Health & Safety · 2016-06-02 · Health & Safety Team Aim and Vision The H&S departmental aim and vision is to help prevent incidents and avoid injury/harm by: – Educating and

1

Health & Safety

Including Manual Handling Theory

Learning Objectives

By completing this module you will understand:

• the Trust’s commitment to delivering services safely and the legislation, policies

and procedures that are in place

• the meanings of hazard, risk and risk assessment

• common workplace hazards and how to recognise them

• how risks can be managed through preventative and protective measures

• how to work safely

• the importance of reporting issues and how to do this

• how to raise health and safety concerns

• your own responsibilities in terms of health and safety

2

The Health and Safety Team

Chris Brass Trust Health & Safety Manager 01782 6 76430

Anna Causley Secretary 01782 6 76427

Ann Humphreys Manual Handling Advisor 01782 6 76018

Julie Knowles Health & Safety Advisor 01782 6 76475

Phil Rowlands Health & Safety Advisor 01782 6 71709

The team support all UHNM sites

Dave Smith Health & Safety Advisor 01782 6 76429

Health & Safety Team Aim and Vision

The H&S departmental aim and vision is to help prevent incidents and avoid injury/harm by:

– Educating and training employees in Health and Safety (H&S)

– Advising and assisting departments

– Auditing departments and processes.

In order to maintain a safe working environment for all staff, patients and visitors and promote a positive safety culture across the Trust.

So why bother? The Trust has a moral and legal obligation along with a business need to keep:

Safe and free from harm

so that

or tomorrow!

Staff Patients Visitors

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Statistics 2014/2015

Each year in the Health and Social Care sector, around 5% of workers suffer from illness they believe to be work related…

…and 2% of workers sustain a Work Related Injury…

Main injury kinds as reported by employers

…leading to 5.7 million working days lost

Who is responsible for Health and Safety?

We all are!

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 defines set responsibilities that each and everyone of us has to follow in order that we have a safe working environment to operate within.

There are posters around the trust that tell you what you need to know and the various responsibilities that both managers and employees must do to comply with this act.

Do you know where your nearest poster is?

Management Responsibilities

• Provide a safe working environment

• Provide all equipment required including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Gloves, aprons, facemasks etc.)

• Provide relevant training

• Risk assess working areas

• Inform staff of changes to procedures and regulations

Employee Responsibilities

• Attend training and remain competent

• Follow Trust and local policies and safe systems of work

• Report unsafe practice/situations and near misses

Hazards and Risks

Hazards A hazard is anything that may cause harm, such as: Sharps (syringes), electricity, manual handling, contact with chemicals or biological agents, slips, trips and falls, working from ladders, an open drawer etc.

The risk is the chance, high or low, that somebody could be harmed by these and other hazards, together with an indication of how serious the harm could be.

Risk

Risk is a part of everyday life and we sometimes cannot eliminate all

risks. Within the Trust, work that involves hazards and risks are risk assessed in order to eradicate or minimise incidents occurring by implementing control methods. The main causes of injuries to workers in the Trust are as follows:

Ask your line manager to show you your department risk assessments

Slips, trips and falls

Sharps injury

Musculoskeletal injuries

Display Screen Equipment (DSE) related Injuries (Posture, eye strain, RSI etc.)

Slips, Trips & Falls

Did you know ...?

• Slips, trips and falls are one of the biggest cause of serious

injuries to healthcare workers

• Some result in broken bones or worse

• Everyone is at risk but you are at greater risk if you are a

care assistant, nurse, housekeeper, or porter due to the

environment and hazards

• Most accidents to patients and visitors are due to slips,

trips and falls

• Slips and trips can happen anywhere

• You have a legal duty to look after yourself, your colleagues

and your patients

Definition of slips, trips and falls

• When your foot (or lower leg) hits an object and your upper body continues moving, throwing you off balance.

• Occurs when you are too far off your centre of balance.

• When there is too little friction or traction between your feet (footwear) and the walking or working surface, and you lose your balance.

