Transcript How to Find Your Way Around…

How to Find Your Way Around…
EXAMPLE COURSE
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FIT FOR WORK
COURSE OBJECTIVES
On completion of the Fit for Work
lesson you will be able to
understand the:
•
Describe why an awareness of
health and safety issues in the
workplace is important
•
Demonstrate how to lift, carry
and deposit an inanimate load
safely
•
Describe how to adjust
seating position and posture
whilst using display screen
equipment
•
Identify dangers associated
with using hazardous
chemicals
•
Take appropriate measures to
relieve stress and fatigue
whilst carrying out certain
tasks.
Introduction
The main piece of law governing Health &
Safety is: The Health & Safety at Work etc.
Act 1974
This Act defines responsibilities and duties
for all people at work and provides a
system for other Health & Safety law
(Regulations) to fit into.
The Fit for Work module is designed to
encourage and promote safe working
practices which help you to look after
your health.
To remain safe you should:
be aware of the risks involved in certain
activities;
ensure that you use equipment that has
been provided to assist you in your work;
to operate equipment, and handle
materials according to health and safety
guidelines.
Ergonomics
What is Ergonomics?
In its simplest term ergonomics is the study of people in
relation to their working environment. This means how you
and the things around you at work fit together.
To ensure efficient operation and to avoid strain and injury,
you and your workplace environment must be arranged,
organised, and designed.
In this section we shall help you to understand ergonomics
at work.
Scenario
Jane works in a busy Admin office. She is only 5‘0" tall and all her colleagues are much
taller.
The photocopier paper is always kept on a high shelf which is easily reached by Jane’s taller
colleagues. But whenever Jane needs to refill the copier, it's a struggle to reach paper and
she often has to stand on her tiptoes to reach.
What should she do?





Stand on a chair?
Ask someone else to get it down for her?
Knock it down with an umbrella?
Ask for the shelf to be lowered?
Keep the paper elsewhere?
From these options it may seem very clear what the correct course of
action is but it also shows that some options are dangerous and some
may cause injury. But it also demonstrates that this is not a very
efficient way to run an office.
The 'fit' between the person and their working environment needs to be addressed.
A basic understanding of ergonomics within your workplace can improve your work
routine. Ergonomic solutions can often be simple to make such as altering the height
of a chair can make a difference
What can it do?
By applying ergonomics within the workplace it has the potential for reducing:-
 Accidents;
 Potential for injury or ill health;
It can also lead to improved performance and productivity.
Ergonomics will also reduce the potential for ill health at work, such as aches and
pains of the wrists, shoulders and back by considering the layout of your working
equipment and how objects and work tools should be positioned in relation to
how they are used. For example items used most often should be placed where
they are easy to reach and use reducing the need for stooping, stretching etc.
Failure to observe ergonomic principles may have serious repercussions, not only
for individuals, work colleagues, their families, but also for the Trust.
What can I do?
If you find a problem the next step is to look for the cause and consider possible
solutions. A slight alteration may be all that is necessary to make a task easier and safer to
perform. Here are some examples:• Use adjustable chairs so individuals can work at their seating position
• Remove any obstacles from under desks to create sufficient leg room
• Arrange items stored on shelving so that those that are the heaviest are between waist
and shoulder height
• Change shift work patterns;
• Rotation of different tasks, to reduce physical and mental fatigue.
• Talk to colleague and get them to suggest ideas and discuss possible solutions. Involve
employees from the start of any process - this will help facilitate any changes.
• Always make sure that any alterations are properly evaluated by the people who do
the job. Be aware that a change introduced to solve one problem does not create
another.
Ergonomics is normally known for resolving problems that are more physical in its
nature. For example, ensuring that desking is high enough to allow adequate
clearance for an individuals legs. However, ergonomics also deals with
psychological and social aspects of the individual and their work. For example, a
workload that is too high or too low, or not having clear and defined tasks, time
pressures, inadequate training, and poor social support can all contribute to
having negative effects on the individual and their work.
