Legislation Health and social care

Question 1

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 HASAWA

Answer 1

The primary piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety in GB
The Health and Safety Executive with local authorities (and other enforcing authorities) are responsible for enforcing HASAWA
Established Health and Safety Executive as regulatory body for all Health and safety requirements
Care environments must appoint someone competent to help to meet Health and safety duty Someone with necessary Skills Knowledge Experience
Because of this law the care environment has to be safe Managers have to carry out tasks as said in regulations E.g. Risk assessments

Question 2

Employer responsibilities HASAWA

Answer 2

• To make sure workplace is safe
• To provide safe exit and entrance from work
• To ensure equipment is safe and properly maintained
• To control dust, fumes, noise levels
• To provide protective clothing and equipment where necessary
• To provide first aid facilities
• To keep records of accidents

Question 3

Employee responsibilities HASAWA

Answer 3

• To take care of own health and safety
• To take care of other people health and safety
• To work with employer to maintain health and safety E.g. Attending training courses

Question 4

Health and safety law poster

Answer 4

Must be displayed in every care setting Including Gateway and in staff areas
Esher college H and S law poster in reception
Outlines employee responsibilities for keeping themselves and others safe

Question 5

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Answer 5

Guidelines come from HASAWA 1974 :
A range of rules that need to be in place E.g.
- Recording in accident books Need to accurately record incidents This could be used in court Its influence means H and Sc equipment needs to be provided and protective equipment and clothing
- Having qualified first aiders
- Providing H and Sc equipment E.g. First aid room Latex gloves
- Regulations E.g. COSHH RIDDOR Manual Handling
- Fire safety equipment Planned fire evacuation procedures
- Warning of prosecution if ignored

Provides guidelines for employers Aimed at owners and managers of care environments Must provide :
- Up-to-date policies and procedures Appointed managers whose job it is to ensure these are in place and reviewed
- Training Information Supervision so work activities can be carried out safely
- Staff to carry out risk assessments

Question 6

Food Safety Act 1990

Answer 6

Requires good personal hygiene maintained when working with food E.g. Hair tied back or hair net
Requires records to be kept of where food is from so it can be traced back if there is any problem
It requires any food that is unsafe E.g. out of date removed and if it has caused a problem This problem should be recorded

Question 7

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations RIDDOR 2013

Answer 7

Requires employers to record and keep records for 3 years of work-related accidents that cause death or serious injury (Referred to as reportable injuries) , diseases, and dangerous occurrences These are specified injuries
Requires employers to have a procedure and place to record these accidents causing serious injury, diseases, and incidents
Staff must be trained about RIDDOR and these dangerous occurrences at the start of their job and at regular review dates
Employers and self-employed people must report diagnosis of occupational diseases such as Carpal tunnel syndrome, Severe cramp of hand or forearm, Occupational dermatitis, Hand-arm vibration syndrome, Occupational asthma

Question 8

Data Protection Act 1998

Answer 8

Requires provision of safe storage for staff and service users personal details E.g. Locked office or secure computerised data system
It requires staff to be trained to keep information secure
Data can only be used for its intended purpose Not shared unless person provides written permission

Question 9

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health COSHH 2002

Answer 9

Requires employers to carry out risk assessments relating to hazardous substances E.g. Cleaning fluids Paint Glue
Requires procedures E.g. Locked storage COSHH cupboard, Recording what type of substances they are on specialist data sheets
Legal requirement to inform and train staff