1. Working safely General Information 8065-02 Unit 202: Safety at work

2. Introduction Preventing injuries is a key objective of a safe workplace. Managing staff effectively also means to look after their welfare and as the saying goes “prevention is better than a cure” Identifying risks is a key element of preventing possible dangers and allows for proper planning for training and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that assist in minimising harm Knowing how to control processes, hazardous machinery and substances and developing procedures to manage these instances are just a part of the daily tasks of a manager

3. Causes of Slips, Trips and Falls Consideration needs to be given to the key impacts that contribute to slips, trips and falls:  Personal issues can contribute considerably such as a disregard for rules e.g. staff not following SOPs, ignoring basic processes and not applying attention to detail  Fooling around at work and ignoring basic safety applications due to peer pressure or ignorance, can also cause issues  Neglecting safety precautions during work can also be a key contributor this includes incorrect work practices, ignoring prescribed PPE (personal and protective clothing) and not adhering to machinery SOPs  Drugs and alcohol as well mental instability can also cause issues, be aware of the signs displayed by a person affected or displaying symptoms  Excessive speed during jobs also poses danger as the staff member is unable to pay adequate attention to the job at hand and raises the risk of injury  Design issues and a lack of policies also play an important part such as poor cleaning standards, badly designed buildings, floors, surfaces are substantial contributors to slips, trips and falls. Bad building design, e.g. steep stairs, ladders, broken tiles, poor lighting or signage can also influence and lead to negative outcomes  Distractions from the job, such as loud music, fooling around and losing focus are further contributors

4. Causes of Slips, Trips and Falls How can the risk of slips, trips and falls be minimised?  Undertaking a risk assessment of possible dangers and enacting preventative measures is a key management tool to manage risk  Once any risk areas have been identified preventative measure must be put in place: o Design and implement SOPs – how to deal with spills, correct signage o Train staff in correct skills application – use trolleys to move heavy loads, ensure clear vision, remove obstacles o Enforce strict rules in regards to SOP, signage and compliance with enterprise policies – include in induction training and refresher training sessions and observation o Enforce strict procedures and compliance with PPE – Target key areas such as housekeeping (contaminated linen, chemicals) F&B and kitchen (chemicals) o Enforce rules governing the use of drugs and alcohol at work – this can include testing o Implement processes to check on staff mental and physical well being o Foster professionalism in all aspects of work o Engender professional goals for staff and raise the standard o Use the team to monitor performance and managing expectations in regard to performance