Ensure Responsibilities For Action To Reduce Risks To Health And Safety Case Study

Ensure Responsibilities For Action To Reduce Risks To Health And Safety

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Introduction: Ensure Responsibilities For Action To Reduce Risks To Health And Safety

In this study, there is a compact discussion of the responsibility for actions to decrease risks to health and safety manner in the workplace. The questions of this study have been answered properly by using a supported living workplace as evidence.

1: Recognition of the hazards as well as evaluation of the risks

1.1 Workplace instructions

As a supported living worker, one’s job includes providing support and care to individuals with special needs or disabilities in a residential setting (Zimmerman et al. 2022). Our company follows some workplace instructions that are briefly described here. Following health and safety guidelines every time, involving first aid protocols, fire safety procedures and safe handling of hazardous materials. Following and reviewing individual care plans for every resident. Maintaining communication protocols established by the workplace, including reporting procedures, documentation requirements, proper channels of communication with co-workers and so on (Pal et al. 2022). Maintaining professional boundaries with residents and also avoiding involvement in inappropriate or personal relationships. Providing person-centred care and support is necessary.

1.2 Working Practices

Multiple working practices and hazards in the supported living workplace could be harmful and these are explained compactly. Lack of proper supervision and training of employees and members can create issues in care and support for residents, resulting in injuries, harm or accidents (Bartlett et al. 2019). Manual handling and lifting can cause musculoskeletal injuries for staff members if appropriate equipment and lifting techniques are not used. Failure to complement appropriate infection control measures like PPE or personal protective equipment usage, hand hygiene, sanitation protocols and so on. Poor collaboration and communication can lead to many misunderstandings between co-workers and team members.

1.3 Evaluation of the hazards and Prioritisation in risk order

Specific hazards and risks can vary depending on the nature of the workplace as well as the activities being carried out. Some general frameworks for evaluating hazards and also prioritising risks in a supported living workplace are discussed briefly. Identifying every possible hazard in the workplace can be considered the first framework. This includes physical hazards like trip, slip and fall hazards, fire hazards, ergonomic hazards, biological hazards and chemical hazards and organisational hazards like lack of training, poor communication and inappropriate staffing levels. Once hazards are recognised, there is a need to assess the severity of every hazard in the context of the possible harm it could cause to workers, visitors, residents and others.

1.4 Report to the responsible person for potential risks

AS per Gignac et al. (2021), in a supported living workplace, there is a need or report hazards promptly to the responsible person to ensure the well-being and safety of the residents as well as members. As a Site supervisor, I need to report any kind of hazards that can arise. At first, I need to take note of any possible unsafe conditions or hazards in the workplace. It involves damaged infrastructure, broken equipment, slippery floors, faulty electrical outlets and so on. After that, I need to locate the proper responsible person is necessary. The responsible person can be a supervisor, manager or designated health and safety representative. Then there is a need to inform that person about the hazards and unsafe conditions. This job can be done in writing or verbally, depending on the workplace’s procedures and policies. This is necessary to provide clear information about the condition, its nature, exact location, severity and so on while reporting to the person.

2: Being able to minimise the risks to a safe and healthy workplace

2.1 Work activities with identified health and safety

• Workplace policies - Conducting a comprehensive risk assessment of the workplace, communicating and developing clear emergency procedures, providing proper training and education to the employees, promoting the health and wellness of residents and employees, establishing processes for reporting incidents, accidents, and unsafe conditions, ensuring laws and regulations and fostering a culture of open collaboration and communication can be considered workplace policies.
• Instructions and procedures - As per Egdell et al. (2020), establishing comprehensive health and safety policies that outline guidelines, expectations and procedures for maintaining a healthy and safe workplace, identifying possible health and safety risks in the workplace and ensuring that the workplace is well-maintained, free from hazards and clean can be considered procedures and instructions.
• Suppliers' and manufacturers’ information - suppliers and manufacturers of personal protective equipment, cleaning and sanitation products, fire safety equipment, ergonomic products, hazardous substances and so on.
• Relevant legal requirements - building and fire codes, OHS or Occupational Health and Safety regulations, risk assessment, staff training, emergency preparedness, infection control, reporting and record-keeping, accessibility and so on.

