Introduction to Health and Safety at work

Summary

This video discusses the importance of health and safety in the workplace, using real-life examples to highlight the risks employees face. It covers the responsibilities of both employers and employees in preventing accidents, from proper risk assessments to implementing safety measures. The script showcases how small changes in practices, like clearing spills or using protective equipment, can prevent serious harm. It also emphasizes the ongoing nature of risk assessments and the role of cooperation, training, and reporting hazards to ensure a safe working environment for all.

Takeaways

• 😀 Employers are responsible for ensuring that the work environment is safe and that health and safety risks are properly controlled.
• 😀 Employees also have a responsibility to protect their own safety and that of others in the workplace.
• 😀 Accidents, like the one caused by an unaddressed wet patch in the restaurant, could be prevented through basic safety practices, like cleaning spills promptly.
• 😀 Health and safety involves identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing precautions or control measures to minimize injury.
• 😀 Personal safety measures, such as wearing a helmet while biking, can help reduce risks and prevent accidents.
• 😀 A risk assessment is a process that identifies hazards, evaluates risks, and applies control measures to prevent injuries at work.
• 😀 Long-term health risks, like hearing loss, can develop gradually, and preventative measures like hearing protection can help avoid such issues.
• 😀 In the workplace, the prevention of injuries or health problems is a shared responsibility, and everyone must cooperate to maintain a safe environment.
• 😀 Office workers, like Jackie, can experience issues like back pain or eye strain, which can be mitigated through proper workstation setup and ergonomic practices.
• 😀 Risk assessments should be ongoing and reassessed whenever the work environment or the worker's situation changes to ensure continuous safety.

Q & A

What caused the accident at the fast food outlet?

The accident at the fast food outlet was caused by a leaking ice-making machine that led to a wet patch on the floor. Despite the usual practice of mopping up spills immediately, the staff was short-handed that day, and the spillage was not cleared up in time.

What was the consequence of the accident for the young girl?

The young girl, who was 16 years old and new to the job, slipped on the wet patch and instinctively put out her hand to break her fall. Unfortunately, her hand landed in a deep fat fryer, resulting in severe burns.

What role did the Environmental Health Officer play in the incident?

The Environmental Health Officer investigated the incident and determined that the accident and the injury to the girl could have been completely avoided if the spillage had been cleaned up promptly.

What is the main responsibility of employers regarding health and safety?

Employers are primarily responsible for ensuring that the workplace is safe and that risks to health and safety are properly controlled. This includes providing a safe environment for employees and taking necessary precautions.

What is an example of personal responsibility for health and safety?

An example of personal responsibility for health and safety is ensuring that hazards are dealt with promptly, such as cleaning up spills to prevent accidents, as well as taking appropriate precautions for one's own well-being and that of colleagues.

How does the process of risk assessment work?

Risk assessment involves identifying hazards, assessing the risks associated with them, and then implementing control measures to reduce or eliminate those risks. This process helps in preventing accidents and injuries in the workplace.

How did Kate manage the risks of cycling to work?

Kate managed the risks of cycling to work by taking precautions such as wearing a helmet, bright reflective clothing, and ensuring her bike was in good working order. She assessed the potential risks and minimized them to an acceptable level.

What could have prevented Jerry's hearing loss?

Jerry's hearing loss, which occurred gradually due to working in a loud factory environment, could have been prevented by using quieter machines, providing hearing protection, and conducting regular hearing checks.

What risks are associated with working at a computer for long periods?

Working at a computer for long periods can lead to risks such as back pain, eye strain, and wrist pain due to poor posture or an improperly set-up workstation.

What are some control measures that Jackie might take to reduce the risk of injury while working at a computer?

Jackie could take several control measures, including receiving display screen equipment training, adjusting her chair and monitor to maintain good posture, and using accessories such as a footrest or an alternative pointing device to reduce the risk of injury.