In health and social care The main reason for health and safety legislation is to protect people at work and those who are affected by work activities. Legislation (that is, laws) is made so that everyone in society knows which behaviours are acceptable and which are not.
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Overview for social care – This introduction to health and safety has been developed to assist in promoting dignity in social care. Safe practice is very important when providing care. There are a number of legislative measures and regulations to support health and safety at work.
What is the importance of risk management and patient safety?
By employing risk management, healthcare organizations proactively and systematically safeguard patient safety as well as the organization’s assets, market share, accreditation, reimbursement levels, brand value, and community standing.
Why is it important to carry risk assessment?
2. Eliminate Or Reduce Health And Safety Risks – Risk prevention is the main purpose of any risk assessment. Employers have a responsibility to reduce or eliminate risks in the workplace. After identifying hazards and analysing the risks they pose, control measures should be put in place.
Where possible and realistic, control measures can involve removing hazards to eliminate risks. However, it’s not always possible to remove risk factors completely. Hazards can come from essential work equipment, cleaning products, or everyday activities. So when carrying out risk assessments, employers need to identify and implement actions that reduce the likelihood of hazards causing harm.
These measures can include:
- Finding safer, alternative products or equipment.
- Preventing or restricting access to hazardous materials, sites, or equipment
- Using personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Redesigning processes and adopting standard operating procedures or safe work practices to make workplace activities safer. These processes and procedures may be outlined in a method statement,
Precautions and safety measures should be proportionate to the level of risk. For example, hazards that lead to potentially fatal injuries will require more steps to reduce risks than hazards that could cause minor injuries.
What is the importance of safety in the workplace?
Safety Pays for Everyone – The cost of injury prevention is far less than the cost of an injury. A safe and healthy workplace attracts and retains quality employees. It’s an asset to a community, operates more efficiently and enjoys a healthy bottom line. The business and the workers thrive in a safe, healthy, respectful and caring environment Safe and healthy workplaces:
Have more satisfied, productive workers who
Produce higher quality products and services Return to work more quickly after an injury or illness Feel loyal to the organization
Are better places to work Retain employees Establish positive community relations
