topic 3 Flashcards
(29 cards)
What are the hazards in a health and social care environment? (8)
Slip-trip-fall hazards, hazardous agents, sanitary conditions and hygiene, ergonomic hazards, physical hazards, work conditions, untrained staff, and work practises.
Describe how slip-trip-fall hazards are harmful in a health and social care setting.
A slip-trip-fall hazard is anything that can cause someone to slip, trip, or fall—like water, loose carpets, cables, or litter. These hazards are common and often lead to injuries in both public and private spaces. By paying more attention and keeping areas clear, many of these accidents can be prevented.
Describe how hazardous agents are harmful in a health and social care setting.
In health and social care settings, hazardous agents like cleaning products, medications, clinical waste, lab chemicals, gases, and even body fluids can be dangerous. These substances can be toxic and may cause serious harm if ingested, inhaled, come into contact with the skin, splash into the eyes, or are injected. If mishandled, they can damage a person’s health. Many products carry hazard warnings, so it’s important for staff to pay attention to these signs to prevent harm.
Describe how sanitary conditions and hygiene can be harmful in a health and social care setting.
In health and social care settings, poor hygiene and unsanitary conditions are serious hazards. With many sick and vulnerable patients, there’s a high risk of spreading infections and diseases. Without proper cleanliness, harmful bacteria and viruses can cause serious illness—especially for those with weak immune systems, like chemotherapy patients. Good hygiene is essential for safety, comfort, and overall well-being.
Describe how ergonomic hazards are harmful in a health and social care setting.
Ergonomic hazards in health and social care involve injuries to the musculoskeletal system from tasks like incorrect lifting, bending, or working in awkward postures. These are common among staff such as nurses and carers who perform manual handling. Without proper training and equipment, these risks can lead to serious strain and injury.
Describe how physical hazards can be harmful in the health and social care setting.
Physical hazards in health and social care come from environmental factors like toxic chemicals, electrical faults, noise, radiation, or mechanical risks that can cause injuries like cuts or burns. If not managed properly, these hazards can lead to serious harm for both staff and patients.
Describe how work conditions can be harmful in a health and social care setting.
In health and social care, poor working conditions can increase the risk of harm. Employers must provide safe environments, while employees should follow safety policies. This includes using protective gear and managing stress. Factors like the pandemic can add pressure, affecting both mental and physical well-being.
Describe how untrained staff can be harmful in a health and social care setting.
Untrained staff in health and social care poses a significant hazard, as proper training is crucial for ensuring patient safety and quality of care. Healthcare professionals must have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their roles effectively. Without ongoing training and staying updated with the latest practices, staff may make errors that increase risks, potentially compromising patient health and well-being.
Describe how work practises can be harmful in a health and social care setting.
In health and social care, work practices can become hazardous over time, especially if unsafe habits develop. These may include improper hygiene before procedures, lack of communication, cutting corners with equipment, or neglecting personal protective equipment (PPE). Such practices can lead to physical harm, spread infections, or damage the reputation of the profession.
What can be done to avoid slip-trip-fall hazards?
Putting up signs, if a ladder is being used one can assist, pay attention, and don’t leave anything lying around.
What can be done to avoid accidents with hazardous agents?
Wear gloves and a protection mask, keep away from children, keep in dry environments, and read signs.
What can be done to avoid accidents with sanitary conditions and hygiene?
Change masks and gloves in between patients, sanitize frequently, and scrubbing before an operation.
What can be done to avoid ergonomic hazards?
Make sure enough breaks are taken and one is well rested, use of machinery to avoid injury, and use of right technique.
What can be done to avoid physical hazards?
Use of p.p.e (headphones, masks, protective gear…) and regular maintenece checks.
What can be done to avoid accidents with work conditions?
Frequent breaks, not working too long, and emotional and physical support and training.
What can be done to avoid accidents with untrained staff?
Provide constant and relevant training, have mentors to observe, give advice and support.
What can be done to avoid accidents with work practises?
There needs to be consequences, there are regulations that everyone should be aware of, communication with patients, records are taken, having reliable and trained staff, sobriety, no shortcuts, and having an observer.
red disk with red diagonal line
prohibition signs show that the action in the circle is not permitted.
yellow triangle
warning signs raise awareness about a particular hazard.
blue circle with white pictogram and blue background for text
Mandatory signs show that the action or object shown in the circle needs to be done.
green rectangle/square with white pictogram/text
Safe condition signs are usually related to fire safety or first aid.
List the equipment which are used to minimise or eliminate risks in the health care industry. (7)
Bed rails, height adjustable bed, hoist, protective wear, antibacterial disinfectants, safe disposal boxes, and safety installations in bathrooms.
Bed rails
Bed rails can be raised or lowered based on the patient’s needs. They provide safety for those who aren’t fully independent, especially during sleep, and can be lowered during manual handling or when the patient needs to get out of bed.
Height adjustable bed
Modern hospital beds allow height adjustment to support manual handling, and some beds let different sections move independently—like raising just the legs for patient comfort.
