Unit 06 - Ensure your own actions reduce risks to Health and Safety

(06.1) Understand hazards and risks in the work place

1.1 Define hazards and risks

Hazards are things that are considered a danger and risks are things that could potentially lead to the result of a hazard. There are many risks and hazards in the workplace, probably more than we are aware of. The content of these will vary depending on the job. For example, a roadie would need to be aware of heavy lifting procedures and the safe usage of electronic equipment. All organisations should have Health and Safety policies and procedures. 

1.2 Outline key hazards and risks in own workplace, describing safe working practices

Because we have to set up for music nights at our organisation, and various events now and then, we have to set up equipment such as instruments, bass amps, PA systems etc. so there is a lot of heavy lifting involved. We make sure we lift things properly and bend our knees correctly. Or for things that are overwhelmingly heavy, two people will lift. We also need to be aware of electric shock, making sure we are connecting things safely with the correct wires and power supplies. Any faulty equipment needs to be made aware of straight away. 

I work on all the art sessions we do, so there are also aspects of things like inhaling chemical fumes and spray paints. We always ensure that the young people are safe and in appropriate protective attire. It’s just a case of being vigilant and keeping a look out. If water gets spilt, people are made aware and it is mopped up as soon as possible. Young people are not to have drinks near the computers or any other electrical appliances. We supervise at all times when young people are using sharp tools that could cause harm, such as craft knives. 

1.3 Outline key hazards and risks within own job role, describing precautions

We have a no running policy throughout the building and young people are aware of the policies and procedures in the event of a fire. It’s important that young people are supervised at all times and that they know how to use certain equipment properly. As we work with young people, we take safeguarding very seriously and ensure no sensitive information is exposed. I was recently asked to do a risk assessment for the art sessions, so I’m fully aware of potential risks and hazards. 

(06.2) Understand own responsibilities for health and safety in the workplace

2.1 Identify own responsibilities for Health and Safety in own workplace and job role under Health and Safety legislation, explaining the importance of personal presentation and behaviour

In our place of work, a lot of it simply comes down to common sense. Especially when young people and other visitors come to us. We try our best to keep a watchful eye on potential risks and hazards. at DCAS we are all aware of policies and procedures and complete risk assessments when required. We all tend to be aware of the area we work in, so my focus is more on the art sessions, however, we’re encouraged to be watchful in general at all times. 

As we work for Derbyshire County Council, we are technically corporate parents, so it is important that we are seen as role models to the young people who attend. It’s important that the environment they are working in is safe and that while we’re mentoring them we make sure they are aware of Health and Safety. 

2.2 Describe procedures for dealing with risks outside the scope own responsibility, identifying the appropriate personnel with whom to liaise in own workplace

Even when situations occur in an area that’s not generally our responsible area, this doesn’t give us an excuse to say “Not my problem.” It’s important that we work together as a team, support each other and all have an equal input. 

If anyone has any health problems, we have trained first aiders in the building and first aid kits around the building. Ideally, big companies should have a maintenance book where hazards are noted down, such as a faulty socket or damaged equipment. 

In our place of work, any problems would generally be reported to the manager, but if not any other staff member. 

(06.3) Be able to evaluate hazards and risks in the workplace

3.1 Identify workplace instructions relevant to own job

At DCAS we have a folder with all our policies, procedures and risk assessments in. Just as in all other organisations, we have a procedure for the event of fire. We have a no running policy for the young people. By working in the art sessions, I need to be watchful and aware of young people using toxic substances and that they are protected against harmful fumes. Also to be aware of people with Asthma and/ or breathing difficulties. Also to be vigilant when they are using craft knives and sharp tools. We make sure the young people either know how to use them safely, or we help them out. 

3.2 Identify any unsafe practices in own workplace and job role

Unsafe practices in my job role could include incorrect lifting, incorrect usage of electronics, using substances in the art sessions without protective clothing etc. It’s important that we know exactly what we are doing so we set a good example to the young people.

3.3 Check which potentially unsafe working practices present the highest risk to self and others

The main thing that springs to mind is evacuation procedures. It’s important that no entrances and fire exits are blocked. Things that could be fatal are of more importance, such as electric shock and things that can physically harm. In our control room, where the sound desk is, we have pieces of equipment that could send high voltage electric shocks if not turned off properly. Young people are supervised at all times, especially when using things that could cause harm to themselves and others. 

3.4 Take action to address any hazards in accordance with workplace procedures and legal requirements

The best way round this is to do risk assessments and ensure they are up-to-date and accurate. This way you’ll be able to see if your organisation is up to safety standards. Like at our place, when doing risk assessments, it’s a good idea to each take an area and then go over them as a team. This gives other people the chance to make any suggestion for risks or hazards you may have missed out. 

(06.4) Be able to reduce risks to health and safety in the workplace

4.1 Work safely in accordance with own level of competence, relevant instructions and legal requirements, following environmentally friendly practices

In our place of work, we have a lot of technical equipment such as instruments, PA systems, amps, sound desks, lighting etc. For the sake of our own health and safety it’s important that we know how to use equipment and have had the relevant training and direction before we attempt to use anything. We also dispose of broken equipment in an environmentally friendly manner. Once we had these old printer cartridges that were of no use anymore. My manager asked if I could look into disposing of them in an environmentally friendly manner. I looked on their website and found that they did a free courier service not just for delivery, but for disposal too. So we did this rather than just throwing them in the bin. 

4.2 Manage any health and safety risks within own capability and responsibility

After being assigned to complete the risk assessments for the art sessions, this has become my main area of responsibility. I have to make sure the media suite is tidy and safe to use, that there are no trip hazards such as wires. Then during sessions, to make sure the working environment remains safe and that the young people are well supervised. After the sessions I ensure the room is tidy and that all the iMacs are shut down. 

4.3 Suggest ways of reducing risks to health and safety to the appropriate personnel

All employees at DCAS are trained in how to use specific equipment and the dangers of improper usage. Young people too are made aware of risks and hazards. 

4.4 Report any differences between workplace and suppliers’ or manufacturers’ instructions

To me, workplace could vary depending on the organisation and what they do. Suppliers and manufacturers suggests warehouse and factory environments. A lot of their instructions would be around heavy lifting procedures and operating machinery. Also some employees in those sectors may be required to be able to operate a fork lift truck, for which a license is needed. 

4.5 Ensure that own personal presentation and behaviour meets the requirements of relevant instructions, procedures and legal requirements

It’s important that we present ourselves in a manner that shows we are aware of health and safety and how important it is within our organisation. We make sure we are following the correct procedures i.e. ensuring exits aren’t blocked, having fire extinguishers and first aid kits around the building. Also making it clear we have people who can do first aid in the building. If any hazards occur, we see to them as soon as possible in a calm and collected manner. Any hazards we have are usually minor, but still get seen to right away.