The following are some examples of ‘typical’ ergonomic problems that can be
found and addressed in the workplace: Display screen equipment
 Manual handling
 Work-related stress
 Managing the working day
Continue
Problems attributed to poor ergonomics
may result in mistakes being made at
work?
True
False
Display Screen Equipment considerations
• Is the screen poorly positioned – is
it too high/low/close/far from the
worker, or is offset to one side?
• Is the mouse too far away and is it
stretching to use?
• Is the chairs properly adjusted to fit
the person, or is it awkward and
causing uncomfortable postures?
• Is there is glare on the screen from
overhead lights or windows, as this
will increase the risk of eyestrain?
• Is the Hardware and/or software
suitable for the task or the person
using it, or is it causing frustration
and distress?
• Remember to take enough breaks
or changes of activity?
If any of the above problems are not dealt with it
may result in mistakes and poor productivity, or
stress, eye strain, headaches and other aches or
pains. The correct set up is demonstrated in the
picture.
Manual Handling Considerations
• Is the load heavy and/or bulky, placing unreasonable demands
on the person?
• Does the load have to be lifted from the floor and/or above the
shoulders?
• Does the task involve frequent repetitive lifting?
• Does the task cause an awkward posture, such as bending or
twisting?
• Can the load be gripped properly?
• Is the task performed on an uneven, wet, or sloping floor?
• Is the task is performed under time pressure and have too few
rest breaks?
Any of the above if not addressed may result in physical injuries such
as low back pain or injury to the arms, hands, or fingers. The
problems may also contribute to the risk of slips, trips, and falls.
Work related stress Considerations
• Are work demands too high or too low?
• Has the employee have little say in how they organise their work?
• Is there poor support from management and/or colleagues?
• Are there conflicting demands, e.g. high productivity and quality?
Any poor control of the risks causing workrelated stress could lead to ill health and
therefore reduced performance and
productivity.
Scenario
Sheila works on a conveyor assembly line. In her job she has to use her hands to pick up
and fill small boxes of goods ready to dispatch to retail outlets. The assembly line makes
and dispatches 800 boxes a day and it takes approximately 30 seconds to pack each box.
As well as the risk from repetitive strain, Sheila often had to adopt poor postures to reach
the goods for packing. She had to repeatedly stretch out her arm and constrain her
posture while packing. After some time on the job, Sheila found she was leaving work
with shoulder and wrist pain.
One tea break, Sheila’s line manager saw her rubbing her neck and wrists and recognised
the pain could be due to the type of work she was doing. The line manager told the
company health and safety representative about what she had seen.
Considering Sheila’s problem, think about what actions her employers could take to
improve the work area?
What the Company Implemented
Whilst considering the possibly actions if you thought of any of the following then
well done.
 They modified the workplace layout and allowed workers better access to the
conveyor, so they didn’t need to adopt poor working postures.
 They introduced grab tools that allowed the gathering of the goods which
reduced the repetitive movements.
 They implemented a job rotation scheme whereby five workers on the line were
moved around a number of different tasks.
This now completes the Ergonomics part of the
training
Display Screen Equipment
It is very likely that, in the course of your work, you
have to use a computer, keyboard, mouse and
Screen or monitor (referred to as a Visual Display
Unit or VDU).
However to minimise any risks in using this
equipment your employer must ensure that
workplace, desks and jobs are well designed.
As a user of the equipment you are also
responsible for use of the equipment and
resources provided to you correctly.
In this section we will look at how you can work
safely and avoid injury while using equipment of
this type.
What can I do?
To make full use of the equipment provided,
you will need to adjust your workstation to get
the best from it and to avoid any potential
health problems.
Firstly set up your workstation properly to
make this as comfortable as possible.
The following slides will help you see how best
to set up your workstation properly and then
complete the Trusts Risk assessment that you
will be able to print, sign and give it to your
manager.
As a broad guide, your
forearms should be
approximately horizontal and
your eyes the same height as
the top of the VDU.
Make sure you have enough
work space to take whatever
documents or other
equipment you need.
Please Note
Make sure that your chair has five
spokes to its base.
Older models with only four spokes
are dangerous and should be
withdrawn.
Adjust your chair and screen to find the most comfortable position for your work.
