hs unit 3

UNIT 3 HS REVISION

Types of Hazards

1. Environmental:

   • Worn or damaged equipment, furniture, or floors causing slips and falls.

   • Examples: Uneven flooring, wet floors, clutter【4†source】.

2. Biological:

   • Medical waste not disposed of correctly, poor hygiene spreading infections like MRSA.

   • Examples: Cross-contamination due to improper handwashing【4†source】.

3. Chemical:

   • Incorrect medication dosage, unauthorised access to cleaning materials, or improper storage of hazardous substances【4†source】.

4. Psychological:

   • Stress, fatigue, bullying, or challenging behavior leading to mental health issues.

   • Examples: Anxiety, depression, or burnout【4†source】.

5. Physical:

   • Excessive noise or exposure to radiation (e.g., x-rays, gamma rays)【4†source】.

6. Musculoskeletal:

   • Manual handling or poor posture causing back injuries or repetitive strain injuries【4†source】.

7. Working Conditions:

   • Poor lighting, extreme temperatures, or excessive noise【4†source】.

8. Working Practices:

   • Excessive working hours, lack of supervision, or inadequate training【4†source】.

9. Lack of Security:

   • Unlocked doors, insufficient alarm systems, or poor visitor monitoring【4†source】.

Impacts of Hazards

1. Injury or Harm:

   • Fractures, burns, or musculoskeletal injuries.

2. Illness:

   • Infections, food poisoning, or stress-related conditions.

3. Poor Standards of Care:

   • Neglect, improper medication, or poor hygiene practices.

4. Financial Loss:

   • Compensation claims, theft, or legal fees【4†source】.

Abuse Types

1. Intentional Abuse:

   • Theft, verbal abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse【4†source】.

2. Unintentional Abuse:

   • Careless task approach, lack of training leading to neglect or infections【4†source】.

Legislation

1. Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA):

   • Ensures safe workplaces. Requires risk assessments, health and safety policies, and PPE【4†source】.

2. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999:

   • Extends HASAWA with duties for employers and employees, including training and risk assessments【4†source】.

3. Food Safety Act 1990:

   • Covers safe food preparation, storage, and serving. Environmental Health Officers can inspect and close premises【4†source】.

4. Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) Regulations 1995:

   • Requires hygiene practices, protective clothing, and identification of food safety hazards【4†source】.

5. Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992:

   • Reduces risks from lifting or moving. Requires training and safe practices【4†source】.

6. Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013:

   • Mandates reporting of workplace injuries, diseases, and dangerous occurrences【4†source】.

7. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) 2002:

   • Regulates storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous substances【4†source】.

8. Data Protection Act 1998:

   • Protects personal data, ensuring it is processed securely and lawfully【4†source】.

9. Civil Contingencies Act 2004:

   • Requires emergency planning for incidents like pandemics, floods, or terrorist attacks【4†source】.

10. The Health and Social Care (Safety and Quality) Act 2015:

• Ensures care providers prioritize safety and quality【4†source】.

Policies

1. Fire Safety:

   • Fire evacuation procedures, regular drills, and fire alarms【4†source】.

2. Asbestos Policy:

   • Identify, manage, and monitor asbestos【4†source】.

3. Transport Policy:

   • Maintain vehicle safety, ensure appropriate insurance, and fit seat belts【4†source】.

4. Safeguarding Policy:

   • DBS checks for staff, named safeguarding officer, and abuse reporting【4†source】.

5. Accident Reporting Policy:

   • Maintain accurate records for incidents【4†source】.

6. Food Safety Policy:

   • Use clean surfaces, wash fruits and vegetables, and avoid cross-contamination【4†source】.

Hazard Disposal Methods

1. Clinical Waste:

   • Yellow bags, incinerated【4†source】.

2. Body Fluids:

   • Flushed down the toilet【4†source】.

3. Needles/Sharps:

   • Yellow sharps boxes【4†source】.

4. Soiled Linen:

   • Red dissolvable bags【4†source】.

Lone Working

• Risks: Isolated locations, night shifts, or predictable patterns.

• Safety Measures: Personal alarms, informing colleagues, and parking in well-lit areas【4†source】.

Security

• Measures: Staff ID, CCTV, visitor monitoring, and locked doors【4†source】.

Three P's of First Aid

1. Preserve Life.

2. Prevent Further Injury.

3. Promote Recovery【4†source】.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

1. Direct Costs:

   • Legal fees, fines, or compensation claims.

2. Indirect Costs:

   • Loss of reputation, staff turnover, or difficulty recruiting【4†source】.