HEALTH AND SAFETY IN DAY CARE SETTINGS

Transcription

1 HEALTH AND SAFETY IN DAY CARE SETTINGS

2 CONTENTS Page 3 The Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 Page 4 The Manual Handling Operations Regulations The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 Page 5 The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 Reporting an Accident. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 Page 6 General Health and Safety. First Aid. Heating Appliances. Floors/Flooring. Doors/Windows/Stairs. Hot Drinks/Water Page 7 Passive Smoking. Kitchen Safety. Play Equipment. Outdoor Play Areas Page 8 List of HSE advice leaflets Page 9 Introduction to Risk Assessments. Benefits of Risk Assessment. What is Risk Assessment Page10 The Risk Assessment Procedure. Calculation of Risk Rating. Existing Controls. Further Controls Page11 Risk Control. Recording Risk Assessments Page 12 Worked example of calculation of risk rating Appendix 1 Table 1. Numerical values of likely occurrence and potential severity Table 2. Risk Rating Page 13 Table 3. Risk Assessment Summary Page14-16 Appendix 2 Examples of Playgroup Hazards Outside. Examples of Playgroup Hazards Inside Page 17 Appendix 3 Some Common Poisonous Plants. Additional Sources of Information Page 18 Appendix 4 Slips, Trips and Falls Health & Safety Advice 2

3 BASIC HEALTH AND SAFETY IN PLAYGOUPS AND NURSERIES The Health & Safety At Work Etc. Act 1974 As a place of work the premises must comply with the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act General duties of every employer cover: provision and maintenance of safe equipment and systems of work maintenance of the place of work in a safe condition provision of safe means of entrance and exit provision of adequate welfare facilities arrangements for the safe use, handling and storage of articles and substances provision of such information, instruction, training and supervision as necessary to ensure the health and safety of employees. Under this Act, the employer and staff have duty to ensure the health and safety not only of themselves but also other persons who may frequent the premises, such as children and their parents. It is the duty of every employer of five or more persons to prepare a written statement of his general policy with respect to the health and safety at work of his employees and the organisation and arrangements for carrying out the policy. In smaller establishments where less than five persons are employed, the relationships are normally face to face and communications between employer and employees generally are oral rather than written. However, even the employers of small undertakings need to think out for themselves their policy for Health and Safety at Work and the means by which they are going to carry out the policy. The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 Under these regulations employers have a duty to carry out an assessment of the health and safety risks to which their employees and any other persons are exposed as a result of the carrying out of their business. Risk assessment involves identification of hazards and risks involved in the workplace. Hazard means anything likely to cause harm (eg. electricity, chemicals). Risk is the chance, great or small, that someone may be harmed by the hazard. The measures to control any significant risks need to be identified and information provided for employees. Where there are five or more employees, the significant findings of the risk assessment must be recorded and the health and safety arrangements to control the risks. 3

4 Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 These regulations require employers to consider the risks from manual handling to the health and safety of their employees (where manual handling involves lifting, carrying, pulling and pushing). Where possible manual handling should be avoided, possibly by using mechanisation such as trolleys. Employers should carry out an assessment of manual handling tasks performed in the course of am employee s work. Assessments should preferably be recorded and, where risk of injury is identified, steps taken to reduce the risk to the lowest level reasonably practicable. Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 An employer or self-employed duty holder should ensure that the electrical installation and portable equipment over which he/she has control are safe and without risk to him/herself, employees and others who may use the equipment or come onto their premises. Electrical Safety Generally The easiest way to ensure the electrical installation is safe is to only allow competent electricians to work on electrical wiring. It is usually recommended that an electrician should inspect wiring at five year intervals and a suitable test certificate provided in accordance with the current IEE Regulations and kept available for inspection. Portable electrical equipment is anything which can be plugged in or connected to your electrical wiring. It should only be used for the purpose for which it was intended. By carrying out visual examinations of portable equipment for obvious signs of damage or faults in equipment most of the potentially dangerous faults can be controlled. Staff should be encouraged to look at electrical equipment they use for signs of damage and to report them to the employer. Sufficient socket outlets should be provided to accommodate all appliances likely to be used at one time. Trailing wires should be avoided and cables should not be placed under carpets where damage could go unnoticed. 4

