1.2. Explain how health and safety is monitored and maintained and how people in the work setting are made aware of risks and hazards and encouraged to work safely

This guide will help you answer 1.2. Explain how health and safety is monitored and maintained and how people in the work setting are made aware of risks and hazards and encouraged to work safely.

Health and safety are essential in settings where children and young people are present. Monitoring and maintaining health and safety help protect everyone from harm. This includes children, staff, visitors, and volunteers. A safe environment supports children’s development and well-being, creating a positive space for them to grow.

Monitoring and maintaining health and safety involves following legal requirements, organisational policies, and regular assessments. It also includes keeping staff informed about potential risks and hazards and promoting safe working practices.

Legal Frameworks and Policies

Every childcare setting must comply with UK legislation related to health and safety. Key laws include:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Employers have a duty to ensure the safety of their employees and any others affected by their work activities.
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999: These regulations require risk assessments and effective control measures to prevent accidents or injuries.
• The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013: Serious incidents, such as major injuries or dangerous occurrences, must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002: These regulations cover the safe storage, use, and disposal of hazardous materials.

Alongside these laws, settings should have their own written health and safety policy. This outlines procedures for everyday safety, emergency situations, and how risks are managed.

Regular Risk Assessments

A key part of monitoring health and safety is carrying out risk assessments. Risk assessments identify potential hazards and assess how likely and severe the risks are. Following this, the organisation puts measures in place to reduce or eliminate risks.

Steps involved in a risk assessment:

1. Identify potential hazards (e.g., unsafe toys, slippery floors, or poor lighting).
2. Decide who might be harmed and how (e.g., children, staff, or visitors).
3. Assess the level of risk and decide on control measures.
4. Record findings and share them with relevant people.
5. Regularly review the assessment and update it if circumstances change.

Maintaining health and safety relies on keeping these assessments up-to-date. Any changes to the environment, new equipment, or specific needs of children should lead to a reassessment.

Regular Inspections

Daily and weekly checks help identify hazards early. Staff can inspect settings for:

• Broken toys or furniture
• Blocked fire exits
• Spills or trip hazards
• Unlocked hazardous materials (e.g., cleaning products)

These regular inspections ensure risks are managed promptly. Inspection records provide a clear record of safety measures and allow accountability.

Training for Workers

All staff need health and safety training. This helps them understand their responsibilities and how to comply with regulations. Common topics covered include:

• Manual handling (e.g., lifting children or heavy items safely)
• Fire safety procedures
• First aid training for adults and paediatric first aid for children
• Identifying and reporting hazards

New employees should receive induction training on health and safety policies. Regular refresher sessions keep knowledge up-to-date.

Encouraging Awareness Among Staff

Staff must be aware of common risks in their workplace. They should also know how to report hazards. Notices, posters, and staff meetings can help reinforce these messages. Open communication encourages team members to raise health and safety concerns.

Practical tips to encourage staff to work safely:

• Use clear signage, such as warning labels or reminders about hygiene practices.
• Provide personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves or aprons when needed, with training on correct usage.
• Encourage reporting of near-miss incidents. Addressing these can prevent future accidents.

Monitoring Children’s Safety

Health and safety monitoring isn’t limited to the physical environment. Staff must also observe children’s activities to ensure they remain safe. This includes:

• Supervising indoor and outdoor play areas
• Monitoring children using equipment correctly (e.g., climbing frames)
• Adapting environments for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

Policies Supporting Safe Environments

Specific policies form part of maintaining safety. These might include:

• Safeguarding Policy: Protects children from harm while in the setting.
• Hygiene Procedures: Prevents the spread of infections through regular handwashing and cleaning.
• Fire Safety Procedures: Includes practising fire drills and ensuring equipment like alarms and extinguishers work properly.

Recording and Reporting Incidents

Even in the best-managed settings, accidents can happen. Staff must record all accidents, near misses, and dangerous incidents in an accident book or electronic system. These records help:

• Identify recurring issues
• Improve existing procedures
• Provide evidence if future investigations occur

For serious incidents, RIDDOR requires reporting to the HSE immediately.

Involving Staff and Visitors

Health and safety must involve everyone in the setting, including staff, parents, and visitors. Ways to make policies accessible:

• Include key health and safety information in staff handbooks.
• Brief parents on any hazards in the environment, such as wet floors after cleaning.
• Ensure visitors follow sign-in/out procedures and know emergency exits.

Safety During Outdoor Activities

Many child development opportunities occur outdoors, but these environments also need risk assessments. Staff should check for hazards like:

• Uneven ground surfaces
• Damaged play equipment
• Dangerous plants

Outdoor safety includes ensuring children wear appropriate clothing (e.g., sun hats or waterproofs) and using high-visibility vests for trips outside the setting.

Encouraging Children to Stay Safe

Teaching children about safety is important. In childcare settings, this could mean:

• Explaining the importance of washing hands to prevent illness.
• Teaching them to tidy away toys to prevent trips and falls.
• Role-playing fire evacuation procedures with older children.

Engaging children in their own safety makes preventative measures more effective.

Using Technology in Health and Safety

Some organisations use technology to monitor safety. Examples include:

• CCTV to observe play areas
• Digital risk assessment tools
• Alarm systems to alert staff to issues like fires or unauthorised access

While technology is useful, it should complement—not replace—active supervision and ongoing checks.

Final Thoughts

Health and safety monitoring and maintenance require everyday effort. Working together, staff can create a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for children. By following risk assessments, encouraging communication, and staying vigilant, childcare settings can reduce risks and support everyone’s health and well-being.