Look beneath the seat of your chair for adjustment controls for lift, tilt and back height.
Continue
Your eyes should be level with the top of
the VDU screen to avoid neck and eye
strain?
True
False
Try different arrangements of keyboard, screen, mouse and
documents to find the best arrangement for you.
A document holder may help you avoid awkward neck and
eye movements.
Arrange your desk and VDU to avoid glare, or
bright reflections on the screen. This will be
easiest if neither you nor the screen is directly
facing windows or bright lights. Adjust curtains
or blinds to prevent unwanted light.
Make sure there is space under your desk to move your legs freely. Move any obstacles
such as boxes or equipment.
Avoid excess pressure from the edge of your seat on the backs of your legs and knees. A
footrest may be helpful, particularly for smaller users
Position the mouse within easy reach,
so it can be used with the wrist straight.
Sit upright and close to the desk, so you
don’t have to work with your mouse
arm stretched.
Rest your fingers lightly on the
buttons and do not press them
hard.
Support your forearm on the desk,
and don’t grip the mouse too tightly.
Use a mouse mat with wrist support
if required.
Adjust your keyboard to get a good keying
position. A space in front of the keyboard is
sometimes helpful for resting the hands and
wrists when not keying.
Try to keep your wrists straight when keying.
Keep a soft touch on the keys and don't
overstretch your fingers. Good keyboard
technique is important.
Adjust the brightness and contrast
controls on the screen to suit lighting
conditions in the room & make sure the
screen surface is clean.
When setting up and working on any
applications, adjust the settings so text is
large enough to read easily on your
screen.
Individual characters on the screen
should be sharply focused and should
not flicker or move.
Don’t sit in the same position for long periods.
Make sure you change your posture as often as
practicable. Some movement is desirable, but
avoid repeated stretching to reach things you
need (if this happens a lot, rearrange your
workstation).
Most jobs provide opportunities to take a
break from working on a screen. Make use of
them.
If there are no such natural breaks in your job,
your employer should plan for you to have rest
breaks.
Frequent short breaks are better than fewer
long ones.
Answers to some common questions from VDU users:
“Are aches and pains caused by using a VDU? What about RSI”?
Some users may get aches and pains in their hands, wrists, arms,
neck, shoulders or back, especially after long periods of
uninterrupted VDU work.
‘Repetitive strain injury’ (RSI) has become a popular term for these aches, pains and
disorders, but can be misleading - it means different things to different people. A better
medical name for this whole group of conditions is ‘upper limb disorders’. Usually these
disorders do not last, but in a few cases they may become persistent or even disabling.
“Can work with VDUs affect eyesight”?
Extensive research has found no evidence that VDUs can
cause disease or permanent damage to eyes. However long
spells of VDU work can lead to tired eyes and discomfort. Also,
by giving your eyes more demanding tasks, it might make you
aware of an eyesight problem you had not noticed before. You
and your employer can help your eyes by ensuring your VDU
is well positioned and properly adjusted, and that the
workplace lighting is suitable.
Ask for an eye test if you still think there is a problem.
“Can VDU work cause headaches”?
Headaches may result from several things that occur with VDU work, such as:
• Screen glare
• Poor image quality
• A need for different spectacles
• Stress from the pace of work
• Anxiety about new technology
• Reading the screen for long periods without a break
• Poor posture
• Or combination of these.
Many of these things can easily be put right once the cause of the problem has been
found.
The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 implement an EC
Directive and came into effect from January 1993.
The Regulations require employers to minimise the risks in VDU work by ensuring that
workplaces and jobs are well designed.
The Regulations apply where staff habitually use
VDUs as a significant part of their usual work. Other
people, who use VDUs only occasionally, are not
covered by the requirements in the Regulations
(apart from the workstation requirements).
However, their employers still have general duties to
protect them under other health and safety at work
legislation.
If you work from home – Are you covered?
Yes, the Regulations apply even if you are an
employee working at home, and habitually using a
VDU for a significant part of your usual work.
And before we leave this subject, don't forget about your other piece of display screen
equipment - your eyesight!