5 The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 Certain accidents must be reported under these Regulations. Details are listed in the RIDDOR booklet, HSE31 (rev.1) available to download free online from Reporting an Accident The arrangements for reporting accidents changed on 1st April There is now a simplified procedure to report all cases to a single point, the Incident Contact Centre based at Caerphilly. You can report accidents in a variety of ways; by telephone, fax, via the Internet or by post. (The telephone service is available Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm). You can still report directly to your local authority (by telephone and then on Form 2508 or 2508A), and these reports will be forwarded to the ICC for processing. Use the Internet or telephone service you may not have your own copy of the official reporting forms (2508 or 2508A) the requirement to keep a record of reported incidents for inspection by visiting officers still remains. To help with this you will be sent a copy of your report and given the chance to correct any errors. See leaflet Misc310 Riddor Reporting: Information about the New Incident Centre (available from the HSE, or to download free online from Please send postal reports to the following address: Incident Contact Centre Caerphilly Business Park Caerphilly CF83 3GG For Internet reports please go to: for alternatively link in via the HSE web site: By telephone (charged at local call rate): By fax (charged at local call rate): y riddor@natbrit.com The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 These Regulations require assessment of the risk to health from substances in use or present on the premises and taking of appropriate steps to minimise or eliminate those risks. Further details are available in the HSE leaflet COSHH A Brief Guide to the Regulations INDG136 (rev.1), available to download free online from 5

6 General Health and Safety First Aid A properly stocked first aid kit should be available no medication should be kept in the first aid kit. It is advisable for at least one member of staff to undertake an approved first aid course and a named person should be appointed to take charge in the event of an accident. Accident records should be maintained. The easiest way is to record accidents in a book. (This should be available for inspection by authorised persons). It is good practice to take the accident book on all group outings and accidents should be recorded as soon as possible. Parents should be informed of any accident or injury to their child. Heating appliances Should be safe, securely fixed and guarded, and regularly serviced. The use of portable appliances is generally not acceptable. Floors/flooring Floors/flooring should be level and coverings non-slip and appropriate for the area (eg. washable for messy play areas). All joints and edges must be properly secured to avoid tripping hazards. See EBC Slips, Trips and Falls Health and Safety Advice. Doors/window/stairs Precautions should be taken to protect children from the dangers of swing doors, split level floors or unguarded stairs. Glass doors and low windows must be fitted with safety glass or covered with safety film. Windows should be fitted with safety catches if they may be accessible to children additional barriers may be necessary. Adequate door catches (eg. high handled doors or two key locks etc.) should be fitted to ensure children cannot leave the group unaccompanied, but parents and staff can enter. Hot drinks/water Hot drinks/water used by children should have the temperature carefully controlled to prevent scalding. Hot drinks ideally should not be taken into areas where children could knock them over and be scalded. 6

7 Passive smoking Passive smoking is now recognised as a health risk and should not be allowed in areas used by children. Kitchen safety Kitchens are hazardous places for adults and even more so for young children with hot liquids and dangerous chemicals. If children need to enter the kitchen to learn kitchen skills it is advisable that groups are small and constantly supervised. Children should not be allowed in the kitchen during meal preparation times. A safety barrier/gate should be used in the doorway to the kitchen to prevent children gaining access. Boiling kettles, hot liquids and cleaning materials should be kept out of children s reach. Cleaning materials, toiletries, medicines, etc. must be stored securely in the original containers fitted with child-proof lids. All cupboards should be fitted with child safety catches. Cooker guards should be fitted where appropriate. Play equipment Play equipment must be properly maintained and kept clean. Damaged or broken equipment must be removed immediately for repair or disposal. Outdoor play equipment can be especially hazardous. All outdoor play equipment which is used commercially will receive heavier use than that for which domestic equipment is designed and must accordingly be more durable. All new equipment for permanent installation outdoors should comply with current British Standards. Outdoor play areas Outdoor play areas should be sited, wherever possible, so that there is level access from the playrooms avoiding steps or stairs. The site should be well drained to minimise corrosion to the base of the equipment. Equipment should be sited to prevent interference between users on one piece of equipment and another. Attention should be given to likely child traffic patterns to avoid children passing dangerously near one piece of equipment (eg. swings) when moving from one piece of equipment to another. Equipment must be firmly fixed to the ground without risk of tilting or toppling. Concrete is not suitable for surfaces around play equipment as it is abrasive and extremely hard (a fall from 12 inches onto concrete covered with tarmac could prove fatal to a child). A number of alternative impact absorbent surfaces are available for use around play equipment. All play equipment should receive a daily visual inspection to check for damage and wear. More detailed inspections should be carried out monthly. 7

