Health and Safety

Introduction

The purpose of this course is to guide you through the need-to-know essentials that will help you to work more
safely and make a positive contribution to the wellbeing and security of your organisation.

The course will cover:

• an introduction to health and safety, the fundamental concepts and risk assessment
• common workplace health and safety hazards and how to control them
• improving performance
• emergency procedures, accident investigation and first aid.

Module 1 – An Introduction to Working Safely

This module will cover:

• working safely
• hazards, risk assessments and controls
• health and safety law.

Working safely

Many accidents and much ill health at work result from commonly occurring hazards, like obstructions in corridors or
rooms, electricity and equipment, which can easily be controlled to prevent harm to people.

This course focuses on how to manage and control these hazards to protect people at work and comply with the law.
Working safely means that people work in ways that minimise the possibility of injury or damage to the health of
themselves or others.

Harm involves both injury and ill health to people. Falling down stairs, slipping on wet floors, hitting objects,
breathing in dangerous fumes, receiving an electric shock, and getting burnt in a fire are all common examples of
how people can be harmed.

Why is health and safety such an important topic?

Nobody chooses to get hurt. Most people would agree that it is not acceptable to put other people at risk,
particularly if they do not know or understand the risk they are taking. Everyone is entitled to feel confident that
they will end each working day without being harmed.

Whilst Tes Global Ltd have made every effort to ensure that the courses and their content have been devised and written by leading experts who have ensured that they reflect best practice in all
aspects, Tes Global Ltd exclude their liability of the consequences of any errors, omission or incorrect statements to the fullest extent permitted by law and Tes Global Ltd make no warranty or
representation as to the accuracy, completeness or fitness for purpose of any statements or other content in the course.

No part of this material may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system
without permission in writing by Tes Global Ltd.
In Great Britain in 2021/2022…

• 123 people were killed at work.

• 1.8 million people suffered from work-related ill health.
• 123,000 workers suffered from COVID-19 which they believe may have been from
exposure to coronavirus at work.
• 914,000 cases of work-related stress, depression or anxiety.

Preventing accidents and ill health at work is an important ethical and moral issue, but there are many more reasons
for working safely. Maintaining a healthy and safe working environment can dramatically improve productivity,
reduce staff turnover and absence due to staff sickness. Healthy staff who feel that their safety is well looked after
are far happier in their work and have a positive attitude to their employment.

The costs of injuries and workplace ill health can impose a high penalty on an organisation.

There are also important legal duties placed on employers, the self-employed and employees. Breaches of these
duties can result in fines, enforcement notices and, in extreme cases, imprisonment. These duties are enforced by
the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or local authority Environmental Health Officers who can be contacted for
advice and help.

Identifying hazards and risks

Identifying hazards

An important first step is to understand how to identify hazards and minimise risks. A hazard is any source or
situation that can potentially cause harm.

Look around the area you are in. Can you identify any potential hazards?

It is important to remember that some hazards are not obvious and it may not be possible to see, feel, hear or smell
them until it is too late; for example, colourless and odourless gases such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide,
ultraviolet and infrared, microwave radiation and electricity. Hazards from poor posture due to bad seating, stress
from work overload or poor working conditions may not be quickly or easily identified.

A hazard can be:

• Mechanical – for example, moving heavy equipment or a paper guillotine where fingers could be cut in the
shearing action of the knife.
• Physical – for example, a slippery floor, uneven flooring, trailing cables, burns from a fire.
• Chemical – for example, spillage of corrosive acid which can severely damage skin and eyes through contact;
toxic chemicals which can cause damage through being swallowed (ingestion) or breathed in (inhalation) or
solvents that can also be absorbed through the skin (absorption). Some chemicals work very quickly and may
cause asphyxiation (suffocation); for example, carbon monoxide which asphyxiates people by starving them
of oxygen. Cyanide poisons people very quickly and solvents can overcome people so that they appear drunk
and can be fatal. Other substances, such as asbestos, may result in asbestos diseases which are often
diagnosed many years after exposure took place.

Whilst Tes Global Ltd have made every effort to ensure that the courses and their content have been devised and written by leading experts who have ensured that they reflect best practice in all
aspects, Tes Global Ltd exclude their liability of the consequences of any errors, omission or incorrect statements to the fullest extent permitted by law and Tes Global Ltd make no warranty or
representation as to the accuracy, completeness or fitness for purpose of any statements or other content in the course.

No part of this material may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system
without permission in writing by Tes Global Ltd.
 • Environmental – for example, in the global environment water can be polluted from chemicals and/or by
toxic waste. Air can be polluted from burning rubbish or emissions from chimneys. The environment can be
polluted by waste and rubbish left lying about to rot or contaminate. Excessive hot working conditions can
cause heat exhaustion or, in cold conditions, hypothermia and, in extreme cold, frostbite. Poor lighting with
reflection and glare (or simply too little light) can all be classed as environmental hazards.
• Biological – for example, bacteria and micro-organisms such as those encountered when working with
animals or infected people; handling waste materials or working in contaminated environments.
• Organisational/Psychological – for example, working with unreasonable timescales or excessive workloads;
using an unsafe way of working where instructions are not provided or not followed; poor supervision where
untrained or inexperienced people make mistakes; difficulties between individuals because of a clash of
culture, religion, race or personality; internal structures of the organisation which make it difficult for
individuals to control their working lives.