Have it checked regularly for your general health and safety. If you use a computer for work
your employer may also pay towards your eye test.
This now completes the DSE part of the
training
Manual Handling
What is Manual Handling?
A good definition of Manual Handling is, the transporting or
supporting of a load, including lifting, putting down, pushing,
pulling, carrying or moving of a load.
More than a third of all over-three-day injuries reported each year
to the Health & Safety Executive and local authorities are caused by
manual handling - the transporting or supporting of loads by hand
or by bodily force.
Manual handling injuries account for approximately
40% of all general workplace reported injuries.
However, these only represent the tip of a very large
pyramid. For every injury that is reported there is an
estimated 10 additional injuries that have not and
approximately 200 near misses.
What does the law say?
This is covered by the Health and Safety at Work Act etc. 1974 which aims to
make the workplace as safe as reasonably possible for staff and anyone affected
by their work and puts requirements on both employers and employees.
Along with Manual Handling Operations Regulation 1992 there are other
regulations that also come under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 that
are also relevant.
Manual Handling Operations Regulation 1992
The Regulations require employers to:
• Avoid the need for hazardous manual handling, so far as is
reasonably practicable;
• Assess the risk of injury from any hazardous manual handling
that can ’t be avoided;
• Reduce the risk of injury from hazardous manual handling, so
far as is reasonably practicable.
• Review risk assessment regularly
But Employees have duties too.
They are:
•
•
•
•
•
Follow appropriate systems of work laid down for their safety;
Make proper use of equipment provided for their safety;
Co-operate with their employer on health and safety matters;
Inform the employer if they identify hazardous handling activities;
Take care to ensure that their activities do not put others at risk.
Risk Assessment – the difference between a hazard and a risk
Central to understanding the risk assessment process is the difference between a hazard and
a risk. In everyday language these terms are used to express the same thing. For example,
'that was hazardous' and 'that was risky'.
In risk assessments however they have distinct and different meanings.
A Hazard is anything that
has the potential to cause
harm. Trailing leads,
confined spaces, water
on the floor are all
examples of a hazard.
A Risk is the chance or probability of harm
occurring from a hazard and takes into account
the likely seriousness of the injury or incident
should it occur. For example an identical trip
hazard such as a box is a higher risk on stairs than
it is in the corner of a seldom used store room.
Continue
When lifting a load , twisting and lifting at
the same time is better than turning by
moving the feet?
True
False
The Risk Assessment Process in Manual Handling - TILEE
We often undertake risk assessments in everyday life, for example driving a car and
crossing a road. These assessments are of course informal, not structured and certainly
not written down!
When completing a manual handling risk assessment it is useful to have a structured
approach so that hazards are easier to see and risks are easier to control. In manual
handling the risk assessment must consider the hazards and risks in the following
areas:
T
I
L
E
E
Risk Assessment –
Task
Things (risk factors) to consider about
the Task
• How the task currently
performed?
• How long does the task take?
• Is our posture compromised?
• When and how often is it done?
• Is there sufficient rest between
this task and the next?
Load
The load is central to the task.
We would assess the following factors
about the load:
• Its weight
• Its size and shape (how easy is it to
handle)
• Does it have suitable handles?
• Is it evenly balanced?
• Is there anything inside the load
that could move and shift the
centre of balance?
• Are there any sharp edges and
should we wear suitable gloves and
clothing (at work this would be
Personal Protective Equipment PPE)
Individual (you and me)
• Are you fit enough to do the task or do you have an
injury or a medical condition that might prevent you
from applying best practice techniques?
• Are you pregnant?
• Are you trained and confident to undertake this
particular task?
• Have you read the moving and handling plan?
• Are you familiar with any equipment used in the
workplace?
Environment
• Is there enough space for the
task? This includes you, your
colleagues and any
equipment
• Are there problems in the
design are the doorways and
corridors, too narrow or is the
shape of the environment
awkward?
• Is there anything on the floor
that you might slip or trip on?
• Is it too hot or too cold which
might impair your grip or
cause fatigue?
• Is your environment very
busy, noisy or distracting?