2.2 Managing Hazards with workplace instructions and legal requirements

I must manage all hazards by conducting a thorough risk assessment to recognise potential hazards, developing workplace instructions, providing adequate resources, ensuring that all workers receive proper training, following local, state and national regulations, maintaining open lines of communication, seeking professional advice and monitoring hazard management regularly.

2.3 Differences between instructions of suppliers and instructions of the workplace

Workplace instructions are geared towards providing directions and guidance to individuals with disabilities while supplier instructions are related to the use, maintenance and installation of products or services provided by external vendors or suppliers. Workplace instructions are mainly aimed at individuals with special needs or disabilities, on the other hand, supplier instructions are intended for general customers who buy or use items from external suppliers.

3: The way to reduce risks to health and safety in the workplace

3.1 The responsibility of remaining alert to hazards and risks

As a support staff, I should be well-trained to identify possible hazards in the environment. I should conduct risk assessments to address any possible risks associated with the tasks or activities being performed by the individuals they support. Support staff must take appropriate measures to ensure safety such as implementing safety protocols. Support staff should continuously supervise and monitor the individuals.

3.2 Own scope and responsibility for action in controlling risk

I need to adhere to safety guidelines, protocols and practices. To avoid multiple hazards, there is a need to identify potential risks. If one is unsure about a procedure or task, it is important to seek clarification from the supervisor or an experienced co-worker.

3.3 The importance of adhering to health and safety policies

Health and safety policies and practices are necessary for a supported living workplace because it help to protect the well-being of residents and provide a safe and healthy living environment (Noorlandt et al. 2022). Moreover, it also helps to ensure a safe work environment for the employees. Supported living workplaces are subject to multiple regulations and laws. Maintaining health and safety policies helps to identify possible hazards and risks.

3.4 Additional health and safety assistance

According to Shortall (2022), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK provides guidance and resources on health and safety regulations, offers recommendations and conducts inspections. If one’s supported living workplace has a health and safety committee, one can reach out to them for assistance. Considering hiring a health and safety consultant who specialises in the healthcare or supported living industry, can be a good option for supported living workplaces. Many employers offer EAPs or Employee Assistance Programs which include resources for health and safety.

3.5 Importance of Personal Presentation and Behaviour

Personal presentation and behaviour play an important part in maintaining health and safety in the workplace. Professionalism increases with the help of proper personal presentation. Personal behaviour demonstrates a commitment to health and safety and helps to ensure that each person in the workplace is protected.

Conclusion

This study compactly discussed the responsibilities and practices to minimise risks and hazards to health and safety in the supported living workplace. Workplace instructions, practices, regulations and others are briefly explained here.

References

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Egdell, V., Maclean, G., Raeside, R. and Chen, T., 2020. Age management in the workplace: manager and older worker accounts of policy and practice. Ageing & Society, 40(4), pp.784-804.

Gignac, M.A., Bowring, J., Jetha, A., Beaton, D.E., Breslin, F.C., Franche, R.L., Irvin, E., MacDermid, J.C., Shaw, W.S., Smith, P.M. and Thompson, A., 2021. Disclosure, privacy and workplace accommodation of episodic disabilities: organizational perspectives on disability communication-support processes to sustain employment. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 31, pp.153-165.

Noorlandt, H., Stoevelaar, R., van Dongen, S., Arslan, M., Luu, N., Kranenburg, L., Witkamp, E., van der Rijt, C., Lorig, K., van der Heide, A. and Rietjens, J., 2022. Challenges in self?management of persons living with advanced cancer: An exploratory, in?depth interview study. European Journal of Cancer Care, p.e13638.

Pal, I., Galinsky, E. and Kim, S., 2022. Employee health and well-being after a crisis–re-imagining the role of workplace inclusion. Community, Work & Family, 25(1), pp.30-62.

Shortall, S., 2022. Perspectives from the UK: children and agricultural health and safety. Frontiers in public health, 10.

Zimmerman, S., Carder, P., Schwartz, L., Silbersack, J., Temkin-Greener, H., Thomas, K.S., Ward, K., Jenkens, R., Jensen, L., Johnson, A.C. and Johnson, J., 2022. The imperative to reimagine assisted living. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 23(2), pp.225-234.