8 The area should be securely fenced to prevent children gaining access to the street or other areas and staff supervision is essential at all times. Gates should be fitted with locks positioned so that children cannot open them. Plants in play areas should not be hazardous to children (eg. poisonous). For further information or advice contact Environmental Health HSE leaflets which can be used for more in depth advice are as follows: *Stating Your Business. Guidance on preparing a health and safety policy document for small firms. INDG324. Health and safety law poster (Health and Safety Law - What You Should Know), ISBN A Step by Step Guide to COSHH Assessment. ISBN *Electrical Safety and You. IND(G)231(L). The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations Updated to include changes affecting young people and new and expectant mothers. MISC079. * Workplace Health, Safety & Welfare. A short guide for managers. IND(G)244(L). * 5 Steps to Information, Instruction and Training. IND(G)213. * Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls at Work. IND(G)225. * First Aid at Work Your Questions Answered. IND(G)214(L). * Getting to Grips with Manual Handling. A short guide for employers. IND(G)143(rev1) *5 Steps to Risk Assessment. IND(G)163(rev1). COSHH A Brief Guide to the Regulations. What you need to know about the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations INDG136(rev1) * RIDDOR Explained. HSE31(rev1). * RIDDDOR Reporting: Information about the new incident centre. MISC310. These leaflets are current at the present time, but are up-dated from time to time. Publications marked with an asterisk can also be downloaded free online from HSE Leaflets about Hazards at Work, at 8

9 RISK ASSESSMENT IN PLAYGOUPS AND NURSERIES INTRODUCTION Risk assessment is a method of preventing accidents and ill health by helping people to think about what could go wrong and ways to prevent problems. It is also good practice and a legal requirement under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 (now up-dated to 1999). BENEFITS OF RISK ASSESSMENT Risk assessment also enables organisations to: Carry out a thorough assessment of all significant risks associated with their activities Reduce the costs associated with accidents and ill health and the likelihood of negligence claims Identify priorities on the basis of risk and Highlight training needs. WHAT IS RISK ASSESSMENT To appreciate how risk assessment works it is necessary to understand the meaning of the terms 'hazard' and 'risk' in the context of risk assessment. A 'hazard' is anything with the potential to cause harm; e.g. Fire Electricity Sharp tools Damaged flooring 'Risk' is the likelihood that a hazard will cause harm, (depending on the frequency of exposure to the hazard, and the number of people exposed). The level of risk can be defined as high, medium or low, however for a given situation any two people may decide the level of risk is different. Risk rating gives a numerical value to the risk and is more likely to result in consistent assessment of the level of risk by different individuals. The method described is only one of many available, but the basic principals are the same, no matter how complex/simple the method used. 9

10 THE RISK ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE The process of risk assessment is as shown below. Using Table 3 record the following information: List any hazards associated with your activities, examples of playgroup hazards are given in Appendix 3. For each hazard List the individuals or groups of people who might be harmed Identify by reference to Table 1 the likely occurrence(lo) i.e. likelihood of harm from a particular hazard and record the numerical value on Table 3 Identify from Table 1 the potential severity of the consequences (PS) of harm from the hazard then record the numerical value on Table 3 CALCULATION OF RISK RATING Multiply numerical value of likely occurrence (LO) by the numerical value of potential severity of consequences (PS) this gives a numerical value for the Risk Rating. Write on Table 3. EXISTING CONTROLS Record any existing controls in place to reduce the risk for each hazard. FURTHER CONTROLS When the numerical value of the risk rating calculated is greater than 4 the risk is considered to be significant for the purposes of this risk assessment procedure and further controls are necessary. RISK CONTROL If further controls are necessary to reduce the risk the following methods should be considered: Remove/eliminate the hazard e.g. replace slippery flooring with non-slip surface Substitute a safer way of carrying out the activity Separate/isolate the person from the hazard e.g. fence off poisonous plants to prevent access to children Use of a safe system of work eg put equipment away when children have gone Train, instruct or supervise staff Provide PPE to minimize the consequences as a last resort Risks with the highest risk ratings should be dealt with first. 10