Equipment
Does the Task require
equipment, for example a
trolley or sack barrow and
if so….
• Is it available when
needed?
• Is the equipment safe
and serviced and
maintained?
• Is everyone trained and
competent in using the
equipment?
• Is it compatible with
the environment i.e.
too big or small for the
room for example
T
I
L
E
E
In Regards to Work Equipment Used Remember…….
It must be……..
• Suitable for the intended purpose
• Safe for use and maintained in a safe condition
• Used by people who have received adequate training and
instruction
• Fitted with adequate guards and warning signs where
appropriate.
And we must use it for the intended purpose, sensibly and
safely and in accordance with any training received
Moving and Handling Forms
Are available from the Trusts
Intranet within the Policies and
Procedures section
A Quick Anatomy Lesson
The human spine consists of 32 individual bones (vertebrae) that are
stacked one on top of another to form a flexible column. Viewed from
the side the spine has a series of curves which act like a spring to
protect our heads from the forces generated by walking and jumping.
What are the different structures that form the spine?
(Intervertebral) disc - Are flat, round discs that act
as shock absorbers and physical spacers to
separate the vertebrae to allow room for the
spinal nerves to exit the spine. The discs also allow
the spine to be flexible.
Ligaments - are tough bands of tissue
that surround the facet joints and also
pass between the bodies of the
vertebrae. Ligaments help limit
movement and they hold everything
together
The facet joints - are paired joints at the back of
the spine which direct and limit the range of
movement between vertebrae.
Spinal Muscles - like all muscles these
provide the power to move bones, in
this case the vertebrae. These muscles
The Vertebrae (individual spinal bones) - gives the are small, delicate and weak (when
spine shape and structure, transmits weight and
compared with the large leg muscles)
forces as acts as attachment points for the discs, and form a network that runs the length
muscles and ligaments
of the spine. Our leg muscles are much
more powerful and better suited for the
Remember - The spine is a very
power of lifting.
strong and flexible structure but
only when used correctly ,it can
be prone to injury if misused.
Tendons - are non-contractile bands that
join the muscles to the bone. These are
needed because they take up less space
on the bone.
Summary
Do Not
Jerk
Keep
Close to
the Load
Recommended Loads
Small children lift with a nice straight back and
using the hips and knees to bend and for
power because of their lack of balance and
back muscle strength but this is the way that
we are 'designed' to lift.
The way that most adults move, lift and handle
loads and objects is essentially a learned bad
habit.
This now completes the Manual Handling part
of the training
STRESS
What is Stress?
Stress can become an issue for anyone at any level of business and
research shows us that work related stress is quite widespread and is
not confined to any particular sector, job or industry.
The Health & Safety Executive defines stress as:
"the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressure
or other types of demand placed on them".
Pressure is part and parcel of all work and can help to
keep us motivated. However exposure to excessive
pressure can lead to stress which can then undermine
performance, can be costly to employers and can make
individuals ill.
Stress is not an illness – But if stress becomes too excessive and
prolonged, serious illness can develop.
Work-related stress can affect us all at some time or another.
Recognising it, preventing it, and doing something about it can help
avoid mistakes, injury and illness.
Dealing with Issues
Stress can be an unnoticed and gradual build up of the many
pressures experienced in work, at home and in everyday life. Most
people are able to cope with the big issues in life and can find them
exciting but for some they are too demanding or combined with
everything else going on, they can become overwhelming, resulting
in stress.
Many of life’s demands can cause stress, particularly work,
relationships and money problems. And, when you feel stressed, it
can get in the way of sorting out these demands, or can even affect
everything you do.
Stress can affect how you feel, think, behave and how your body
works. In fact, common signs of stress include sleeping problems,
sweating, loss of appetite and difficulty concentrating.
You may feel anxious, irritable or low in self esteem, and you may
have racing thoughts, worry constantly or go over things in your
head. You may notice that you lose your temper more easily, drink
more or act unreasonably.
Continue
In some cases, prolonged stress can lead
to physical and/or mental ill health?
True
False
Dealing with Issues
Many of life’s demands beyond work can cause stress,
particularly relationships and money problems.
