Sustaining an injury at work
Employers have a duty to ensure the health and welfare of employees , workers , visitors and anyone else in their workplace , which includes minimising the potential for accidents . Most accidents are minor , but some can be serious and may even result in death . Both criminal and civil law can be applicable in these matters , so it is important to be aware of the common risks , individual responsibilities and appropriate responses to accidents in the workplace .
The Health and Safety at Work etc . Act 1974 is the UK legislation that relates to safety at work . It sets out the responsibilities of employers to employees and members of the public , as well as those that employees have to themselves and each other . It also covers the responsibilities of self-employed people to themselves and others . The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers and the self-employed to further assess risks that specifically affect pregnant women .
Responsibilities of the employer
• Assess and manage risk in the workplace
• Provide information and training
• Consult with employees
• Have adequate facilities in the workplace
• Report accidents and illnesses
• Have a competent person to manage health and safety
• Have a first aid kit and trained first aiders
• Have a health and safety policy
• Display a poster about health and safety law .
Common risks in the workplace
• Slip and trip hazards ( e . g . trailing leads , damaged flooring or wet floors )
• Faulty electrical equipment or overloaded sockets
• Potential to trap hair , fingers or limbs ( e . g . in machinery , drawers or doors )
• Chemical burns / fumes from cleaning products
• Verbal or physical abuse
• Stress from an excessive or demanding workload .
8 Veterinary Nursing Journal