11 RECORDING RISK ASSESSMENTS Where there are five or more employees, the law requires that the risk assessment should be written and that employees should be aware of it. Review and revision of the risk assessment should take place periodically especially if there are any changes in the areas to which it relates. WORKED EXAMPLE OF CALCULATION OF RISK RATING A playgroup has to store equipment in an outside shed two hazards associated with removing and replacing equipment in the shed are: Being struck by falling objects incorrectly stored Manual handling People at risk are: Playgroup staff Children Parents The activity is carried out twice a day when the playgroup is set up at the start of the day and when everything is put away at the end. The playgroup is open 5 days a week. For each of the hazards calculate the risk rating and if necessary any further controls needed to reduce the risk. Risk rating for each hazard (1) Falling objects - people at risk would be staff It is possible that someone could be struck by falling objects stored in the shed but there is no record of it happening the numerical value for likely occurrence is = 1 The potential severity of the consequences of falling objects striking a member of staff would depend on e.g. the weight of the objects, any sharp edges and the height of fall. Say the potential consequences were minor (may need first aid & short break from duties, treatment on the spot) the numerical value would be = 2 The risk rating would be: (Likely occurrence) x (potential severity of consequences) = 1 x 2 = 2 No further action would be necessary controls already adequate (2) Manual handling - people at risk could be staff, children and parents (if equipment is moved when children/parents are present). The manual handling is carried out twice a day on 5 days a week the likely occurrence is therefore common and the numerical value = 5 The potential severity of the consequences for untrained members of staff/children/parents could be major (needing qualified attention, unable to do normal duties for more than 3 weeks, intermittent incapacity) the numerical value = 5 The risk rating would be: 5 x 5 = 25 Further controls are necessary e.g. manual handling of equipment only when no children/parents present, training for staff, Manual handling assessment, heavy equipment lifted by more than one person or use of trolleys. 11

12 Numerical Value Appendix 1 Table 1 - Numerical Values of Likely Occurrence and Potential Severity Likely Occurrence 1 Most unlikely 2 Possible occurrence Example No record of occurrence Foreseeable Hasn t occurred in last year 3 Occasional Has/could occur approx. once a year 4 Frequent Occurs more than once a year; not as often as weekly 5 Common Occurs weekly or more often; inevitable. Table 2 - Risk Rating Numerical Value Potential Severity of Consequences Example 1 Low No injury expected or injury unlikely to need medical attention. Able to carry out normal duties 2 Minor May need first aid. Short break from duties. Treated on spot. 3 Significant Injury results in inability to do normal duties. Off work more than 3 days, but less than 3 weeks 4 Major Needs qualified medical attention. Unable to do normal duties for more than 3 weeks. Intermittent incapacity 5 Permanent disability or fatality. Retirement injury. Unable to do normal job, retirement Potential Severity Likely Occurrence (LO) (PS) RISK RATING = (LO) x (PS) Risk Ratings in bold require further action. 12

13 Table 3 Risk Assessment Summary Premises: Room: Area/location: Date: Completed by: Hazard Persons at Risk (Individuals/Groups) Risk rating LO x PS eg. 3 x 2 = 6 Existing control measures Further controls needed Benefit for children Review date LO = Likely occurrence PS = Potential severity of consequence A risk rating greater than 4 indicates the risk is significant. For the purposes of this risk assessment further controls are necessary 13

