LO1 Flashcards
What is a hazard?
Something that could potentially cause harm
What are the 9 types of hazards?
Musculoskeletal
Working conditions
Working practices
Lack of security systems
Biological
Environmental
Psychological
Chemical
Physical
What is a musculoskeletal hazard + example
A hazard that can damage the musculoskeletal system, eg nerves, muscles.
Manual handling can cause back or muscle injuries if not carried out correctly
What are working conditions + example
The conditions of the environment
Temperature, noise, ventilation
What are working practices + examples
How you are expected to do your job in comparison to how you do your job
Long working hours results in tiredness or lack of concentration, leading to mistakes and accidents
Lack of supervision can result in injuries due to incorrect procedures being used
What is meant by a lack of security systems + example
Not having the correct security systems in place throughout a setting to ensure safety of all staff, service users and visitors
Doors/windows not locked, no alarm system, not monitoring visitors, no CCTV
What is a biological hazard + example
A biological substance which can cause harm or illness
Bacteria, virus, waste products, used dressings/bandages, vomit - not disposed of correct leading to poor levels of hygiene
What is an environmental hazard + example
Things within your environment which could cause harm to staff and service users
Worn/damaged equipment, wet floors, torn carpet, electrical equipment
What are psychological hazards + example
Hazards that can impact mental health and state of mind
Work overload, dealing with challenging behaviour, lack of support - leads to stress and fatigue
What is a chemical hazard + example
A substance found in the environment which can cause harm
Cleaning materials, disinfectant, medication - if not stored/used appropriately
What is a physical hazard + example
A factor within the environment which can harm the body without necessarily touching it
X-rays, noise, vibrations - damage ears, excessive exposure
What are the 3 main groups impacted by hazards in health and social care?
Employers
Employees
Individuals
Who are employers?
A manager ir owner of a care setting who employs staff.
Who are employees?
Individuals who work in a care setting, eg nurses and teachers
Who are individuals?
Service users who require care and support. Eg: patients, children
What are the 4 main impacts of hazards?
Poor standards of care
Injury or harm
Financial loss
Illness
When can poor standards of care be caused by employees?
When they:
Feel tired
Forget to give medication/fluids/food on time
Lack concentrations
Lack enough time to do jobs properly
What are the impacts of poor standards of care on individuals?
Bed sores
Pressure ulcers
Bruising due to poor handling
Dehydration
Malnutrition
Illness gets worse
What are some examples of injury or harm?
Musculoskeletal damage
Chemical burns
Cuts/bruises
Deafness
Fractures
Radiation
What are some examples of financial loss?
Loss of earnings due to time off work
Loss of job
Compensation being received/pursued
Theft of personal money or belongings
What are some examples of illness?
Eye strain
Food poisoning
Headaches
High blood pressure
Infections
Mental health issues
MRSA
Being unable to work leading to staff absence
What is meant by harm?
Something that causes someone to become hurt
What is meant by abuse?
Actions or threats that influence another person.
Intimidating behaviour, physical injuries
What is meant by intentional abuse?
Abuse that is deliberate and intended to harm someone.
Theft, physical abuse