13

Definition of STF Friction: The resistance encountered when an object (foot) is moved in

contact with another (ground). Friction is necessary in order to walk without slipping.

Poor housekeeping

Allowing clutter to accumulate in offices, corridors. Leaving patient notes or equipment in walkways. Cables and wires not stowed correctly or isolated around the office. Not maintaining clean, dry floors.

Using improper cleaning methods

Incorrectly trying to clean up a grease spill with water or leaving spills and other items such as food for others to deal with.

Other conditions increasing the risk of slips and trips

Not using/incorrect usage of signage:

Not putting out signage when slip or trip hazards exist or leaving the signage in place when the floor is dry. Staff are required to take care and avoid wet floors.

Inattentive behaviour:

Walking, distractions (e.g. using mobile phone, texting and talking and not watching where you’re going). Take care when exiting offices, corridors and lifts to avoid any collisions with other staff, patients and visitors.

Taking shortcuts:

Not using designated walkways or pathways; being in a hurry and rushing around. Be aware of traffic and use designated crossing points where available.

Not in the correct position Door in the correct position

Watch out for door stops! Door stops are situated in most corridors to stop the door from opening too far. To minimise the trip hazard only one is fitted. Ensure the door is opened the right way and sits in the door stop. If not, this could lead to a staff, visitor or patient fall!

Before/during/after use checks:

Before • Visual check to ensure all parts are not damaged, including

undamaged stiles (the side pieces that the rungs are attached to)

• Clean rungs (the tread area)

• Ensure on a level surface

During

• Do not lean out of the surface area of the step

After

• Stow in a suitable area away from access routes

• Report any faults (if any) and label up to prevent any further use

Steps and Ladders There may be times when you need to operate at height. Prior to commencing the task, ensure you are trained to do so and that you use the equipment provided (ladders/steps) correctly and that relevant risk assessments are read and followed.

How can you prevent slips, trips and falls?

• Look where you are going at all times

• Be aware of your surroundings

• Footwear – – Wear sensible footwear for the task

– Check soles are in good condition

– If icy, consider wearing ice/snow grips or I-Socks

• Good housekeeping

• Correct use of equipment (ladders/steps)

• Use of handrails when using staircases

• Report/action any concerns such as spills or trip hazards to (housekeeping, managers)

I-Socks

Ice shoe grippers

Sharps Injury Prevention

Depending on your role, you may be subject to hazards such as needles, scissors, saws

and scalpels (to name a few). These items are to be used with care in a manner that

has been shown to you as part of your training and disposed of correctly in line with

Trust procedures.

• Use safety needles when available

• Do not re-sheath needles

• Use approved sharps bins for disposal

• Do not wander around with un-sheathed needles

• Maintain concentration, avoid distraction

• Confirm no needles present when clearing patient tables

• Do not over fill sharps bins or place fingers in

• Adhere to policy IC18 (Blood Borne Pathogens) and HSE regulations

Only correct procedures will help to eradicate incidents!

What to do if you receive a sharps related injury

If you suffer an injury from a sharp which may be contaminated:

• Encourage the wound to gently bleed, ideally holding it under running water.

• Wash the wound using running water and plenty of soap.

• Don't scrub the wound whilst you are washing it.

• Don't suck the wound.

• Dry the wound and cover it with a waterproof plaster or dressing.

• Seek medical advice from Team Prevent (Occupational Health Service) as effective prophylaxis (medicines to help fight infection) are available.

• Report the injury on Datix (online incident reporting system)

A child will pick up, handle, carry and lower items correctly whilst maintaining correct principles in manual handling

Manual handling

Q. Who has the best technique when it comes to manual handling?

Back pain and other MSDs account for approximately 40 per cent of all sickness absence in the NHS, costing in the region of £400 million each year.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), including manual handling injuries, are the most common type of occupational ill health in the UK.

For some members of staff, manual handling accidents can result in long periods of sick leave and for others it can even lead to the end of their career.