A person can experience more stress outside of the working
day than during it, or vice versa and stress from one can affect
the other.
Finding the correct balance between work and all the
demands, responsibilities and rewards of everyday life can be
difficult. Conflicting demands are stressful and when you feel
stressed it can get in the way of sorting out these demands or
can even affect everything you do.
The less control you have over potentially stress-inducing
events and the more uncertainty they create, the more likely
you are to feel stressed. Even the typical day-to-day demands
of living can contribute to your body's stress response.
Recognising your Stress Triggers
If you're not sure what's causing your stress, keep a
diary and make a note of stressful episodes for twoto-four weeks. Then review it to spot the triggers.
Take Action to Tackle Stress
There's no quick-fix cure for stress, and no single
method will work for everyone. However, there are
simple things you can do to change the common life
problems that can cause stress or make stress a
problem. These include relaxation techniques,
exercise and talking the issues through with
someone.
The Trust has many resources available that can be
found on the Intranet, it also has a systematic and
planned approach to promoting and supporting all
staff. This is part of the Trust’s commitment to
support work life balance and work force planning.
Mental health issues,
including stress, anxiety
and depression, are the
reason for one-in-five
visits to a GP.
Take Action to Tackle Stress (cont’d)
If you've tried self-help techniques and they aren't working, you
should go to see your GP.
They may suggest other coping techniques for you to try or
recommend some form of counselling or cognitive behavioural
therapy.
Remember Stress can affect anyone
This now completes the Stress part of the
training please
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
What is COSHH?
COSHH is the law that requires employers to control
substances that can be hazardous to health.
This section aims to give you an awareness of COSHH and
help you to identify and deal with potential hazardous
substances.
Using chemicals or any other hazardous substances at work
can put your own and other people's health at risk. The law
requires employers to control exposure to hazardous
substances to prevent ill health. These controls have to protect
both employees and any other person who may be exposed to
the substance by ensuring compliance with the Control of
Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).
What is a hazardous substance?
A hazardous substance is defined as: "a substance with the
potential to cause ill-health effects".
Examples of these are:
• Chemicals - these are identified by orange hazard
warning symbols on the container e.g. very toxic, toxic,
harmful, corrosive etc. Care should be taken with any
containers that are not marked!
• Any substance that has been assigned a workplace
exposure limit
• Dusts can become hazardous in concentrated form
• Biological agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and
parasites
• Asphyxiates such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen
• Carcinogens such as tobacco smoke or radon gas.
Substances may be hazardous not only due to their toxicity but also through the route of
entry they take into the body.
These routes may be:
• Inhalation - breathing in vapours, gasses,
dusts and fumes
• Ingestion - eating or drinking substances or
foods contaminated by hazardous
substances
• On or through the skin - contact with the
skin can cause harm to the skin or
substances can be absorbed into the body
through the skin causing harm to internal
organs.
• Eyes - contact with the eyes by fumes,
vapours, liquids and dusts.
• Injection - liquids, solids or gasses through
the skin either by puncture wounds or
through cuts.
A chemical is not just something used by scientists in
laboratories. Most people use chemicals as part of their
job or at home every day. Cleaning products such as bleach
and oven sprays are chemicals. So are paints, inks, glues,
and oils.
Most of the chemicals you might use at work are not
dangerous if you use them properly and know what to do
if something goes wrong (such as spillage). But some
chemicals need more careful handling than others. Labels
can help you identify the more hazardous chemicals; tell
you what the dangers are, and how to avoid them.
All substances must be stored correctly and segregated if
necessary to control risks of fire.
A label can tell you a lot. Take a look at a typical
label, you might find on a chemical used in the
workplace. You will see that it gives basic
information which alerts you to the dangers and
precautions, and gives details about the supplier
so you can get further advice. Look for the label
on all chemicals you use.
Any substances must be approved through a risk assessment before they can be used any
where in the Trust.
For further information about risk assessments please visit the Trust intranet
Manufacturers may also include 'instructions for use' either on the
label, or on a leaflet supplied with the product. Suppliers must
provide safety data sheets for dangerous chemicals used in the
workplace. This is a detailed information sheet provided by chemical
suppliers to their customers so that workers and the environment
can be properly protected.
