Health, Safety and Security in Health and Social Care Unit 3 Sophie Bevan

Equipment and the physical environment

Background In the UK, health and safety is taken extremely seriously, and we take it for granted that our workplaces will be safe. However, as a health care worker, you will have to consider what risks exist and be able to plan a safe environment.

Background You must make sure that everything possible has been done to keep yourself and the people you care for safe …..This will include the physical environment and equipment

Physical Environment The physical environment includes everything that is around you in your work environment For example, ventilation, temperature, the layout of the building, objects and people

Physical Environment Information provided by governing bodies on health care environments through the ‘National minimum standards’ What do you think would be important aspects of the physical environment to consider for an elderly care home?

Physical Environment Poor ventilation – airborne infections Central heating – warm and comfortable Fumes and smoke - ventilation Lighting – reading and enjoyment Poor lighting – sufficient contrast between objects and surroundings

Equipment

Untidiness – equipment or toys out of position, blocking entrances or fire exits Poor maintenance – out of date equipment, broken, frayed wiring Unsafe practice – overloaded sockets, trailing flexes Lack of awareness – hot surfaces, moving machinery parts

Activity Complete equipment identification and usage sheet

Activity Factors affecting hazards for different groups For your allocated group, produce a presentation demonstrating: Group allocated Factors chosen Any examples

Activity Complete ‘factors affecting hazards for different groups’ activity worksheet Circulate around the room and complete the factors for the different groups Factors: unsteady on feet Group e.g older people

Hospital Patients Exposure to infection: medication, surgery and treatments carry a degree of risk e.g MRSA

Older people May be unsteady, have poor vision or hearing Often frail with slower reactions

People with learning disabilities Difficulties with processing information may impair ability to understand For example, providing an instruction

Young people Less experience of assessing hazards – may be subject to peer pressure and take more risks For example, speeding whilst driving, alcohol consumption

Young children and babies Unable to recognise hazards for themselves – coordination still developing Also, medical conditions can develop very quickly

Those with physical disability Movements can be slow, or jerky – sense of touch may be impaired, mobility may be reduced

Those with sensory impairment Receive less information to be able to judge risks Deaf Blind

Those with mental health problems Symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions and phobias can impair judgement For example, vertigo

Further Reading Colins, S. (2009) Health and Safety, A workbook for Social Care Workers. London: Jessica Kingsley