1.1 Identifying the legislations which are comprised with health and safety at own workplace
The health & safety legislations are mainly associated with the mandatory elements that specifically associated with the safety of everyone who working at the workplace. These laws and regulation lead to protect the employees in against to uncertainties (Johnson, 2020). There are varied number of legislation established within health & care setting; each law has its specific requirement that assures protection to people at workplace. Therefore, it is important to follow all of these rules and regulations at the workplace.
In UK, health and safety laws are highly prioritised in order to ensure a safe working environment at the workplace. It is essential that employer in the organisation must take mandatory steps that creates safe environment and further reduces the chances of illness or accidents at the workplace. Below mentioned are the legislations which related to the health and safety at own workplace
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Children and young person act 1933
This law is specifically for children who fall under the age of 14 years, this legislation sets standard age for child in terms of working in the organisation (Health and Safety at Work, 2022). Organisation is not allowed to employ those children who fall under the age of 14 years.
Data protection act 1998
It is one of the most important legislative frameworks that need to be followed in the UK. This law states that, personal data of employees have been stored in the computers & papers, and make information is confidential. Therefore, this is the accountability of the organisation that they should not disclose this data and not be shared with any one without taking the consent of particular employee whose information is being sharing. This legislation assures complete protection to people in terms of keeping their personal information confidential.
National minimum wage act
In accordance with this law, organisations are guided to provide fix wage rate to employee based on their working hours (Friend et al, 2023). This legislation protects the personal interest of workers and it has been assured that they are not being exploited at the workplace.
Pension Act 1995
This law is for improving the pension schemes in the UK. In accordance with this law, employers at workplace enrol the pension scheme for those employees who are eligible for automatic enrolment.
Health and safety at work regulations 1999
It is delineated as one of the important legislation at the workplace which provides guidance related to duty of care statements (Health and Safety Legislation: In-depth, 2023). Clear steps and procedures have been mentioned under this law which are important for managing the risk within organisation. This law depicts about the general duties that should be performed by the employers towards employees at the workplace. This led to create support for employees and also reduces the chances of uncertainties.
Reporting of the injuries, disease and dangerous occurrence regulation 2013 [RIDDOR]
As per this legislative framework, there are certain legal duties have been exposed on employers. In case, any individual at the workplace met with the accident or any injury then, this needs to be report immediately and action needs to be taken on this (Kloss, 2020). Only responsible person such as- employers and the people who are self-employed and members working in the control of work premises need to submit report under RIDDOR. This law is for maintaining the information regarding the injuries and accidents occur at workplace.
This legislation is governing the working hours in the UK and according to this maximum hours for work week are set as 48 hours and limited working hours of a day is eight hours (Health and Safety Legislation: In-depth, 2023). It is important for organisation that they must follow this regulation and accordingly working hours at the organisation should be set.
The above mentioned legislation are the mandatory laws which have been followed at the workplace in order to assure safe working environment to the employees so, they work while having sense of security.
1.2 Describing the main points of health and safety policies and procedures agreed with the employer
Health and safety policies are specifically for developing a safe and favourable working environment at the workplace. Employer in the organisation is accountable for undertaking these policies and procedures. Below mentioned is the description of major points linked with health and safety policies that are agreed with the employer-
Protecting workers from harm
This is the foremost point that has been agreed with employer, it is the duty of employer that they must protect workers from getting any kind of harm (Salguero-Caparrós et al, 2020). Proper resources should be allocated to workers so, they accordingly perform their task and this helps in creating support for them and also reduces the chances of harm.
Monitoring working practices
It is important to monitor working practices as this helps in knowing about the accident status at the workplace. With the help of monitoring employer can identify whether the workers have been given with equipment or not. Also, regular check on members helps in creating support for workers. In case, any member does not wear protective equipment while working on machines then, employer can communicate with him regarding this. Therefore, monitoring on regular basis is essential and this needs to be focused out by employer at workplace.
Providing adequate first aid facilities
The first aid facilities should be provided to the workers so, at the time of accident primary care can be given at the workplace which is mandatory for protecting the employee from extreme harm (Bell and Bell, 2020). Thus, this is duty of employer and therefore, specific focus should be adopt on this area so, effectual actions can be taken and that helps in assuring safe environment to the workers.
