My employer must follow the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992, their responsibilities are to provide the mandatory training and supervisions, ensure policies and procedures are put in place, plan, organise, control, monitor and review health and safety arrangements, make sure the equipment is available and to maintain risk assessments and to deal with chemicals and other substances safely. As an employee I also have to follow COSHH 2002 (control of substances hazardous to health) in my workplace. This means I have to follow the procedures set in place by my employer and attend training. I have to make sure any hazardous substances are kept locked away where unauthorized people cannot get them. I also need to dispose of hazardous substances correctly and not mix substances in case of any hazardous fumes or explosions that may occur.
LEGISLATION RELEVANT TO INFECTION CONTROL Health and safety at work act (1974) This is the primary piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety in the UK, and is enforced by the health and safety executive (HSE). It states that the employer has a duty to provide a safe working environment and must carry out full risk assessments in order to achieve this. Employees must also be adequately trained to deal with these risks. In addition, under this act employers also have a duty to protect the welfare of others who may be affected (e.g. patients, visitors).
Reporting of injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences regulations (RIDDOR) 1995 These regulations require employers to notify the Health and Safety Executive, or other relevant authorities, of a range of occupational injuries, diseases and dangerous events. Control of substance hazardous to health regulation (COSHH) 2002 These regulations require employers to assess the risks from hazardous substances and take appropriate precautions to ensure that hazardous substances are correctly stored and used. Health and safety policies and procedures A health and social care organizations policies and procedures should always incorporate the key points of health and safety law. This means that a care practitioner will be able to put health and safety laws into practice simply by following their employer’s policies
1.2 Explain employers’ responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control of Infection. Employers should make the workplace a safe environment that is safe for work but also for all individuals and visitors. Employers must carry out risk assessments to assess the dangers of certain work activities and then are responsible for putting strategies in place for minimizing the risk. Employers must provide PPE and provide training and refresher updates on infection control. 2.1 Outline current legislation and regulatory body standards which are relevant to the Prevention and control of infection.
5) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - PPE must be provided and maintained by the employer and the employer must also provide training for workers required to use it. For Example: Eye protection when working with chemicals 2 What is a hazard? What is a risk? What is the purpose of a risk assessment? How can hazards be identified?
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (amended 2008) RIDDOR - sets out what needs to be reported. Health and Safety First Aid Regulations 1981 Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 - emphasizes what employers are required to achieve under the Health and Safety at Work Act. Health and safety policies and procedures are in place to protect those in social care settings. They are to ensure that I adhere and comply to health and safety rules and regulations. Responsibilities Manager/ Employer To provide a safe place to work Prevent risks to health Assess risks and take action to reduce them Provide information, training and supervision as needed Ensure machinery is safe to use Provide adequate first aid facilities Provide PPE (free of charge) Carer/Employee To take reasonable care of my own and others’ health and safety To report to my manager any potential and actual risks and hazards Take part in any training provided To understand and comply with health and safety instructions and procedures Others To understand and comply with
1.2 - As an employer all staff should be trained in infection control, to be able to notice potential risks. The correct PPE should be available for staff, staff should have a understanding of infection control polices and procedures. Which should be made available by employer. 2.1- There are a few legislations and regulatory body standards, that are relevant to the prevention and control of infection. The health and safety at work act, which ensures the safety of members
Other key pieces of legislation that sit alongside and support the Health and Safety at Work Act are; • The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (known as COSHH) requires employers to control and provide data on all substances that can cause harm or illness to health. • The Manual Handling Regulations 1992 sets out requirements for manual handling and moving and handling of people. • The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1985 (known as RIDDOR) sets out what occupational injuries, diseases and dangerous situations need to be reported. • The Personal Protective Equipment regulations 1992 requires employers to provide the correct protective equipment for employees such as gloves, aprons, goggles etc... • The Health and safety First Aid regulations 1981 requires employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel (first aider) to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work. • The Employers Liability Regulations 1969 requires employers to obtain the correct and adequate
Before implementing risk controls, you need to assess the potential effectiveness and possible consequences. You should then suggest a realistic and acceptable time frame for implementation of controls and ensure that deadlines are complied with. Employees should also be consulted as they might have good ideas of what can be done to reduce the likelihood of injury or damage. Also when controls are to be implemented, organizations should communicate proposed plans to affected employees via a form of specific training, staff notices or the revision and a public workplace statement of revised standard operating procedures. It is important to identify and implement WHS procedures and instructions to keep aware of Possible hazardous occurrences, and to be on top of workplace WHS.
1.2 Explain employers’ roles and responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control of infection. It is the responsibility of the employer to provide employees with information on such policies as well as ensure all employees receive sufficient training where necessary also to provide PPE (personal protective equipment) to all members of staff. 2. Understand legislation and policies relating to prevention and control of infections. 2.1 Outline current legislation and regulatory body standards, which are relevant to the prevention and control of infection.