First Aid instructions appear on most hazardous substances. You
should familiarise yourself with these instructions before using rather
than after an incident occurs.
Continue
If there are no ‘Instructions for use’ on the
label or supplied as a leaflet with the
product, you should consult your manager
or supplier for advice?
True
False
Each workplace should have a risk register of hazardous
substances - ensure that you know where this is.
If you have any questions about safety precautions for
dangerous chemicals, ask your manager before using.
For your own safety and the safety of those you work with,
each time you use a chemical, pause for a moment and..
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL
This now completes the COSHH part of the
training
Accident & Incident Reporting
All staff have a duty to report an incident or accident when it happens, but only one report is
required per incident.
On completion of this Reporting section, you will understand:
• The reporting process
• RIDDOR reports
Within SEPT accidents and incidents are reported electronically on a database system
called DATIX.
DATIX can be accessed via a link on the front page of the Trust intranet site.
The word "accident" is used in day-to-day language quite often. In Health & Safety it has a
specific meaning.
In Health & Safety the definition of an accident is:
“any unplanned event that resulted in injury or ill health of people, or damage or loss to
property, plant, materials or the environment or a loss of business opportunity”.
A 'near miss' is where harm could have resulted but was avoided.
Accident Causes
ALL accidents are the result of HUMAN FAILURES, either by acts or omissions.
Of these accidents, it is calculated that 70% of them are preventable. People cause
accidents by a number of different methods, these include:
• A lack of knowledge
• Poor or defective tools or equipment
• Lack of ability / training
• By taking short-cuts
• Not following correct policy or procedures
• System Errors
Factors
Despite all of these things just
mentioned, we, as people, do not
usually choose to cause an accident.
There are personal factors which can
affect our behaviour. These can
include:
• Complacency / over-eagerness
• Disinterest
• Illness / fatigue
• Boredom
• Distraction
• Worry / stress
RIDDOR
All RIDDOR incidents must
have a 7 day report
attached to the incident
record.
Under RIDDOR there are certain types of incidents/accidents that must be reported
these include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Any fracture, not including fingers, thumbs, or toes
Any amputation
Dislocation of the shoulder, hip, knee, or spine
Loss of sight (temporary or permanent)
Chemical or hot metal burn to the eye
Any penetrating injury to the eye
Any injury resulting from electric shock or electrical burn
A reportable RIDDOR incident also includes time-off sick after an
accident/incident at work, where the person is off sick for more
than seven days. Employees who are off-sick because of an incident/accident whilst at work
must, by law, inform their manager once they are off-sick for more than three days. The
Manager then reports this fact to the Risk Management Team.
RIDDOR reports are made in the usual way on a DATIX Form and the Risk Management Team
should be notified immediately by telephone (01268 739731).
Updates and changes to the DATIX Form will be made by the manager or their deputy as
they occur.
It is very important that staff report any possible RIDDORs to the Risk Team as soon as the
incident occurs. They are required to report any incident to the HSE within 15 days of the
incident happening.
Continue
All staff have a duty to report any incident
or accident ?
True
False
DATIX Form
Completion
DATIX Forms are very easy
to complete.
A form should be
completed immediately
after an incident or
accident happens and
anyone can complete the
report form.
The DATIX form is
completed on line via the
intranet
On the form all the areas
marked with the red
asterisk must be
completed
Any witness statements, or other relevant documents, should be scanned and attached to
the DATIX form. Ensure the documents are saved and are ready to be attached before
completing the incident form.
Enter all the details of those involved including Service Users, Staff, Visitors etc. By selecting the Add
Another button you will be able to add all those involved in the incident/accident.
Enter your details as the reporter of the incident
Once the form is complete you finish by clicking on the “submit” box at the bottom.
Once a DATIX form has been submitted the system automatically sends out any necessary
alerts; the form is then available for the manager of the area identified to complete their
part, this will include any investigations or reports.
Remember
The Trust can only be proactive in health & safety if you report ALL
accident/incident/near miss events
For further help and advice on reporting please contact the Risk Management Team.