Education to workers
Employers are agreed upon the terms where they become responsible for providing education to the workers in relation to ways in which safety can be maintained.
Training to workers
Employer are accountable for giving training to workers in relation to health and safety practices which needs to be followed while working at the organisation. This helps in reducing the chances of accidents.
Hence, the above mentioned points associated with health and safety policies and procedures that have been agreed with the employer.
1.3 Analysing the main health and safety responsibilities of
Self
My responsibilities that comprised with health and safety are related to following the policies and procedures in specific manner. Not causing harm to others at the workplace and taking immediate actions for reporting about the injuries and accident happened at the workplace. Taking part in the health and safety programme is another major responsibility that supports in gaining in-depth information related to the ways in which task at the workplace needs to be done. Wearing personal protective equipment is also my responsibility as this supports in assuring own safety while working at the organisation. Thus, these are the major responsibilities that are related to health & safety which need to be followed at workplace.
Manager
Employer at the workplace is responsible for documenting all the policies and procedures that need to be followed by everyone. Manager is accountable for taking all the reports in serious manner. Further, it’s important to assure that workplace is safe and training to the employees need to be given in relation to the ways in which task should be performed so, there is no harm can be experienced by them (Griffiths and Yeo, 2021). However, it is important that, employer should monitor the work practices on regular basis so appropriate decision could be taken in relation to assuring safety to the workers.
Other people at the workplace considered as team members and other colleagues are responsible for following all the policies and procedures that seem important to take in consideration for managing own safety. Also they must use PPE while performing their task as this enables them to get protection.
1.4 Identifying the task that should not be carried out without special training
There is certain task that should not be carried out at the workplace without appropriate training. Moreover, this can lead to create issues for self and others as well at workplace so appropriate focus should be implied on this. Following mentioned are the task that should not be carried out at workplace without special training.
First aid
First aid treatment at workplace matters the most and therefore, it is important that anyone at the workplace should not carry this task as. The rationale behind this as its lead to create issue and creates barrier for employee in terms of getting appropriate treatment. Therefore, this task should not be carried out by anyone at workplace.
Healthcare task
This task is comprised with using immediate method that can lead to diagnose any disease for certain period of time (Claxton, Hosie and Sharma, 2022). This task should be only performed by the experts who are trained in this area. Therefore, they can provide care services to the employees while they work.
Using of specialised equipment such as PPE
In order to use PPE, it is essential that workers must be trained in this area so they can become able to use PPE in appropriate manner. In case, any individual who is not aware about the ways in which specialised equipment should be used then, there might possibility that, particular person can experience injury.
Food handling and preparation
Food at the workplace should be prepared by only those who properly manage the food hygiene standards (Osei-Asibey et al, 2021). This helps in providing assurance that food has been prepared with complete safety. Consequently, this task should not be carried out by anyone who does not have special training.
Thus, the above mentioned tasks are the major practices that should not be carried out without special training. In order to perform these tasks, training is required that could help in gaining appropriate outcomes that comprised with managing health and safety of the workers at the workplace.
2.1 & 2.2 describing the types of accidents and sudden illness that might occur at the workplace along with explaining procedures that needs to be followed
There are different types of accidents and sudden illness that can happen at workplace such as- chemical spill & exposure, slips, falls, fire and burns as well as medical emergencies. It is highly important to assure specific focus on this area so, appropriate decision could be taken in consideration. In such situation process related to health and safety needs to be followed that could lead to help in providing protection to the employees at workplace. Slip and falls mainly happens when the floor is not clean and therefore, employer must monitor whether the floors are clean or not as it lead to reduce the chances of accidents (Ayoub, 2020). People who are working in labs must wear protective equipment so they cannot get in contact with the harmful chemicals. In order to get protection from the incidents related to fire and burn employee should be trained about the ways in which hazards can be managed in potential manner. Medical emergency requires proper care that can be received from care settings. However, with the help of first aid treatment and medication relief can be provided to individual who is suffering from medical emergency.