14 Appendix 2 OUTSIDE Contaminated sand in sandpit PLAYGROUP HAZARDS CONTROLS Prevention by Keeping sand covered exclude animals, rake sand regularly to remove debris, replace sand regularly Playground contents e.g. broken glass, animal excrement Animals (outside/inside) Exposure to sun - sunburn Paddling pool - drowning Insects - stings Poisonous plants Use of defective playground/ other equipment Use of playground equipment, slips, trips, falls, danger of being struck by equipment Escape of children from playground or premises Fence playground, exclude unauthorized persons, inspection and removal Exclusion or, if necessary to permit animals, assess risk for individual situation Restrict exposure by limiting time, provision of shade, clothing to cover body, sun cream provision by parents Full supervision, pool emptied immediately after use Sticky/sweet foods and drinks not taken outside any spillage cleaned up immediately wash child's hands and face See Appendix 3 for list of common poisonous plants. Ensure all plants accessible are not poisonous/non-allergenic, list any plants and seek advice Inspection for cracks splinters broken pipes frayed ropes etc remove from use any damaged equipment giving rise to risk of harm Supervision, equipment secured to ground, 6ft clearance around static equipment, 8ft clearance back and front of swings, mats or absorbing surfaces between equipment Secure undamaged fencing at least 4ft high, no horizontal bars or footholds or gaps larger than 4'' childproof self closing latches on gates supervision. Doors provided with latches or locks out of reach of children 14

15 INSIDE Strangulation from blind/curtain chords PLAYGROUP HAZARDS CONTROLS Ensure such items are not low enough to pose a risk to children Trapping fingers in doors Electricity sockets, appliances Burns from fires, heaters, radiators Glazing in windows/doors Falls out of windows Falls down stairs Dangerous toys Trips/falls slips on scattered toys Small items/parts of toys capable of swallowing/insertion in nose or ears Sharp objects/edges/corners cuts Hot water/drinks scalds Kettle flex could be pulled and child scalded Chemicals e.g. disinfectant, toilet blocks Kitchen Lead paint on premises Slow closing mechanism or door jamb protectors Ensure sockets are out of reach/ use socket covers, inspection and testing of appliances, defective appliances removed from use Fireguards to British standard, radiator covers, heaters and fires fixed in place Low level glazing in windows and doors should be safety glazing, toughened, laminated glass or covered in plastic safety film as advised by competent person to comply with British standards Opening restrictors so windows do not open beyond 4'' this should not conflict with any Fire Brigade requirements no furniture or equipment under windows Safety gates/barriers to British Standards with secure fixings, supervision on stairs Inspection to ensure no damage/loose parts, toys to comply with British standards and for appropriate age range of children, damaged toys removed Tidy toys traffic routes are kept clear Ensure where possible no items small enough/parts of toys and no loose parts on toys supervision Inspection removal protection Thermostatic control of hot water, no hot drinks near children Keep out of reach Keep disinfectants etc in childproof cupboards do not use toilet blocks if accessible to children No access to children Ascertain if present, arrange removal if possible or prevent access supervision of children to ensure they do not pick at paint 15

16 INSIDE ( continued) Falls from height from play equipment Slips/trips/falls due to floor condition Unsafe storage of items Plastic bags-suffocation Trailing cables Manual handling CONTROLS (continued) Supervision and correct use Inspection, loose carpet etc fixed in place, damaged flooring replaced, spillage cleared immediately, non-slip floor Ensure items are not likely to fall onto persons, heavy items stored at correct height Not allowed in playgroup Tuck away so that no longer tripping hazard on traffic routes cover with cable trunking Training, assessment, correct storage lifting equipment by more than one person Any hazards associated with the structure of the premises, eg. walls, floors, ceilings and any equipment/items left out by other premises users must also be considered. 16

17 Appendix 3 POISONOUS PLANTS Plant Poisonous part of plant Bluebell - - Cherry Laurel Berries/leaf Christmas Rose All parts Daffodil Bulb/leaves Daphne Mezereum Berries/bark Delphinium Seeds/leaves Firethorn (Pyracantha) Berries Foxglove All parts Holly Berries Honeysuckle Berries Horse Chestnut Berries/seeds Ivy All parts Laburnum All parts Lily of the Valley All parts Lords and Ladies Berries Lupin All parts Mistletoe Berries Morning Glory Seeds/berries Nightshade Deadly, Woody, Berries/other parts Black Poinsettia Leaves/flowers Privet Berries/seeds/leaf Rhododendron Seeds/berries/leaf Rhubarb Leaves Snowberry Berries Sweet Pea Seeds Winter Cherry Berries Wisteria Seeds Yew Leaves/seeds/fruit Further Information For a wide range of advice, information and the latest leaflets and publications, contact the Health and Safety Executive: HSE Infoline: telephon (open 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday) fax: hseinformationservices@natbrit.com or visit the HSE website: You can also order online from HSE Books: or get further online advice from HSE Direct: or from HSE/DOH Healthy Workplace Initiative: This leaflet contains notes on good practice which are not compulsory, but which you may find helpful in considering what you need to do. 17

