Higher Administration HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK Unit 1.3
Below is a summary of the main health and safety points covered by the range of Health and Safety Acts Fire Procedures Fire Drills Fire Exits Fire Extinguishers First Aid Trained First Aiders First Aid Box Lighting Natural Light or Artifical lamps etc Toilet Facilities Hot/cold water Soap/towels Kept clean/maintained The Workplace Premises Floors/corridors kept clean Lino/carpets not worn Kept clear Temperature/Ventilation Min temperature 60 o /16 o F Windows that can open or Fans/air conditioning Space/Storage Adequate space for each person Storage for outdoor clothing Seating Adequate and appropriate to task being done
There are many hazards to be found in the office and workers could be injured seriously if there is something about the working environment, equipment or working practices which may cause them harm. These could be: Slips or trips Falling from a height Being struck by a moving or flying object Poor handling, lifting or carrying of objects
Safety and Equipment If a fault develops in any equipment an employee uses they should: place an Out of/do Not Use notice on it if electrical, switch it off and unplug from the mains report the fault using a Hazard/Fault Report Form not attempt to repair it themselves
Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations Employers must provide enough trained first aiders for their business Employers must provide a suitably stocked first aid box The Health and Safety Executive must approve any first aid training and qualifications Employers must ensure a record is kept of all incidents If an employee sees an accident at work they should contact a First Aider and not treat the injured person themselves. They should also complete an Accident Report Form and enter details in the Accident Book
Health And Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 This Act relates to the use of ICT within the organisation. Employers must: Ensure workstations meet minimum requirements, eg brightness/ contrast controls, that equipment and furniture is appropriate Arrange eye tests and provide spectacles if necessary Assess hardware and environment to identify possible risks, and take steps to reduce them Organise daily tasks to include regular changes in activity or breaks Provide health and safety training for employees
Employees must: Make full use of adjustment controls on VDU Arrange their desk and screen to avoid glare Avoid sitting for long periods of time in the same position Take part in any Health and Safety training offered Ensure that they take regular breaks or changes in activity
Health and Safety problems related to using a vdu Problem Eye Strain/ Headaches Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Backache Solved By Use of anti-glare screen/blinds to prevent glare Having regular breaks/change in activity Arranging eye tests, providing glasses if necessary Use of wrist rests Having regular breaks/change in activity Adjusting the layout of the workstation Use of adjustable chair Having regular breaks/change in activity Stress Monitoring operator workload Checking operator has been fully trained to use the hardware/software
Emergency and evacuation procedures Fire alarm system must be installed and checked regularly Correct fire extinguishers should be supplied and checked annually Regular fire drills must be held Fire evacuation/procedure notices must be displayed in all areas Staff and visitors must always sign in and out of the building so that in the event of a fire all employees and visitors can be accounted for.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Under this Act both employers and employees have responsibilities. EMPLOYER S RESPONSIBILITIES To provide a safe entrance and exit from work To provide a safe working environment To look after employees welfare, eg offering health checks To provide free protective clothing/equipment as necessary To prepare a Health and Safety Policy and give information and training as needed
EMPLOYEE s RESPONSIBILITIES To take of their own health and safety To take care of other peoples health and safety To work with the employer to maintain health and safety, eg attend training courses, follow guidelines The employee should develop good working practices such as: not having liquids near VDUs not leaving items in walkways for people to trip over keeping work areas clean and tidy taking care of equipment so it is not damaged These will help to maintain health and safety in the workplace
The area or classroom of the fault/hazard Give a description of the fault/hazard Complete as fully as possible Your Name Today s Date Will be signed by Health and Safety Officer for the school
Riddor Reporting of injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences regulations Under this Act, certain incidents, injuries, accidents and outbreaks of disease must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive within 7 10 days. Employers can be fined for failing to report
Over 3-day Injury If an incident stops an employee doing their normal job for more than 3 days employer must send the accident report form within 10 days. Disease If a doctor informs an employer that an employee has a reportable disease, the employer must send a disease report within 10 days. RIDDOR Death or Major Injury If an incident causes death or major injury to an employee or member of the public the employer must immediately inform the HSE (eg by phone) and send an accident report within 10 days. Dangerous Occurrence If something happens which could have resulted in a reported injury, but didn t, employer still has to forward an accident report form within 10 days.
INDUCTION TRAINING HEALTH AND SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE ORGANISATIONAL HANDBOOK ON-GOING TRAINING COMMUNICATING HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATIONS ADVICE SESSIONS USE OF NOTICES DEMONSTRATIONS INTRANET Admin Services Outcome 2 - Impact of Working Practices 18
Consequences of breaches of Health and Safety Legislation and Procedures THE ORGANISATION Inspectors from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and Environmental health can visit at any time to: provide advice issue warnings/notice to improve shut down immediately Health & safety is important for both employers and employees and failure to comply with legislation or organisational procedures can result in heavy penalties. EMPLOYEES If employees fail to comply with health & safety policies they will normally be dealt with through the company s disciplinary procedure and may be given: a verbal warning a written warning summary dismissal referral to the police civil/criminal prosecution If employees believe that health & safety regulations have been breached, they can take their case to an INDUSTRIAL TRIBUNAL eg failure to remedy a hazard. Admin Services Outcome 2 - Impact of Working Practices 19