Unit 10- Knowledge Questions
1.1 Explaining the main points of legislation that are related to moving and handling
Health and safety work act (1974)
This act has set certain guidelines related to task of moving and handling which depicts that handler needs to assure whether grip is tight or not and afterwards load should be handled (Rosenbloom et al, 2022). Within this, it is important to ensure that grip is comfortable as this reduces the chances of accidents.
Provision and use of work equipment regulation (1998)
This legislation states that, workers should be given the protective equipment which are suitable for intended use. This lead to provide safe working condition to them, without training PPE should not be used by members and therefore, it is important to provide them adequate training in this area.
Management of health and safety at work regulation (1999)
This regulation guides employer about the duties which needs to be taken at the workplace so, safety can be assured to employees (Schläpfer et al, 2021). When any harm occurs to worker while undertaking moving and handling task then, it should be immediately reported. The reasonable care needs to be given to employee and health & safety arrangements should be made in significant manner.
1.2 Explaining the principles associated with safe moving and handling
The major principles which are concerned with safe moving and handling are-
Lifting techniques
The principle of lifting technique is related to the safe moving and handling. In accordance with this, lifting with legs should be done and not from back. This leads to reduce the chances of accidents and injuries (Moving and Handling Legislation, 2022).
Using PPE
Training to workers needs to be given before proceeding with the tasks that requires the usage of Personal protective equipment as these enable employees in terms of using the equipment (Salguero-Caparrós et al, 2020). While moving and handling load, PPE is needed such as- gloves, steel-toed boots so, the grip can be maintained.
Equipment usage for intended purpose
The equipment should be used for intended purpose, this means, it only needs to be used in such tasks where it is required and for that guidance should be given to employees (Zahiri Harsini et al, 2020).
Safe route
It is mandatory to ensure that route is safe from starting point to ending destination so, while moving and handling heavy load no accidents can occur and this helps in managing the risk at workplace.
1.3 Explaining the importance of reviewing individuals needs of moving and handling
At workplace moving and handling is an essential part of working as it has been done by most of the employees. However, needs of each individual in relation to undertaking moving and handling practices differs and therefore, it is important that employer at the workplace must analyse all of these requirements. For instance- some workers are not able to lift heavy weight thereupon, discussion needs to be undertaken with such members and this should be evaluated that “how much weight they can carry” and accordingly task should be allocated to them (Yanar et al, 2020). Unnecessary pressure on employees can result in fracturing or other serious illness. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the needs so, chances of accidents can be reduced and safety could be assured to them. Within reviewing the requirements, appropriate decision could be taken in consideration which helps in managing health and safety at the workplace.
2.1 Describing the types of hazardous substances that might be found at workplace
Hazardous substance at the workplace can lead to create serious issues for people who are working and thereupon, it is mandatory to keep a check on this so, this not lead to create hurdles for employees. The hazardous substance which can be found at the workplace are- cleaning products such as- bleach, dust, fumes, bodily fluids and chemicals. These are regulated through the regulation of Control of substance hazardous to health regulation 2002 [COSHH] (Drakvik et al, 2020). This substance has complete potential in terms of creating adverse health effect. Such areas that are concerned with chemicals should be prohibited so, no one can go there. Other components such as- bleach, fumes, bodily fluid and fumes should be placed at proper place and floors needs to be cleaned as this helps in reducing the bacteria that develops from hazardous substances.
2.3 Identifying the types of information which are related to hazardous substance that might be kept within the work setting
Information related to hazardous substance needs to be kept at the workplace in specific manner as this helps in managing the risk at the workplace. The hazardous substances have potential in terms of impacting the health of the people and lack of information in this area lead to create major cause of concern. Thus, there is no doubt in stating that appropriate and significant focus is needed in this area so, the risk could be reduced. Emphasising on the type of information related to hazardous substance that should be kept in work setting are-
Preparing list
The list should be prepared of all the hazardous substance as it supports in creating awareness regarding such substances which creates harm to people at workplace.
Usage of substances
The usage of substances needs to be known so; this can be used at the place where it is needed (Hamidian et al, 2021).
