Learning Outcomes for the Study Units:
Introduction to Health and Safety Legislation
- Explain the key principles of the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) 1974.
- Identify other relevant health and safety legislation applicable to social and healthcare settings.
- Describe the roles and responsibilities of employers, employees, and others under health and safety legislation.
Risk Management in Social and Health Care
- Explain the risk management process, including hazard identification, risk assessment, and control measure implementation.
- Apply different risk assessment tools and techniques used in social and healthcare settings.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of existing control measures and recommend improvements.
- Develop and implement a plan to control identified risks in a social or healthcare setting.
Accident and Incident Reporting and Investigation
- Explain the importance of reporting accidents and incidents (including near misses).
- Describe the reporting procedures within your workplace and to relevant regulatory bodies.
- Participate in accident and incident investigations, following established protocols.
- Identify root causes of accidents and incidents and recommend corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
Fire Safety in Social and Health Care
- Identify different types of fires and fire hazards commonly found in social and healthcare settings.
- Explain fire safety legislation and the importance of fire safety plans within the workplace.
- Demonstrate the safe use of fire safety equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, fire alarms) following established procedures.
- Describe safe evacuation procedures in the event of a fire.
Safe Handling in Social and Health Care
- Apply safe handling techniques for people, equipment, and substances, considering factors like moving and assisting patients, handling chemicals, and sharps.
- Explain the principles of Manual Handling to minimize the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
- Implement infection control procedures to prevent the spread of diseases in a social or healthcare setting.
Workstations and Ergonomics in Social and Health Care
- Explain the importance of good workstation design and ergonomics in preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
- Assess workstations for optimal comfort and safety, considering factors like posture and equipment layout.
- Apply appropriate lifting and carrying techniques to minimize musculoskeletal strain.
Managing Violence and Aggression
- Recognize the signs and triggers of violence and aggression in social and healthcare settings.
- Implement de-escalation techniques to manage potentially violent situations safely and effectively.
- Understand reporting procedures for violent incidents and the importance of providing post-incident support.
Promoting a Culture of Health and Safety
- Explain the concept of a positive health and safety culture in social and healthcare settings.
- Identify the importance of communication and collaboration in promoting health and safety.
- Participate in workplace health and safety initiatives, including risk assessments and safety promotion activities.
