual’s comfort and dignity during moving and repositioning.

4 Suggest four points to remember when moving objects.