Unit name: Health, Safety and Wellbeing in Care Settings
Learning outcome: 2. Understand the use of risk assessments in relation to health and safety
Assessment criteria: 2.1 Explain why it is important to assess health and safety risks posed by the work setting, situations or by particular activities
It is important to ensure that health and safety risks posed by the work setting are assessed and action is taken to minimise or eliminate the danger for several reasons.
Firstly, it is an employer’s legal responsibility under the Management of Health and Safety regulations to ensure that risks are assessed.
Also, identifying and assessing risks helps to ensure that everyone stays safe.
In addition, it can be used to help individuals to weigh the potential benefits of risk-taking against the potential negative repercussions. This is part of safe, effective and person-centred care.
Risks can be categorised as those posed by the work setting, situations or activities.
Work setting risks could include:
- Smoke alarms not being checked regularly
- Tripping hazard caused by a frayed rug
Situational risks could include:
- A spillage not being cleaned up
- Doors not being locked when leaving the property
Activity risks could include:
- Not wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for personal care tasks
- Risk of food poisoning if food hygiene procedures are not followed