Always lead by example, encourage timely reporting of safety issues and concerns, and recognise and reward safe behaviours among staff at all levels, aligning with the principles of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

Ensure the competent installation and regular test of fire alarms, fire detection and firefighting equipment. Conduct annual fire drills (six monthly if aspiring to best practice), and recruit and train fire wardens in sufficient numbers as required by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Provide training in proper lifting techniques, use assistive devices where risk assessment dictates, and encourage teamwork, all whilst adhering to the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.

Immediately report incidents and near misses using your organisation’s reporting process, conduct thorough investigations to include the taking of witness statements, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions as outlined by RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) 2013. Reference should also be made to RIDDOR in health and social care: Guidance for employers (HSIS 1).

Through the provision of adequate security personnel at all times, suitable health and safety training for staff, maintaining proper lighting, and establish clear communication channels as per the Working Time Regulations 1998. Consideration of an appropriate lone worker device and/or buddy system for your organisation may also prove beneficial.

Offer suitable counselling services, undertake a suitable and sufficient stress risk assessment for the activities within your facility, implement a stress reduction programme, and foster a supportive work environment in line with Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE’s) guidance on work-related stress.

Leadership sets the tone for an organisation’s safety culture, allocates resources for training and equipment, and champions continuous improvement in accordance with UK health and safety legislation and regulations.

Steps to achieve the CQC rating your facility deserves:

• Conduct regular self-assessments to identify areas for improvement.
• Address identified issues promptly and thoroughly.
• Maintain robust compliance records and documentation.
• Provide key staff with training on the CQC’s requirements.
• Foster a culture of openness and transparency amongst your staff.
• Engage accuSafe to align your H&S compliance with CQC requirements.

A programme managing lone workers should include:

• Risk assessments for tasks performed alone.
• Providing communication (lone worker) devices for emergencies.
• Regular check-ins and monitoring of lone workers, i.e. buddy systems.
• Establishing clear emergency procedures.
• Training staff in lone worker safety.

DSE assessments should be conducted initially for new staff and then regularly reviewed and updated. Typically, assessments should be repeated annually or when there are significant changes in equipment or work processes, i.e. following an office or desk move.

Proactive measures include:

• Using safer alternatives when possible and where available.
• Use devices with safety features.
• Providing comprehensive training on sharps safety to staff.
• Foster a culture of reporting incidents in a timely manner to enable preventative solutions.
• Regularly evaluating and improving safety protocols.

Implement local infection control measures, adhere to advice on Health Technical Memoranda (HTM) guidelines, which are to be read in conjunction with relevant Health Building Notes (HBN), as communicated by your project team, and ensure staff are kept updated with project updates and timescales. HTM’s and HBN’s provide best practice guidance on the design and planning of new healthcare buildings and on the adaptation or extension of existing facilities.

Yes, strategies include:

• The use of non-slip flooring in patient areas.
• Clear pathways free from obstacles and obstructions.
• Timely removal of spillages and use of wet floor signage.
• Policy requiring proper footwear for staff.
• Conduct risk assessments briefing staff on the results.
• Regular safety inspections of patient care areas.