Identifying risk

Every day when we drive on the road we have to make risk judgements. We must consider oncoming traffic, the size
of the vehicle in front, the space available to overtake, any vehicles behind, the state of the road, weather
conditions, visibility, pedestrians nearby, road restrictions and markings.

A risk is the chance - high, medium or low - that somebody will be harmed by the hazard.

What do you think the level of risk would be in the following situations? Consider how likely it is that each hazard
identified could cause harm.

• Standing on a chair to reach an item off a shelf – High

• Using chemicals without following instructions for use – High/medium
• Using equipment that has loose or ill-fitting electrical connections – High
• Using equipment without being trained – High/medium
• Dealing with a situation where physical intervention is needed and not following
the correct procedures – High/medium

The level of risk depends on how severe the harm could be and how likely it is to happen.

Identifying risk includes deciding who might be harmed and how this could happen. This could involve children and
young people, pregnant women, cleaners, visitors, contractors or members of the public.

Controlling risk

Risk control measures are used to reduce risks and are sometimes called health and safety precautions.

Reasonably practicable precautions should be taken to make the workplace safe, this means that there should be a
balance between the effort, cost, inconvenience or time involved in achieving the workplace precautions and the
benefit they bring in reducing risks to people at work. This involves carrying out a risk assessment and implementing
satisfactory precautions.

Whilst Tes Global Ltd have made every effort to ensure that the courses and their content have been devised and written by leading experts who have ensured that they reflect best practice in all
aspects, Tes Global Ltd exclude their liability of the consequences of any errors, omission or incorrect statements to the fullest extent permitted by law and Tes Global Ltd make no warranty or
representation as to the accuracy, completeness or fitness for purpose of any statements or other content in the course.

No part of this material may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system
without permission in writing by Tes Global Ltd.
In taking action consider:

a. can the hazard be eliminated altogether?

b. if not, can the risks be controlled so that harm is unlikely?

Hierarchy of risk control measures

There is a preferred order for choosing control methods, which should follow the principles below.

1. Use a less risky system, process or piece of equipment.

2. Prevent people gaining access to the hazard by barriers or enclosures.
3. Limit the amount of time that people are exposed to the hazard.
4. Organise the system of work to reduce exposure and control the way in which people may be
exposed to a risk. This involves Safe Systems of Work and in some cases written permits to work
in special high-risk situations such as entry into confined spaces.
5. Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
6. Make available adequate and suitable welfare facilities such as washing facilities and first aid.

What is a risk assessment?

A risk assessment will help you identify what practical actions could be taken to help protect people from harm.

A risk assessment involves:

• identifying the potential hazard and what harm could be caused

• deciding who could be harmed and how
• evaluating risks and deciding whether the existing controls are sufficient
• recording the significant findings
• reviewing and revising the assessment, as necessary.

A risk assessment should be carried out before the work or procedure that presents a risk is introduced.

In many organisations, hazards are limited and simple. Identifying the hazards is not complicated and the risk
assessment is nothing more than a proper consideration of what could harm people and whether the precautions
are adequate.

Further information
To help identify risk, your organisation may decide to use a risk matrix. A risk matrix can help prioritise actions that
are needed to control risk.

What should a risk assessment include?

A risk assessment is not about creating huge amounts of paperwork, but rather about identifying sensible
measures to control the risks in your workplace. Insignificant risks never need to be recorded. If the organisation
has guides or manuals where hazards are listed, and controls set out these can be referred to rather than spelling
them all out again.

Whilst Tes Global Ltd have made every effort to ensure that the courses and their content have been devised and written by leading experts who have ensured that they reflect best practice in all
aspects, Tes Global Ltd exclude their liability of the consequences of any errors, omission or incorrect statements to the fullest extent permitted by law and Tes Global Ltd make no warranty or
representation as to the accuracy, completeness or fitness for purpose of any statements or other content in the course.

No part of this material may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system
without permission in writing by Tes Global Ltd.
Your risk assessment should include all people that could be harmed in your organisation. This should include:

• inexperienced workers
• new or expectant mothers
• people with a disability
• any group that shares the workplace such as children and young people, the elderly or the general public.

What should be recorded?

Once an assessment has been completed you should be able to show that:

• a check was made

• significant risks have been assessed
• any precautions needed are reasonable
• people affected are considered throughout the process.

For each significant hazard, the assessor has to decide whether the remaining risk is high, medium or low. It is a legal
requirement for every employer and self-employed person to carry out an assessment. There is no legal requirement
for risk assessments to be signed.

Where an organisation has fewer than five employees a written risk assessment is not needed.

The Health and Safety Executive have produced template risk assessments. A link to these can be found in the
Resources section.

Scenario: Managing risk

You have been asked to look at any potential risks in your workplace. By asking the questions below you have
managed to identify the risks and report back to your manager.

