2.3 Explain how risk assessment can help address dilemmas between rights and health and safety concerns

Qualification: Level 2 Diploma in Care
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: 2.3 Explain how risk assessment can help address dilemmas between rights and health and safety concerns

 

We all rake risks as part of everyday life, whether it is driving in our car or swimming in the sea. These are often calculated risks where the benefit outweighs the potential dangers.

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Positive risk-taking is something that should be promoted with the individuals we support – individuals (providing they have mental capacity) must be supported to make their own choices after weighing up the pros and cons of the decision.

Sometimes, dilemmas will occur between the rights of individuals and health and safety concerns. For example, an individual with dementia may wish to go out to the pub with their friends once a week, however, their condition may put them at risk from becoming confused or getting lost.

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By performing a risk assessment, the individual (in collaboration with their care workers) will be able to understand the risks associated with the activity and together they can find ways to minimise or eliminate the risk. For example, the individual with dementia may be able to visit the pub with one of their carers or one of their friends may take the responsibility of looking after them and ensuring they get home safely.

This supports individuals to understand the risks and have control over their lives, promoting independence, self-confidence and self-esteem.

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