Safety at work

For this unit you will need to be able to demonstrate that you can work safely (using the appropriate PPE) for your role and understand your responsibilities in regards the Health and Safety.

You will also need to know what the following COSHH chemical hazard symbols mean:

If you are working with chemicals that are hazardous to health, you should be aware of these symbols (that are included on the packaging) and what they mean. These symbols give you a good indication of the main hazards associated with the substance.

There are other more general hazard signs seen within pathology that also play an essential role in the management of safety for both staff and visitors. Hazard signs are displayed to advise and forewarn of any potential dangers and have a yellow triangle with a black outline:

Most hazard signs also use supplementary text and have headings with the words:

Danger
Warning
Caution

These 3 categories are dependent upon the severity of risk e.g. signs with the word “Danger” are used were the risk is deemed to be higher than those signs using the word caution.

Evidence 1:

All workers are entitled to work in environments where risks to their health and safety are properly controlled. Under health and safety law, the primary responsibility for this is down to employers.

However, all workers have a duty to take care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by your actions at work. Workers must co-operate with employers and co-workers to help everyone meet their legal requirements.

For this piece for evidence outline 3 main responsibilities (Health & Safety AND security) for each of the following 3 groups:

1. Employers responsibilities

E.g. Are to decide what could harm you in your job and the precautions to stop it. This is part of risk assessment.

1.

2.

3.

2. Your responsibilities

E.g. Follow the training you have received when using any work items your employer has given you.

1.

2.

3.

3. Others responsibilities (e.g. visitors, placements)

E.g. Sign in at pathology reception and wear a visitor badge at all times

1.

2.

3.

Evidence 2: Complete the table below by listing 4 different types of PPE that you have used in your workplace and then describe the use and limitations of each. A good starting point is by looking at the areas of the body you could use PPE on:

Face and Eye protection
Body protection
Hand protection
Foot Protection
Respiratory Protection

Evidence number 2: complete this table on PPE:

Remember some PPE is not worn at all times.

Evidence 3: For this piece of evidence you will need to think of the various stresses within the work place. Listed below are some of the commonly causes of work-related stress:

Long hours
Heavy workload
Changes within the organisation
Tight deadlines
Changes to duties
Job insecurity
Lack of autonomy / Over-supervision
Inadequate working environment
Lack of proper resources (staff, equipment etc.)
Few promotional opportunities
Harassment / Discrimination
Poor relationships with colleagues or bosses
Compassionate issues

Evidence number 3: Complete the table below by identifying 2 causes of stress within the workplace and then for each cause:

Describe the effect this can have on staff
Ways to manage this stress

Sign off: After you have collected each piece of evidence, hand them into your trainer / mentor who will then countersign them. Please note that they may ask for additional evidence or ask you follow up questions. Also ensure that:

You have date and signed your work
You only submit evidence for checking once it is completed (you may take individual evidence pieces out of your portfolio)
Ensure any countersigned checked work is returned back (in order) to your portfolio

Try not to hand in multiple pieces of evidence for marking at once - this will create too much work for your trainer / mentor, instead spread submissions out throughout your training.

Trainer notes: Ensure the candidates line manager completes the 'Line Manager's Comments' section as each module in the portfolio is completed - continuous assessment of the candidates work is required throughout the training period.