Mentioning danger
It is delineated as the major information that needs to be known by everyone at the workplace. The harmful effect of hazardous substances should be clear for all of those individuals working in the organisation. This helps in taking preventive measures which are important to take in consideration.
Ways to use
Ways in which these substances need to be used should be clear in the mind as it helps in reducing the chances of accidents.
First aid in case of any emergency occurs
In case, any emergency happens due to these hazardous substances then, first aid should be given immediately and for that specific knowledge related to providing first aid treatment is required.
3.1 Describing the practices which prevents fire from-
Starting
The practices which prevents fire from starting associates with the precautions that should be taken in consideration. For instance- it is essential to ensure that all electrical appliance at the workplace are in good condition. Smoking should not be allowed at indoors, it is important to have smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector at the workplace (Islamoglu et al, 2020). Most importantly, outlets, plugs and extension should not be overloaded. This precaution helps in preventing the fire from starting.
Spreading
Spreading can be managed with the help of maintaining uncluttered work space, smoke alarms should be used as this help in providing assistance to workers. The windows and doors needs to be closed as this lead to spreading of fire. In this manner, spreading can be reduced.
Identifying the emergency equipment that needs to be used in the event of a fire
The emergency equipment needs to be utilised in the event of fire suppression system, alarm system, first aid kit, fire blanket & alarms (La Merrill et al, 2020). These are the major equipment which should be used in the case of emergency as this lead to reduce the risk.
3.2 Explaining workplace emergency procedures needs to be followed in the event of fire
In the event of fire the workplace emergency procedure which should be followed are-
Evacuation
Fire alarm should never be ignored at workplace; this is the major component which need to be followed (Fire emergency at workplace, 2022). In case, employees ignore the alarms then, this result in creating serious situations and therefore, it is important to follow the alarm.
Identifying whether evacuation is safe
In case, fire does not possess any kind of risk then, an individual should try to extinguish. However, when fire spreads due to chemical eruption then, at such time special caution is needed.
In case evacuation is unsafe
In such situation, experts are needed who can protect the people and take them out from the area where fire is spreading (Fire emergency at workplace, 2022).
Electronic fire case
When there is fire due to electronic appliances in such situation, staying away from that particular area is the best option.
Dispensing water
Water should be dispensed in careful manner and it needs to be done only when there is no risk.
Thus, above mentioned are the major workplace emergencies that should be followed in the event of fire as this helps in decreasing the risk and further contributes in protecting the employees at the workplace.
4.1 Explaining the importance of ensuring that others are aware of own whereabouts
It is important to ensure that everyone at the workplace should be aware of their surroundings and specifically in secure areas. In this manner, employees can protect themselves and company from different kind of security threats. It is essential to assure that colleagues know about whereabouts as it supports at the time of evacuation. This also assists employees in terms of contacting at the time of emergency (Cullen et al, 2021). Further, team members will be having an idea related to the route and destination so they can find each other in case anyone met with accident or sudden illness. In case, team members are not aware of own whereabouts then, this lead to create hurdles when emergencies occurs. Not knowing about the locality or places that should be approached during drastic event could lead to create negative results. Therefore, it is important to assure that others are aware of own whereabouts.
References
Books and Journals
Ayoub, M.M., 2020. Manual materials handling: Design and injury control through ergonomics. CRC Press
Bell, K. and Bell, K., 2020. Working-class environmentalism (pp. 139-161). Springer International Publishing.
Claxton, G., Hosie, P. and Sharma, P., 2022. Toward an effective occupational health and safety culture: A multiple stakeholder perspective. Journal of safety research.
Cullen, D.A., Neyerlin, K.C., Ahluwalia, R.K., Mukundan, R., More, K.L., Borup, R.L., Weber, A.Z., Myers, D.J. and Kusoglu, A., 2021. New roads and challenges for fuel cells in heavy-duty transportation. Nature energy. 6(5). Pp.462-474.
Drakvik, E., Altenburger, R., Aoki, Y., Backhaus, T., Bahadori, T., Barouki, R., Brack, W., Cronin, M.T., Demeneix, B., Bennekou, S.H. and van Klaveren, J., 2020. Statement on advancing the assessment of chemical mixtures and their risks for human health and the environment. Environment International. 134. P.105267.
