Word Count: 891

HEALTH AND SAFETY

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 “brought together a range of legislation covering health and safety since the first act was introduced in 1802” (Moonie et al, 1994:232).  Although the act emphasises the responsibility of the employer on health and safety care workers must also have an awareness and understanding of their health and safety responsibilities in relation to relevant legislation such as

  • The Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974
  • The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, 1999
  • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH), 2002
  • Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences
  • Manual Handling Regulations, 1992 (amended 2002)
  • Health and Safety First Aid Regulations, 1981

Important ethical issues arise with the exercise of the above duties through the Codes of Practice and the Human Rights Act 1998.  The Codes of Practice help classify the quality of care clients can expect if they receive care services and they can be used as a source for measuring the quality of care provided. Issues arise because they involve questions of the restriction of liberty and adjudication by health and social care workers, between the sometimes competing interests and wishes of individuals and their families and communities.

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The Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974 is comprehensive and recognises that everyone has the right to be protected from health and safety risks arising from work activities.

A risk assessment is another fundamental aspect of promoting the health, safety and security of people who use services and the working environment.

Risk assessment

A risk assessment as discussed by Nolan et al (2008:89) is required by law and every employer has a duty to assess risks in the workplace.  Although most already do this, all employers must now conduct risk assessments in ...

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