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.