You decided to do a RAG rating.

RAG Rating
Red – Immediate action required.
Amber – Further action needed.
Green – No action needed.

• Is the area well lit?

Yes. The room is well lit, there is a combination of natural and electrical lighting (no action needed).
• Do you have to access cupboards at height?
Yes, you normally use a chair. You need to ask for a step stool (immediate action required).
• Is there any risk of slipping or tripping? Is the flooring in good condition?
Some of the carpet tiles have started to lift around the edges (further action needed).
• Is the environment a comfortable temperature?
Yes (no action needed).

Whilst Tes Global Ltd have made every effort to ensure that the courses and their content have been devised and written by leading experts who have ensured that they reflect best practice in all
aspects, Tes Global Ltd exclude their liability of the consequences of any errors, omission or incorrect statements to the fullest extent permitted by law and Tes Global Ltd make no warranty or
representation as to the accuracy, completeness or fitness for purpose of any statements or other content in the course.

No part of this material may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system
without permission in writing by Tes Global Ltd.
Reviewing a risk assessment

Review and revise the assessment on a periodic basis or sooner if significant changes or events occur; for example,
new equipment is brought in or a new event is being planned.

Remember, risk assessments must be suitable and sufficient, not perfect.

Health and safety law

Health and safety law is aimed at preventing injury and ill health at work and ensuring that adequate welfare
facilities are provided. The legal framework is set out in the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSW Act) and
in a number of regulations that have been issued under this Act. These regulations give detailed guidance on
particular aspects of health and safety such as management, hazardous substances, work equipment, working at
height, noise, and many other subjects.

Although there is a large amount of health and safety law, there is no need for people at work to know chapter and
verse. Rather, like the Highway Code, people need to know what to do to comply.

What the law requires

Under the HSW Act, employers are obliged to secure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and
welfare at work of anyone who may be affected by what the organisation does, or fails to do. This includes all
employees, trainees, part-timers, temporary staff, contractors, those who use the organisation's workplace or
equipment, visitors, employees working at home, the public who may be affected, people who use products at work,
products designed, made, supplied or imported by the organisation.

The HSW Act applies to all work activities and to people in control of premises.

What basic actions must be taken?

To comply with the HSW Act, and some of its basic regulations, employers must:

• Ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of all employees and others who may be affected,
so far as is reasonably practicable.
• Provide adequate training, information, instruction and supervision for employees.
• Provide information and instruction to non-employees.
• Provide and maintain safe equipment.
• Ensure safe handling, storage and use of substances.
• Have a written, up-to-date health and safety policy (for five employees or more).
• Display a current certificate as required by the Employer's Liability (Compulsory Insurance)
Act 1969 if anyone is employed.
• Provide necessary Personal Protective Equipment, free of charge, to employees.
• Carry out appropriate risk assessments and, if five or more people are employed, record the significant
findings. This includes special assessments for young people and new or nursing mothers.
• Display the current health and safety law poster or hand out the equivalent leaflet.
• Notify, as specified, certain types of injuries, occupational diseases and dangerous occurrences to
the HSE’s Incident Contact Centre.

Whilst Tes Global Ltd have made every effort to ensure that the courses and their content have been devised and written by leading experts who have ensured that they reflect best practice in all
aspects, Tes Global Ltd exclude their liability of the consequences of any errors, omission or incorrect statements to the fullest extent permitted by law and Tes Global Ltd make no warranty or
representation as to the accuracy, completeness or fitness for purpose of any statements or other content in the course.

No part of this material may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system
without permission in writing by Tes Global Ltd.
 • Consult with employees either directly or through safety representatives on certain issues, such as changes
which might affect their health and safety and any information and training, which has to be provided (this
may or may not be a trade union representative). Set up a safety committee if required by representatives.
• Notify occupation of premises to your local enforcing authority using HSE forms.
• Not employ children of under school leaving age, apart from on authorised work experience schemes.

Employee responsibilities

The employees' main responsibility is to co-operate with their employer in health and safety arrangements and to
take all reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by what they do.

This means that employees should:

• understand the hazards in their workplace and follow all safety rules and procedures
• not behave in a reckless manner
• use safety equipment and wear protective clothing when required to do so and ensure others
do where necessary
• not intentionally interfere with or misuse anything that has been provided in the interests
of health and safety
• where appropriate, report hazards, near misses and accidents to a responsible person.

In summary

Many health and safety issues are simple common sense. Making the workplace safe and without risks to health
should mean well-motivated, more productive staff. Ignoring health and safety issues can be costly to an
organisation in terms of compensation, time off and lost productive time.

The key to providing safe workplaces is to work continually with staff and take the correct precautions.

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Whilst Tes Global Ltd have made every effort to ensure that the courses and their content have been devised and written by leading experts who have ensured that they reflect best practice in all
aspects, Tes Global Ltd exclude their liability of the consequences of any errors, omission or incorrect statements to the fullest extent permitted by law and Tes Global Ltd make no warranty or
representation as to the accuracy, completeness or fitness for purpose of any statements or other content in the course.

No part of this material may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system
without permission in writing by Tes Global Ltd.