Manual handling – the hard facts

New cases: 169,000 Total cases: 553,000

9.5 million working days lost

Manual handling is the main work activity

causing back disorders

High rates in nursing, personal care, and

healthcare industries High rates for workers

aged over 45

Approximately 40% of disorders affect the

back, and 40% affect the upper limbs

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders*

*data taken from HSE report 2015

What is manual handling?

This could include:

pushing, pulling, lifting, lowering, carrying or moving there of

There are 3 Physical Aspects to Manual Handling:

• Physical Effort

• Postural Stress

• Repetitive Movements

“Transporting or supporting of a load by hand or bodily force”

The law & manual handling There are various regulations and guidance that relate to manual handling

and all state that sufficient training as well as other requirements is to be provided prior to carrying out manual handling related tasks

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

(HASAWA)

Manual Handling

Operations Regulations 1992

Provision and Use of Work Equipment

Regulations 1998

(PUWER)

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment

Regulations 1998 (LOLER)

These regulations set out a hierarchy of measures employers must work through to prevent or reduce the likelihood of injury:

Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992

• Avoid hazardous manual handling

• Assess the activity

• Reduce the risk involved

• Review the risk assessment

To comply with the MHOR employees must:

• Attend training as required

• Use equipment they are trained to use

• Follow procedures and challenge unsafe procedures

• Report dangers using local systems (Datix)

Assess the activity

L - Load

How heavy is the load/person? Do you have information on the contents? If moving a patient, has the patient mobility assessment been completed? What does it tell you?

I - Individual

Recognise your own capabilities. Have you had sufficient training? Do you have an injury which will be made worse by manual handling?

T – Task How far do you need to transport the patient or item? Do you need assistance from others or equipment such as a trolley?

E - Environment

Do you have enough space? What are the floor surfaces like? Are there trip hazards or spillages? Is the lighting sufficient to operate within?

Prior to carrying out any manual handling task, it is essential that you risk assess the situation using the LITE memory aid:

Principles of safe handling

Where possible, manual handling should be avoided or reduced by

using various aids such as trolleys, hoists etc.

If manual handling is required there are several principles that should

be adopted to ensure good technique and posture is maintained.

Principles can be seen as the safest way for the body to move while

technique can be seen as how to obtain these postures or movements.

Posture should be as upright as

possible with back straight and head

upright to avoid pressure on the back

and neck.

Principles of safe handling

• Solid base – Firm, balanced foot position

• Face inline with movement

• Back “straight” keep the natural S Shape

• Avoid twisting – move your feet instead

• Bend your knees – not your back

Principles of safe handling

• Dry, firm grip – Dry your hands and use the whole of the palm and any handles/lifting points

• Hold close – this will reduce the stress on lower back

• Raise your head – this helps to keep your back straight

• Lift in stages

– if necessary

• Lower carefully

– in stages if needed

Start in a good posture

Avoid twisting the back or leaning sideways, especially when the back is bent

Manual handling guidelines

The nearer to the waist

and close to the body is

the best lifting area.

The further away from

the body or higher or

lower, the weight should

be reduced.

The diagram below is a gender specific guideline only, on weight that can be lifted

at certain positions. Any weight that exceeds these should be risk assessed and

control measures implemented. Remember that everyone is different and will

have different strengths and abilities.

Team manual handling tasks

Ensure

• The lift is planned

• One person is in charge

• Good communication

• Work within your capabilities

• Use trust approved commands (Ready, steady….action word slide, lift, move, push, pull etc.)

Ready,

Steady…

Slide

When a team manual handling task is required, it is important to adhere to the following guidelines:

Patients can often do a lot for themselves if encouraged, or shown, and this will benefit them too by remaining independent. Individual Patient Mobility Assessments will show you what they can or cannot do and highlight any equipment and assistance you may need.

No one working in a hospital, or community setting should need to put their safety at risk when lifting patients manually. Hoists, sliding aids and other specialised equipment mean that staff should no longer have to risk injury while doing their job. Each requires specific training prior to using.