Friend, M., Friend, M.A., Kohn, J.P. and Kohn, J., 2023. Fundamentals of occupational safety and health. Rowman & Littlefield.
Griffiths, M. and Yeo, C., 2021. The UK’s hostile environment: Deputising immigration control. Critical Social Policy. 41(4). Pp.521-544.
Hamidian, A.H., Ozumchelouei, E.J., Feizi, F., Wu, C., Zhang, Y. and Yang, M., 2021. A review on the characteristics of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants: A source for toxic chemicals. Journal of Cleaner Production. 295. P.126480.
Islamoglu, T., Chen, Z., Wasson, M.C., Buru, C.T., Kirlikovali, K.O., Afrin, U., Mian, M.R. and Farha, O.K., 2020. Metal–organic frameworks against toxic chemicals. Chemical reviews.120 (16). Pp.8130-8160.
Johnson, M.S., 2020. Regulation by shaming: Deterrence effects of publicizing violations of workplace safety and health laws. Economic review. 110(6). Pp.1866-1904.
Kloss, D., 2020. Occupational health law. John Wiley & Sons.
La Merrill, M.A., Vandenberg, L.N., Smith, M.T., Goodson, W., Browne, P., Patisaul, H.B., Guyton, K.Z., Kortenkamp, A., Cogliano, V.J., Woodruff, T.J. and Rieswijk, L., 2020. Consensus on the key characteristics of endocrine-disrupting chemicals as a basis for hazard identification. Nature Reviews Endocrinology. 16(1). Pp.45-57.
Osei-Asibey, D., Ayarkwa, J., Adinyira, E., Acheampong, A. and Amoah, P., 2021. Roles and responsibilities of stakeholders towards ensuring health and safety at construction site. Journal of Building Construction and Planning Research. 9(1). Pp.90-114.
Rosenbloom, D.H., Kravchuk, R.S. and Clerkin, R.M., 2022. Public administration: Understanding management, politics, and law in the public sector.
Routledge.Schläpfer, M., Dong, L., O’Keeffe, K., Santi, P., Szell, M., Salat, H., Anklesaria, S., Vazifeh, M., Ratti, C. and West, G.B., 2021. The universal visitation law of human mobility. Nature. 593. (7860), pp.522-527.
Salguero-Caparrós, F., Pardo-Ferreira, M.D.C., Martínez-Rojas, M. and Rubio-Romero, J.C., 2020. Management of legal compliance in occupational health and safety. A literature review. Safety science. 121. pp.111-118.
Salguero-Caparrós, F., Pardo-Ferreira, M.D.C., Martínez-Rojas, M. and Rubio-Romero, J.C., 2020. Management of legal compliance in occupational health and safety. A literature review. Safety science.121. Pp.111-118.
Yanar, B., Robson, L.S., Tonima, S.K. and Amick III, B.C., 2020. Understanding the organizational performance metric, an occupational health and safety management tool, through workplace case studies. International Journal of Workplace Health Management. 13(2). Pp.117-138.
Zahiri Harsini, A., Ghofranipour, F., Sanaeinasab, H., Amin Shokravi, F., Bohle, P. and Matthews, L.R., 2020. Factors associated with unsafe work behaviours in an Iranian petrochemical company: perspectives of workers, supervisors, and safety managers. BMC Public Health.20 (1). Pp.1-13.
Online
Fire emergency at workplace, 2022. Online. Available through < https://www.frontierfireprotection.com/10-ways-prevent-fire/>
Health and Safety at Work, 2022. Online. Available through: < https://www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/hswa.htm >
Health and Safety Legislation: In-depth, 2023. Online. Available through: < https://app.croneri.co.uk/topics/health-and-safety-legislation/indepth >
Moving and Handling Legislation, 2022. Online. Available through: < https://www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/hub/moving-and-handling-policy-in-health-and-social-care/#:~:text=Moving%20and%20Handling%20Legislation&text=Legislation%20focuses%20upon%20reducing%20risk,activity%20is%20carried%20out%20incorrectly.>
