Health & Safety

Employers, managers and supervisors should all ensure that workplace practices reflect the risk assessment and safety statement. Behavior, the way in which everyone works, must reflect the safe working practices laid down in these documents. Supervisory checks and audits should be carried out to determine how well the aims set down are being achieved. Corrective action should be taken when required. Additionally, if a workplace is provided for use by others. The safety statement must also set out the safe work practices that are relevant to them. Hence, it is

Explain the roles and responsibilities for Health and Safety of key personnel in a selected workplace (P3)

State why and when health and safety control equipment, identified by the principles of protection, should be used relating to types, purpose and limitations of each type, the work situation, occupational use and the general work

State how changing circumstances within the workplace could cause hazards & the methods used for reporting changed circumstances, hazards and incidents.

and they should be used when doing personal care, handling waste, a change of activity to protect the carer and the individual.

This requires the employer to assess and minimise any risks when working with electricity or electrical equipment.

Outcome 1 – Understand own responsibilities, and the responsibilities of others, relating to health and safety in the work setting

State why and when health and safety control equipment, identified by the principles of protection, should be used relating to types, purpose and limitations of each type, the work situation, occupational use and the general work environment, in relation to:

Criteria 1.4: State why and when health and safety control equipment, identified by the principles of protection, should be used relating to types, purpose and limitations of each type, the work situation, occupational use and the general work environment, in relation to:

1.2 Identify the lines of responsibility and reporting for health and safety in the work setting

• Provide and maintain a safe working environment by the use of safe systems of work

– collective protective measures– personal protective equipment (PPE)– respiratory protective equipment (RPE)– local exhaust ventilation (LEV).

1.2 Identify the lines of responsibility and reporting for health and safety in the work setting.

An Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) is a planned, documented and verifiable method of managing workplace hazards and their associated risks (Pillay, 2016). An OHSMS provides a structure that allows an organisation to identify and control health and safety risks within the organisation. The implementation of such structures promotes a safe and healthy working environment which, in turn, will reduce the potential for accidents in the workplace whilst aiding legislative compliance and improving the overall performance of the organisation. Comparing and contrasting OHSMSs through the analysis of available literature allows one to determine the most appropriate management system for their organisation.

This responsibility motivates the HR department and managers to implement stringent policies to prevent work-related injuries to avoid paying for higher workers’ compensation insurance. Moreover, it inspires the company to promote safety by organizing a safety committee to address hazards in the workplace to prevent injuries or deaths. The committee solicits employee suggestions and participation to increase compliance to company policies. It also develops various safety programs to promote employee wellness to improve their quality of life (Gomez-Mejia, et al, 2010).