18 Appendix 4. Slips, Trips and Falls Health & Safety Advice One of the targets the Health and Safety Executive have set this year is to reduce accidents caused by slips, trips and falls, one of the most common causes of accidents in Britain, and therefore the area being targeted for Safety and Health Week this year. Ten facts about slips and trips 1. In 1999/2000 slips and trips in British workplaces accounted for 31% (provisionally 8,680) of all reported major non-fatal injuries to employees. 2. During the same period they accounted for 20% (provisionally 26,236) of over-threeday injuries to employees % of reported slips and trips result in broken or dislocated bones. 4. Well over a million working days are lost each year as a result of slips and trips. 5. The increasing development of a compensation culture and the number of businesses operating on a no win, no fee basis will increase costs to employers. 6. Three people have died in each of the last two years following slips and trips. 7. Wet floors account for 90% of such accidents. 8. The food and drink industry has four times as many slips and trips as other industries. 9. The cost to society could be as much as 763 million with employers have to pick up a bill for 368 million. 10. As the facts show, slips and trips do not usually just result in embarrassment or bruised pride, they can prove very costly slip-ups in many other ways. Slip/trip hazards include: spills/splashes of liquid a few drops may drastically reduce slip resistance; inadequate drying of floors after cleaning; ingress of rain into indoor pedestrian areas during wet weather; use of unsuitable flooring types/footwear; poorly maintained/uneven floors; obstructions/objects on the floor; curling edges to doormats/carpets; trailing electric cables across pedestrian thoroughfares; build-up of residues on flooring, eg. grease, animal excreta, leaves, ice, etc; items left across pedestrian thoroughfares by contractors working. These are just a few examples. Risk assessments can be used to identify such hazards and to ensure adequate controls are in place. 18

19 Good Working Practice to prevent Slips, Trips and Falls Where possible, the aim should be to eliminate risk at source (eg. levelling uneven floor surfaces). The next preferred option is substitution (eg. using an alternative method of floor cleaning), followed by separation (eg. using barriers to keep workers away from wet floors). The final prevention measure is protection (eg. wearing footwear with non-slip soles). The use of personal protective equipment should be a last form of protection after all organisational and technical measures have been exhausted. There are often simple but effective measures that can be taken to reduce or eliminate slip and trip risks. Preventive actions to consider include: Good housekeeping Poor housekeeping and general untidiness are a major cause of slips and trips. Keep the working environment clean and tidy, with floors and access routes kept clear of obstacles. Remove rubbish regularly so it does not build up. Cleaning and maintenance Regular cleaning and maintenance will minimise risks. Rubbish should be removed regularly and work areas kept clear. Cleaning methods and equipment must be suitable for surface being treated. During cleaning and maintenance work, take care not to create new slip and trip hazards. Lighting Ensure good lighting levels, functioning and position of lights to ensure all floor areas are evenly lit and all potential hazards, e.g. obstructions and spills can be clearly seen. Lighting levels need to allow safe passage through the premises. Exterior lights may be required as outdoor workplaces must be adequately lit. Flooring Floors should be checked for damage on a regular basis and maintenance carried out when necessary. Potential slip and trip hazards to look for include holes, cracks, and loose carpets and mats. In any location, the floor surface should be suitable for the work carried out, eg. it may need to be resistant to oil and chemicals used in production processes. Coating or chemically treating existing floors can improve their slip resistant properties. It should be kept clean. Stairways Many accidents occur on stairways. Handrails, slip resistant covers to steps, high visibility and non-slip marking of the front edges of steps, and sufficient lighting can all help in preventing slips and trips on stairs. Other changes of level such as ramps are often difficult to see. They need to be well marked, with appropriate use of safety signs. Spillages Clean up spills immediately using an appropriate cleaning method (chemical treatment may be required). Use warning signs where the floor is wet and arrange alternative routes. What caused the spill to occur - can work methods or workplace be changed to minimise spillages? Obstructions Where possible, obstructions should be removed to prevent trips occurring. If it is not possible to remove an obstruction then suitable barriers and/or warning notices should be used. Trailing cables Place equipment so cables do not cross pedestrian routes. Use cable covers to securely fix cables to surfaces. Footwear Workers need to have footwear that is suitable for their working environment. Take account of the type of job, floor surface, typical floor conditions and the slip-resistant properties of the sole. Outdoor workplaces Outdoor workplaces must be arranged so that risks of slipping and tripping are minimised, e.g. through anti-slip measures in icy conditions and suitable footwear. 19