Use of equipment

Patient Lifting Hoist Patient Slide Sheet HoverJack Lift Aid

Patient Transfer Board

Hovermat Transfer Aid

Patient Stand/Transfer Aid Patient Standing Hoist Theatre Transfer Sheet

Notes Trolley

Standing/Turn Aid

Some types of manual handling equipment available to you are:

Examples of these techniques are:

• Lifting with persons arms around handlers neck

• Australian / cross arm / orthodox lifts etc.

• Walking a person linking arms

• The drag lift (under arm)

• Pivot transfers

By doing any of the above, you risk hurting both yourself and the patient and placing yourself and the Trust in a vulnerable position to claims of physical abuse if the patient was injured as a result of bad manual handling

Controversial patient handling techniques

Within the Trust, we do not handle patients using controversial techniques (non-approved/unsafe) .

Most cases of back pain aren't caused by serious damage or disease but by minor sprains, strains or injuries, or a pinched or irritated nerve.

These types of back pain can be triggered by everyday activities at home or at work, or they can develop gradually, over time. Possible causes of back pain include:

Causes of back pain

• Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling heavy objects and poor work practices

• Overusing the muscles – repetitive movements (repetitive strain injury)

• Psychological stress – when tensed up through stress muscles can be taut and are easily damaged

• Sitting in a hunched position, or for long periods without taking a break

• Bending/twisting awkwardly and for long periods

• Slouching in chairs

• Overstretching

• Bad posture

It’s curtains - don’t go off the rails

• Always walk the curtain slowly around the bay under full control

• Be aware of what may be on the other side of a curtain (any trip, slip or collision hazards)

Moving and handling of a bariatric patient

The term bariatric refers to larger patients who may require specialist equipment or procedures to assist them whilst in hospital

Should the patient need extra assistance, there is specialist training that should be conducted by clinical staff to ensure manual handling techniques are carried out correctly.

Not all bariatric patients need extra manpower assistance to help them mobilise.

Some bariatric patients will need additional specialist equipment to support them during their spell in hospital such as larger beds, commodes, chairs and walking frames.

Handling requirements

• Carry out an assessment – not all bariatric patients lack mobility

• Use specialist equipment as required (beds, commodes, heavy duty hoists)

• Weigh on admission to establish weight does not exceed equipment safe working load (SWL)

• Ensure a suitable environment – space for chair, bed and equipment etc.

• Provide appropriate handling equipment such as hoists

• Ensure sufficient trained and competent staff

• The Trust has certain specialist equipment

• 1st call mobility are able to provide equipment

• The Trust run bariatric workshops for clinical staff

• Read the Manual Handling Policy for guidance

• Always maintain patient dignity and respect

The following recommendations should be used according to patient need

Good practice will prevent harm

• Attend local manual handling training (clinical/non-clinical) annually

• Read and follow patient mobility assessments and care plans

• Raise awareness to changes in patient mobility or medical condition

• Report dangers and challenge unsafe practices

• Follow standard operating procedures

• Use correct procedures

• Use all equipment as trained

• Do not rush or cut corners

Always set a positive example and always use best practice

Display Screen Equipment (DSE)

Advances in technology

Advances in technology have led to the widespread use of Display Screen Equipment (DSE) and many jobs now require prolonged or some use of DSE to complete work related tasks.

It is currently accepted that DSE itself is not harmful, however the way in which DSE is used can in some cases exacerbate discomfort and health related problems.

Display Screen Equipment Regulations

Regulations

Require employers to assess risks posed to workers by their work or business. These regulations require DSE users to be identified and individual risk assessments to be undertaken. Training Trust employees highlighted as DSE users are to be provided with information and an understanding of DSE in order to adhere to best practice advice on workstation setup, posture and seating in order to avoid physical problems associated with DSE.

