Workplace safety

Lesson Objectives To explore the issue of personal safety in the work place To introduce you to some basic facts about staying safe at work To guide you to sources of information on H+S in the workplace.

Activity 1:Think of 5 risks in your workplace List 5 risks from your workplace. Try to think of some obvious and some less obvious risks

Some common risks Injuries to back etc. from lifting Smoking by others (in confined areas) Cuts to feet from mowers etc. Machinery (over turning, crushing, trapping etc.) Attacks by public, thieves etc. (lone working) Chemicals (pesticides etc.) Injuries to eyes (from chemicals, flying debris etc.) Lack of experience Stress

Activity 2:Now think how these are dealt with in your workplace Remember to think about: Safe working methods Training PPE Rules etc.

The management of risks The dangers to you in the workplace might be controlled as follows Injuries to back etc. from lifting- You should have had training in how to lift safely, also you should be aware that the first step is to see if a load can be lifted/moved using mechanical means e.g. moving a heavy sack with a wheel barrow. Smoking by others (in confined areas) Smoking in the workplace is illegal and therefore you should not be exposed to this risk, if it occurs you should report it to a supervisor Cuts to feet from mowers etc. You are entitled by law to ant personal protective equipment needed to do your job, but PPE should not be used in isolation, correct training and safe machinery should back up its use.

Machinery (over turning, crushing, trapping etc.) Machinery must be safe, seat belts if fitted must be worn, also training must be given and you should be made ware of dangers such as slopes etc. Attacks by public, thieves etc. (lone working) Lone workers should have a means of sending for help e.g. mobile radios, phones etc. Employers have a duty to carry out specific risk assessments for lone workers Chemicals (pesticides etc.) These should only be used by qualified staff (PA1 and 2 or 6 etc.) and full PPE provided along with COSHH assessments for the product. Injuries to eyes (from chemicals, flying debris etc.) PPE and training in its use must be provided

Further information and advice The first place to ask is at you workplace by using the line manager system. However if you have real concerns about H+S at your workplace you can discuss the issue with your tutor or assessor or contact the work based learning department at the college and ask for the work based team. The following slides are a guide to some of the help lines and legalisation concerning H+S in the workplace

Activity 3: Finding out more about H+S Advice for lone workers Control of substances hazardous to health Information on safe lifting ing%20techniques.pdf

Risk assessment basics General advice on personal safety at work prevention/helping-prevent-crime/business-and- retail/personal-safety-at-work Health and safety at work worker card Advice on working with machinery and equipment

Stress in the workplace 11/employers/improving_mental_health_at_work 11/employers/improving_mental_health_at_work