Learning Intentions

You will be able to:

• Identify key hazards in the workplace

• Describe 3 different workplace legislations

• Outline key features of the legislation

• Describe the purpose of an Accident Report Form

Ensuring Safe Working Practices

The risks of hazards harming employees can be minimised by both employees and employers taking responsibility to ensure they work in a way which reduces the likelihood of an accident happening.

Major injuries can be caused by:

- Slips, trips or falls - the most common cause of injury
- Falling items when trying to reach items on a cupboard or shelf
- Poor lifting and handling techniques
- Fire in the workplace

Discuss with the person beside you

Suggest one way to prevent each hazard:

1. Slips, trips & falls

2. Falling items

3. Poor lifting and handling techniques

4. Fire in the workplace

Preventing Accidents: Slips, trips & falls

Ensure a cable management system is in place

Mop up spillages immediately

Preventing Accidents: Being struck by a moving

object

Stack heaviest
boxes at bottom
and lightest at top

Use step ladders

to reach high

shelves

Preventing Accidents: Poor Handling

Train staff on
lifting heavy

goods properly

Use a trolley to

carry heavy

objects

Preventing Accidents: Fire

Do not block

fire exits

Have regular

fire drills

Current

Legislation

Current Legislation

There are 4 key pieces of legislation relating to Health & Safety:
- Health & Safety at Work Act (HASAWA)
- Display Screen Regulations
- Fire Precuations Regulations
- First Aid Regulations

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

States the responsibilities of the
employer and the employee

Act applies to all places of
work and everyone at work

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Health and
Safety At
Work Act 1974

Employers must:

• Provide and maintain

suitable surroundings

• Provide information and

training

• Provide protective clothing

• Prepare a health and safety

policy

Employees must:

• Take reasonable care for

their own and others
safety

• Co-operate with their

employer

• Not interfere with or

misuse equipment

Display Screen Regulations (1992)

Designed to minimise the potential risks associated with the use of visual display units

This could include eye strain, back ache, headaches

Display Screen Equipment
Regulations

Organise employees daily work so that they receive regular
breaks

Arrange and pay for regular eye checks

Analyse work stations and assess risk

Provide training on how to use workstations safely

Display Screen Equipment
Regulations

Have adjustable controls on display units

Have adjustable seating for employees

Have suitable work stations

Provide training on how to use workstations safely

Concerns with Computer Use

​Health problems could include:

• Back problems

• Eyestrain

• Repetitive Strain Injury

First Aid Regulations

Employers must provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment and trained first aiders.

What is adequate depends on the circumstances in the workplace.

First Aid Regulations

Employers must provide a suitably stocked first aid box

Appoint a first aider

Inform staff of first aid arrangements

Fire Precautions Regulations

Carry out risk assessments in the workplace to identify any fire hazards.

Fit smoke detectors and fire alarms, provide fire-fighting equipment

Create escape routes and light/mark exits from buildings.

Conduct emergency and fire safety training with staff