DSE Regulations enforced 1 January 1993 (amended 2002)

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999)

Potential health risks

• Visual discomfort/eye strain from poor lighting or incorrect monitor position

• Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) from incorrect posture

– Carpal tunnel syndrome

– Tendonitis

• Aches and pains from poor posture

• Fatigue from repetitive tasks

• Stress from all of the above

It is important that your workstation is set up correctly for your needs and that when operating at your workstation, your are in a comfortable position to be able to carry out your tasks without concern. By not adjusting the furniture and equipment to your requirements there is a risk to potentially cause injury or illness as follows:

Who is classed as a DSE user? There are 7 criteria defined by DSE regulations that state what constitutes being a DSE user. To be classed as a regular DSE user the operator must satisfy 4 of the following:

1. Have no alternative – DSE is necessary for the job as alternative means are not readily available;

2. Need significant training or particular and/or specific skills in the use of the DSE;

3. The employee normally uses DSE for continuous spells of an hour or more at a time;

4. The fast transfer of information between the employee and screen is an

important requirement of the job

5. DSE is used more or less daily;

6. Have to input data quickly or accurately

7. Need high levels of concentration or undertake critical work

Workstation set up

All DSE users are required to set up their workstations to individual needs

Whether Standing or Seated

It is important to maintain a good posture. Adjustments should be made to any chairs or height adjustable arms for monitors to suit the individual.

Laptops

If your work involves the use of a laptop over a prolonged period, provisions should be made to raise the screen to a comfortable height. Aids such as a laptop stand, a separate keyboard and mouse will assist with maintaining a better posture.

Good posture using laptop stand and separate keyboard/mouse

Bad posture due to looking down at laptop screen (without laptop stand)

Good posture is critical to ensure the neck and spine are not carrying more weight than necessary.

Poor posture – for every inch (2.5cm) the head moves forward, it’s an extra 4.5kg weight on the spine

Good Posture

5.4kg 14.5kg 19kg

Easy Reach Zone

Ergonomics

Setting up your workstation

Careful consideration should be given when setting up your workstation to ensure items are placed within reach to avoid reaching, leaning or twisting.

Items to think about moving into the “easy reach” zone...

• Keyboard

• Mouse

• Telephone

Ergonomics is a science concerned with the ‘fit’ between people and their work. It puts people first, taking account of their capabilities and limitations.

Ergonomics aims to make sure that tasks, equipment, information

and the environment suit each worker:

• Heating – Is it suitable for your environment?

• Equipment and furniture – Are they fit for purpose?

What can I do to help myself?

• Don’t sit in the same position for long periods, make sure you change your posture

as often as is practical.

• Most jobs provide opportunities to take a break from the screen, e.g. to answer

the phone, do filing or photocopying etc. Make use of them to break up your

computer work.

• Ergonomically move your workstation around to suit your needs and avoid

stretching.

• Frequent short breaks are better than fewer long ones.

• Ensure you complete a DSE risk assessment initially, annually or when you move

workstation. Ask your manager or local DSE Assessor regarding this.

• Get comfortable - adjust your chair (including

lumbar support) to find the most comfortable

position for your work. (it only takes about 15

seconds)

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

What is included under COSHH? • Chemicals or products containing chemicals - substances

classified as very toxic, e.g. toxic, harmful, corrosive or irritant (carry the hazard warning label)

• Fumes, vapours and mists and dusts

• Gases and asphyxiating gases

• Biological agents

• Medicines – where they contain hazardous substances which may affect the health of those administering them

• Any other substance that creates a risk to health because of its properties and the way it is used or is present in the workplace, including carcinogens and sensitising agents

Hazard Warning Signs

Hazardous substances are labelled up to show the relevant hazard posed by its contents. Examples of these are as follows:

These are examples of old type signs that may still be in use on some products

These are examples of the new internationally recognised signs introduced in 2016

Methods of contamination

There are many ways that a hazardous substance (liquid, gas, vapour, solid) can enter the body as follows:

Absorption (Through skin or eyes)

Ingestion

Inhalation Puncture

E.g. Acids and solvents that can cause burns or drying of skin.

Formaldehyde and ammonia vapours can damage the eyes and cause irritation in small amounts.

E.g. toilet/oven cleaners

Irritant and/or corrosive. Can burn or destroy tissue.

E.g. Chlorine gas or smoke. Can cause scarring to the lungs.

