Risk AssessmentAt the end of this session you should be able to:

Define is risk assessment Identify how to assess risks in the workplace

Identify hazardsDecide who may be harmed & how

Evaluate risks & decide on precautionsRecord findings & implement themReview risk assessment & update

What is risk assessment?

Careful examination of what could cause harm to peopleA plan of how to remove or reduce riskHave you taken enough precautions to protect the workplaceWorkers have a right to protectionLegal requirement to assess potential in the workplace risksAccidents & ill health

ruin livesAffect reputation of businessCould lead to prosecution

How to assess risk in the workplace

Identify hazards

Decide who might be harmed and how

Evaluate risks and decide on precautions

Record findings and implement them

Review assessment and update if necessary

Hazard Anything that may cause harm

Chemicals, electricity, drugs, other people, lifting people etc

RiskThe chance that somebody could be harmed

High, medium or low risk

How serious could the harm be

Identify the hazardWalk around & lookAsk people – staff, residents, visitorsVisit HSE (Health Safety Executive) web site www.hse.gov.uk - guidanceCall HSE info line 0845 345 0055 - publicationsContact Workplace Health Control 0845 609 6006 – free adviceTrade UnionCheck manufacturer’s instructionsLook at Accident and ill health recordsConsider long term hazards to health – e.g. back injury

Decide who might be harmed

For each hazard decide who is at riskfrom lifting heavy objects/people Identify how they may be harmed

E.g. carers may be have back injuries

Some people have special requirementsSpecial needs, pregnancy, new staff, very young staff

VisitorsOther professionals, contractors, maintenance people

PublicClients family & friends

Shared premisesAsk others

Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions

Decide what to do with the hazards you have identified

What is ‘reasonably practical’

Compare with good practice - Look at HSE website etc

Can you get rid of the hazard ?

If not, how can you control the risk to reduce risk of harm?

Evaluating risk cont’d

Less risky option e.g. use less hazardous chemicals

Prevent access to the hazard guards

Organise work to reduce exposure Working in pairs, hoists

Issue personal protective equipment (PPE) clothing, gloves, pinnies, sweatshirtsProvide welfare facilities

first aiders, washing facilities, occupational health

Record findings and implement them

Put risk assessment results into practiceRecord results (if more than 5 staff)

SimpleE.g. ‘Tripping over rubbish – bins provided – staff instructed – weekly checks

Share with staffNeed to show a proper check was madeAsked who might be affectedDealt with major hazardsPrecautions are reasonableInvolved other staff

Risk assessment plan should show:

Cheap/easy improvementsQuick actionTemporary solutions to reduce immediate riskLong term solutionsArrangements for training staffRegular checksClear responsibilities – who, by when

What are the hazards?

Who might be harmed and how?

What are you already doing?

What further action is necessary?

How will you put the assessment into practice?

E.G. Trips and falls from frayed carpet in front entrance

Staff, service users, visitors

Cover frayed area

Put out caution sign

Warn staff and residents

Arranged for carpet repairer to call

Check repair has been done by the end of the week

Review risk assessment and update if necessary

Take account of changes in the workplace

New hazards

Ongoing review (annually) or sooner if major change

Look at risk assessment changes?

Improvements?

Staff reports?

Learnt from mistakes, accidents, near misses?

Types of risk assessment in a care setting

Moving & handlingInfection controlCare of drugsCare of chemicalsKeeping environment tidyOutside visitsVisitors Maintenance of vehiclesMaintenance of equipmentGeneral up keep of the premises