IC01: The principles of infection prevention and control The prevention and control of infection is the responsibility of everyone working in a health and social care setting. Both employers and employees have particular roles to avoid the spread of infection. 1.1. As a health & social care practitioner it is essential to maintain a clean and hygienic environment and also to be aware of the infection control policies and procedures that are used in the workplace. Maintaining a high level of personal health and hygiene will also help in the prevention of infection.
The role of enforcement is divided between HSE and local authorities depending on business sector. Health and safety at work act 1974 Referred to as HASAW or HSW, the act of parliament in the main piece of uk health and safety legislation. It places a duty all employers to ensure reasonable practices of all health, safety and welfare in the work setting. The act also requires:- Adequate training of staff to ensure health and safety. Adequate welfare provisions for staff at work.
You should know the codes of practice at your workplace. Workers should report any hazards immediately to the person in charge of Health and Safety. Employees should also be wearing the correct uniform and P.P.E. All employees are responsible for anyone who could be affected by their actions at work. · the employer or manager - must provide employees with the correct uniform and protective clothing.
Outline current legislation and regulatory body standards which are relevant to the prevention and control of infection The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 Both employers and employees are responsible for their own actions in the Work place. All reasonable steps should be taken when carrying out your work duties and all staff should have adequate health and safety training, and measures should be taken to ensure that policies and procedures are in place and adhered to. For example, it is the employers’ responsibility to provide adequate protective equipment and the employee’s responsibility to use it
Legally: • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 • Various Laws require employers to meet certain Health and Safety standards. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforce the standards and employers can be prosecuted if they fail to meet them. [pic] Key legislation relating to Health and Safety in a social care setting: Health and Safety at work Act 1974 This is the primary piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety. Under this Act, the employer, the workers and the individuals being supported have responsibilities to ensure safety is maintained in the workplace. Your employer should display a copy of this Act on their main premises.
All employees must also observe general precautions, other rules specific to a particular work activity must also be observed. Roles and responsibilities of personnel in relation to injection control. 1.2 - Explain employers responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control of infection: It is the responsibility pf the employer to provide employees with information on such policies, as well as ensure all employees receive sufficient training where necessary. Employers also need to provide the correct PPE to all members of staff. 2.1 - Outline current legislation and regulatory body standards which are relevant to the prevention and control of infection: The Health and Social Care Act 2008; Codes of Practice for health and adult social care on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance.
2. explain employers’ responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control of infection. The Health and Safety Legislation require that employers have a duty of care to protect employee for example: * Provide a safe workplace * Carry out risk assessments to assess the dangers of certain work activities * Provide training to staff * Provide PPE * Ensure regular health and safety checks are undertaken. The employer should have infection prevention control policies and procedures for the staff. The manager will support and advise the Carer in respect of these procedures
2. Describe the main points of your health and safety policy and procedures at your work setting HEALTH & SAFETY AT WORK ACT 1974 This was the first act to protect all employees regardless of their work place. It puts the onus on the employer to create a safe working environment for all employees. It says the employer must ensure the health & safety of all people on the premise sand to eliminate risks where ever possible. It also states that employers must maintain their safety and that of others with whom they work.
1.2 Explain employee’s responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control of infection The employee has a duty of care for the service users you attend. This means you always act in the best interests of the service user and their care needs. You are responsible for following your employer’s workplace safety procedures correctly and reporting any problems regarding procedures or equipment used. In terms of infection control this means you should always wear PPE provided and attend any necessary training. Dispose of all waste materials and spillages in the correct way: * Clinical waste/used dressings – yellow bag * Needles, syringes, cannulas – yellow sharps box * Body fluids/urine, blood, faeces, vomit – down the sluice * Soiled
These set the standards that must be met to ensure the health and safety of all employees and others who may be affected by any work activity. Other regulations also exist to cover work activities that carry specific risks, for example lifting and carrying, computer work and electricity. A summary of the key pieces of legislation affecting education establishments is provided in this section: • The Health and Safety at Work, etc Act 1974 • The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 • The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 • The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 • The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 • The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 • The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 • The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 2. Describe the main points of the health and safety policies and procedures agreed with your employer Each workplace which has five or more workers must have a written statement of health and safety policy. The Health and Safety policy includes: • a statement of intention to provide a safe workplace • then name of the person responsible for implementing the policy • the names