Contaminated needles or scalpels can spread diseases such as HIV or Hepatitis.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

Trust Responsibilities:

• Identify hazardous substances and ensure where they cannot be eliminated, risk assessments

are carried out (where necessary) and control measures implemented

• Provide staff coming into contact with hazardous substances with the appropriate level of

information, instruction and training

• Ensure any emergency arrangements are in place where necessary

• Provide relevant Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Provide monitoring and health surveillance in appropriate cases

Staff Responsibilities:

• Comply with risk assessments and information provided

• Make full and proper use of PPE where indicated on the risk assessment

• Attend medical examinations (as required)

• Report concerns to management including defects in any PPE (if appropriate)

Hierarchy of control

COSHH regulations state that a hierarchy of control must be used to minimise

dangers posed by hazardous substances to employees as follows:

Eliminate Can you avoid using the product all together?

Substitute Is there an alternative product that presents less of a hazard?

Engineering Controls Control exposure at source, e.g. Fume

cupboard/extraction systems

Administration Procedure changes, employee training, and installation

of signs and warning labels

Personal Protective Equipment Is the absolute final measure to negate the associated

hazard(s) in conjunction with the measures above

Examples of control measures

Storage

Extremely flammable chemicals stored in approved flammable cupboard

Transportation of substances

Large samples of formalin transported on dedicated trolley, with spillage kit

Training

COSHH training given to staff coming into contact with hazardous substances and face fit testing for clinical staff and those using masks and respirators

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Staff are provide with gloves, aprons, masks and visors as required

Monitoring

Periodic air monitoring carried out

Provision of Equipment

Spillage kits, fume cupboards

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment is a control measure to significantly reduce/prevent a hazardous

substance from coming into contact with human tissue via any method of contamination.

The risk assessment and product safety data sheet and SOP will specify what PPE is to be worn when

carrying out a procedure involving hazardous substances.

• It is essential that PPE is:

– Worn correctly as per safe working procedures and manufacturers instructions

– Disposed of correctly (if single use item)

– Looked after (if individual issue)

– Reported and replaced if unserviceable

If dealing with blood and body fluids, it is mandatory that PPE (as identified in the risk assessment) is worn.

Face fit testing is to be completed by all staff who are required to wear respirators or face masks. Face fit tester will complete this; ask your manager.

COSHH assessments, safety data sheets/SOPs

Safety Data Sheet COSHH Assessment

Prior to undertaking a task involving COSHH applicable substances, it is essential that staff are familiar with the relevant safety information. This could be in the format of a material safety data sheet (provided by the manufacturer/supplier), COSHH assessment and or COSHH SOP. Please refer to your COSHH Assessor/competent person or Health and Safety website.

COSHH SOP

Examples of the above are contained within the COSHH section on the H&S intranet page

• Always check labels before use

• Only store in suitable and labelled containers

• Store chemicals in a secure area

• Never mix chemicals without appropriate advice and guidance

• Only store in suitable and labelled containers

• Always wear appropriate PPE correctly

• Clear up spillages immediately

• Follow safe systems of work

• Report any symptoms of ill health immediately

• Report any operational or equipment failures

Golden rules for COSHH

Workplace stress

There is a difference between stress and pressure.

We all experience pressure on a daily basis, and need it to motivate us and enable us to perform at our best.

It’s when we experience too much pressure without the

opportunity to recover that we start to experience stress.

What can contribute to workplace stress?

• The demands of your job

• Your control over your work

• The support you receive from managers and colleagues

• Your relationships at work with managers and colleagues

• Your role in the organisation

• Organisational change and how it’s managed

Help yourself to prevent workplace stress

• Look at the Stress Management Policy (HR38) on the Trust intranet

• The health and safety for managers training course covers stress

• Consider a referral to Team Prevent (Occupational Health)

• The Trust has a free Staff Counselling Service

– information on this is via the Trust intranet under the Services section

• Prioritise workload and share work as required

• Talk to a manager about your concerns

• Take regular breaks

• Look at Fit 4 Life website

– This has lots of advice and ideas

• Complete the online stress module, “Under Pressure”, to help you recognise and deal with stress – This is accessed from the Staff Counselling section of the

intranet

Accidents happen – but what happens next?

