1.1 Explain the legislative framework for health and safety in adult social care settings

Leading Health and Safety in Adult Social Care

This unit will develop your knowledge of the health and safety legislation and key sources in information and guidance. You will look at risk management requirements and the mechanisms and tools available to support risk management activities.

ANALYSE - to study or examine something in detail (looking at all the component parts of the whole) to discover more about it, i.e., what works well, what does not, how is it beneficial.

A conclusion could follow - what possible changes can be made as an improvement.

EVALUATE - to judge or calculate the quality, importance, or value of something: i.e., why this is used, what purpose or value does it have, does it fulfil its purpose.

A conclusion could follow – to continue with the item, discontinue it, or suggest possible changes

	KNOWLEDGE QUESTIONS
1.1	Explain the legislative framework for health and safety in adult social care settings (see below guidance)
1.2	Explain key sources of information and guidance for health and safety in the workplace (see below guidance)
3.1	Explain the range of risk management requirements in adult social care (see below guidance)
3.2	Describe your responsibilities to identify, assess and manage risk
3.3	Analyse the range of mechanisms and tools available to inform and carry out risk management activities

Guidance

Legislative framework: must include the range of health and safety legislation and specific regulations applicable to the environment and care service being provided.

Key sources of information and guidance: must include the role of government agencies and advisory bodies e.g. health and safety executive, Public Health England. You can also include other internal and external support mechanisms.

Risk management requirements must include sensible and proportionate management of risk.

Example Answer

Explain the legislative framework for health and safety in adult social care settings

Legislative Framework for Health and Safety in Adult Social Care Settings

The legislative framework for health and safety in adult social care settings is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of both care providers and service users. This framework encompasses a range of health and safety legislation, specific regulations, and guidelines applicable to the care environment.

1. Key Legislation and Regulations

Several key pieces of legislation form the foundation of health and safety practices in adult social care:

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: This Act establishes the duty of care for employers to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of their employees and others who may be affected by their work activities. In adult social care, this includes the safety of staff and service users.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999: These regulations require employers to carry out risk assessments, implement necessary measures to protect health and safety, and provide information, instruction, and training to employees.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002: COSHH governs the management of hazardous substances that may pose a risk to health. Care settings must assess the risks associated with hazardous materials, implement controls, and provide appropriate training to staff.
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013: RIDDOR mandates the reporting of work-related accidents, injuries, and diseases. In adult social care, this includes any incidents that may affect the health and safety of staff or service users.
Care Act 2014: This Act emphasizes the importance of safeguarding adults in care settings, ensuring that they are protected from abuse and neglect. It reinforces the need for risk assessment and management in safeguarding vulnerable individuals.