The teams details and contact numbers can be found on the Intranet
This now completes the Reporting part of the
training
Slips Trips & Falls
“You take hundreds of steps every day, but how many of those steps do you take
seriously”?
Controlling slips and trips
risks at work
Introduction
Slips and trips are the most common cause of injury
at work. On average, they
cause 40 per cent of all reported major injuries and
can also lead to other types of
serious accidents, for example falls from height. Slips
and trips are also the most reported injury to
members of the public.
This lesson covers :• What causes slips and trips;
• Assessing the risks;
• Spotting potential hazards;
• Being aware of your environment.
Slips and trips are funny aren’t they??
Slips and trips accidents are often used in cartoons and videos to raise a laugh, but ask a
victim if they’re funny.
Slips and trips injuries are serious enough on
their own, but they often cause serious injury.
Incidents such as falls can cause life long
problems.
Example
A youth working who was working in a fast
food outlet slipped on water leaking from a
freezer. She put out her hand to break her fall
but her arm landed in a deep fat fryer, causing
severe scalding. The company who were aware
of the leak, but had not taken steps to cure it
or to contain it. They were prosecuted by the
Local Authority and were fined £15000.
Regulations…..
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires employers to ensure the health and
safety of all employees and anyone who may be affected by their work, so far as is
reasonably practicable. This includes taking steps to control slip and trip risks.
Employees have a duty not to put themselves or others in danger, and must use any safety
equipment provided.
Employers are required to assess risks (including slip and trip risks) and, where necessary,
take action to address them. The Regulations require floors to be suitable, in good
condition and free from obstructions.
People should be able to move around safely.
On average fracture injuries result in at least one month off
work and the cost of treating slip and trip injuries for the NHS
is more than £150m p.a
• To the individual - Lost income, pain, reduced quality of life
• To employers over £500m p.a. - Damages, admin and
insurance, lost production, on-going absences
• To society over £800m p.a. - Loss of potential output,
medical costs, social security.
Spotting a hazard?
What could be a potential
hazard??
Poorly Lit
Areas
Manhole
covers
Phone
wires
Extension
leads
Heaved
Concrete
wet
Surfaces
Door
Thresholds
Computer
Wiring
Uneven
Surface
Inattention
Stairs
and steps
Loose floor
tiles
Mats
Open
drawers
Loose
Carpet
Frost, Snow
or Ice
Sudden
Change of
Direction
These are only examples
there are many others so
please be aware of your
environment
Preventing a slip or trip?
There are many simple ways to control slips and trips risks and prevent accidents in your
workplace.
Here are a few examples.
Stop floors becoming contaminated by :Get the right footwear :• Use entrance matting.
• Fix leaks from machinery or buildings.
• Make sure plant and equipment are
maintained.
• Design tasks to minimise spillages.
• Plan pedestrian and vehicle routes to avoid
contaminated areas.
• Where floors cannot be kept clean
and dry, slip-resistant footwear
can help prevent
slip accidents.
Consider the flooring and work environment:• Check for loose, damaged and
worn flooring and replace as
needed.
• Floors likely to get wet or have
spillages on them should be of
a type that does not become
unduly slippery.
• Make sure lighting is sufficient
and that slopes or steps are
clearly visible.
• Keep walkways and work
areas clear of obstructions.
• Make sure that wires, cables
are leads are not a trip hazard
Continue
Slips, Trips or Falls do not have to be
reported?
True
False
Summary
In all workplaces:
• If you have an accident or a near miss, make sure you report it via Datix.
• If you see a spillage, clean it up or make arrangements for it to be cleaned.
• Report any damaged floors or mats.
• Play your part and keep the workplace tidy.
• If you see items on the floor where someone could trip over them, remove them or
arrange for them to be removed or for the situation to be made safe.
• If you are given PPE, wear it and look after it. Report any faults or damage to your
manager.
• Tell the Trust about any work situation that you think is dangerous, or if you notice that
something has gone wrong with your health and safety arrangements.
This now completes the Slips Trips and Falls
And Fit for Work now please take the test.