All accidents or near misses should be reported on Datix. Some may need reporting under RIDDOR

Manager of the area carries out a risk assessment or a review of existing RA

Where necessary, others are involved, e.g. H&S advisors, manual handling advisor

Control measures put into place to avoid recurrence and team members briefed on them

Should an accident occur, it is important that it is dealt with in a professional and efficient manner. All accidents are different and may require first aid or additional tasks or assistance to deal with the situation and rectify concerns and shortfalls.

Deal with priority issues such as first aid, prevention of further injuries to others (cordon, clean up etc.)

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

Examples of RIDDOR reportable incidents; • Specified Injury, e.g. broken arm

• 7-Day Plus injury – staff member is off work (or unable to carry out their normal work) for 7 days or more

• Dangerous Occurrence – e.g. Explosions or fires causing work to be stopped for more than 24 hours; needle stick injuries from known infected source

• Reportable Disease – e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive work

• Patient Falls – not all patient falls resulting in injury are reportable.

Ward Manager/Matron decide using the RIDDOR Checklist for guidance.

What is RIDDOR? RIDDOR is the law that requires employers, and other people in control of work premises, to report and keep records of:

• Work-related accidents which cause death;

• Work-related accidents which cause certain serious injuries (reportable injuries);

• Diagnosed cases of certain industrial diseases; and certain ‘dangerous occurrences’ (incidents with the potential to cause harm).

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

• In the case of specified injury or dangerous occurrence;

within 10 Days • In the case of 7 day plus absence/incapacity

within 15 Days

• There are some cases that will need to be reported immediately. Consult H&S department for further information

All managers should undertake the RIDDOR training course, available through the Health and Safety department which will equip them with the competencies to recognise what is reportable.

Timescale for reporting

Sources of Information

• Health & Safety Department located in D Block (Yoo Building)

– Ext. 76427 (Royal Stoke)

– Ext. 4492 (County)

• Departmental managers/subject matter experts

• Departmental health and safety folders

• Manual handling trainers, COSHH assessors, DSE assessors

• Health & Safety policies on the ‘policies’ section of the intranet

• Divisional health & safety leads

• Health & Safety intranet pages (UHNM intranet, business section)

Health and Safety information, advice and guidance is always available should you need it as follows:

Training Courses The following courses are run by the H&S department:

Course Duration

Managing Health & Safety

Managing Health & Safety (Refresher)

1 day

½ day

COSHH Awareness 3 hours

RIDDOR 1 hour

First Aid at Work

First Aid at Work (Refresher)

Emergency First Aid

3 days

2 days

1 day

Manual Handling Trainer (clinical)

Annual Refresher

3 days

1 day

Manual Handling Trainer (non-clinical)

Annual Refresher

2 days

1 day

Bariatric Patient Handling Workshop 3 hours

Display Screen Equipment Assessor Display Screen Equipment Assessor (Refresher)

1 day 1.5 hours

Risk Assessment Workshop 2 hours

Now what?

New Trust Members

• Complete localised workplace induction process with their manager and be shown any risk assessments and associated workplace hazards

• Familiarise yourself with the Trust emergency procedures and locate the nearest fire exits and fire appliances

All Trust Members

• Complete a manual handling practical session (clinical/non–clinical)

• DSE Users – complete DSE Workstation Assessment (if regular user)

• Complete face fit testing (clinical staff as required)

• Use all equipment provided correctly and follow safe working procedures

• Report incidents/near misses on Datix and highlight any H&S concerns to your management/H&S department. This will allow trends to be looked into and addressed in order to prevent any further occurrences

• Risk assess and use common sense always

Summary

This module has described…

• the Trust’s commitment to delivering services safely and the legislation, policies and procedures that are in place

• the meanings of hazard, risk and risk assessment.

• common workplace hazards and how to recognise them

• how risks can be managed through preventative and protective measures

• how to work safely

• the importance of reporting issues and how to do this

• how to raise health and safety concerns

• your own responsibilities in terms of health and safety

The End - Stay Safe!