20 Employers Responsibilities Requirements set in European Directives (such as on workplaces, safety signs, personal protective equipment, and Framework for Safety) that are relevant to the prevention of slips and trips, include: Ensuring that, as far as possible workplaces receive sufficient natural light and are equipped with artificial lighting adequate to protect workers safety and health. Ensuring that workplace floors are fixed, stable and level and have no bumps, holes or slopes. and are not slippery. Providing safety and/or health signs where hazards can not be avoided or adequately reduced by preventive measures. Providing personal protective equipment (eg. protective footwear) appropriate for the risks involved and where they can not be avoided by other means. It should be comfortable and well maintained, and not lead to any increase in other risks. Following a general Framework to manage health and safety, including: o assessment and prevent of risks; o giving priority to collective measures to eliminate risks; o providing information and training; and o consulting employees, co-ordination on safety with contractors. Consulting the workforce is a requirement. Using their knowledge helps to ensure hazards are correctly spotted and workable solutions implemented. The minimum requirements set by Directives have been implemented in national legislation that may include additional requirements. Maintaining a healthy and safe working environment is not only a management responsibility. Employees also have duties to co-operate and look after their own and others safety, following instructions in accordance with training given. Everyone should be encouraged to contribute to improving health and safety. The attached checklist can be used as a preliminary aid to identifying hazards. 20

21 Slips, Trips and Falls Health & Safety Checklist General Yes No 1. Are floors uneven/damaged? 2 Do electric cables trail across pedestrian routes? 3. Is the floor covering damaged and a trip hazard? 4. Do rugs/mats/carpets curl at the edges/need fixing to the floor 5. Are floor surfaces slippery when dry? 6. Are floor surfaces slippery when wet? 7. Do cleaning materials make the floor slippery? 8. Do residues build up on floor surfaces/ground making it slippery? A YES response to any of the above requires risk assessment/ remedial measures to be taken if controls are inadequate. Procedures/Working Practices/Workplace 9. Are lighting levels adequate on all traffic or pedestrian routes? 10. Where there are changes in levels, is lighting adequate and the change in level highlighted by, for example, a colour change/hazard tape? 11. Are handrails provided where appropriate, where there are level changes? 12. Do all staircases and steps have handrails where appropriate? 13. Are procedures in place to immediately clean up spillages? 14. If greasy liquids are spilled, is a suitable cleaning agent available and used? 15. Are appropriate signs used after floors have been cleaned and an alternative bypass route provided? 16. Are passageways/stairs/escape routes kept clear? 17. Are articles properly stored and put away so they do not cause obstructions? 18. Are safe working procedures adopted when transporting items up or down stairs? 19. Are ladders inspected and maintained? 20. Are damaged ladders taken out of service at once and disposed of? 21. Are safe working procedures adopted when using ladders/ working at height? 21

22 22. Are openings in floors fenced off? 23. When workmen/cleaners are working on site, does risk assessment include creation of tripping/slipping hazards? 24. Is provision of appropriate footwear considered in risk assessment in relation to slips, trips and falls? 25. Are risk assessments always done before working at height, and suitable controls in place? 26. In a workplace where flooring can be slippery, do you wear non-slip shoes? A No response to any of the above requires risk assessment/remedial measures to be taken. Other comments: Department: Workplace: Job Title: 22