This guide will help you answer The Care Certificate Standard 13.1a Identify legislation relating to general health and safety in a health or social care work setting.
A variety of legislation underpins general health and safety within health and social care work settings. This framework ensures the safety and well-being of both staff and service users.
Below are some key pieces of legislation:
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA):
- This is a primary piece of legislation governing occupational health and safety. It places a duty on employers to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of all their employees. It also places responsibilities on employees to take care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999:
- These regulations require employers to carry out risk assessments, ensure that suitable arrangements are in place for managing health and safety, and provide employees with relevant information and training.
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended):
- These regulations focus on reducing the risk of injury from manual handling activities. Employers are required to avoid hazardous manual handling as far as reasonably practicable and assess those that cannot be avoided.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH):
- This set of regulations requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health and includes the requirement to carry out risk assessments, provide controls to reduce harm, ensure control measures are used and maintained, and provide information, instruction, and training.
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR):
- Under RIDDOR, employers, including those in health and social care settings, are required to report and keep records of work-related accidents which cause deaths, serious injuries, diagnosed industrial diseases, and certain dangerous occurrences.
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER):
- These regulations require that equipment provided for use at work is safe, maintained in a safe condition, and used only by trained personnel.
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended 2002):
- These regulations require employers to provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees and ensure it is used correctly.
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989:
- These regulations impose health and safety requirements regarding electrical safety at work. Employers must ensure that electrical systems are safe to use and maintained in a safe condition.
The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017:
- These regulations apply to work with ionising radiation and require employers to protect workers and the public from radiation and to ensure that exposure is kept as low as reasonably practical.
In addition to the above, the Care Act 2014 and the Children Act 1989 (and subsequent amendments) provide overarching safeguarding duties that encompass aspects of health and safety in care settings.
Health and social care workers must be familiar with these pieces of legislation as they create a statutory framework within which health and safety policies and procedures are developed. Training and continuous professional development in these legislative requirements help ensure a safe working environment for both providers and recipients of care.
Example Answers for the Care Certificate Standard Activity 13.1a Answers
Below are some example answers that a care worker might give when asked about legislation related to general health and safety in a health or social care setting:
Example 1:
“As a care worker, I’m aware that the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 is the main legislation that guides our daily practices. This law requires our employer to ensure that our workplace is safe and that all risks are minimised as much as possible. For example, our manager conducts regular risk assessments and provides us with the necessary training and equipment to perform our tasks safely.”
Example 2:
“In our care setting, we follow the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 to prevent injuries related to lifting and moving patients. We receive training on how to use proper techniques and equipment such as hoists and transfer belts to safely move our service users without causing harm to ourselves or them.”
Example 3:
“I’m always mindful of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). At our facility, we use various cleaning products and medical substances that could be hazardous. We have clear guidelines on how to store, handle, and dispose of these chemicals safely. We also have COSHH data sheets and are trained to understand them and take appropriate precautions.”
Example 4:
“As part of our safety protocols, we comply with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR). If an accident happens, like a fall resulting in a serious injury, we must report it to our supervisor immediately, who then logs it and, if necessary, reports it to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This helps us keep track of incidents and work to prevent them in the future.”
Example 5:
“We rely heavily on different types of equipment in our day-to-day tasks. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) ensures that all the equipment we use, like wheelchairs and medical devices, is safe and well-maintained. Before using any equipment, we inspect it for any faults and ensure it is used correctly as per our training.”
Example 6:
“When it comes to personal safety, the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 are essential. Our employer provides us with PPE like gloves, masks, and aprons, especially important when dealing with infectious conditions or administering care that requires sterile conditions. We are trained to use this equipment properly to protect both ourselves and our patients.”
These example answers illustrate how a care worker integrates knowledge of key legislation into their daily responsibilities, ensuring the safety and well-being of themselves and those they care for.