Learning Outcome 2 Working practices

Learning intentions By the end of the lesson you should be able to: distinguish between employer’s and employees’ responsibilities and duties identify ways of communicating health and safety information state various piece of legislation demonstrate knowledge of consequences to employer and employee of not adhering to legislation.

Workplace legislation Employers and employees have a duty of responsibility.

Employer’s responsibilities In general, the employer's duties include: ■ making the workplace safe and without risks to health ■ ensuring plant and machinery are safe and that safe systems of work are set and followed ■ ensuring articles and substances are moved, stored and used safely ■ providing adequate welfare facilities ■ giving the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary for employee health and safety.

Employer’s responsibilities In particular, an employer must: ■ assess the risks to health and safety ■ implement the health and safety measures identified by assessment ■ if there are five or more employees, draw up a health and safety policy statement, including the health and safety arrangements in force, and bring it to the attention of employees ■ appoint someone to assist with health and safety responsibilities.

Employee’s responsibilities Employees have legal duties too. They include: ■ taking reasonable care of own health and safety and that of others ■ cooperating with the employer on health and safety ■ correctly using work items provided by the employer, including personal protective equipment, in accordance with training or instructions ■ not interfering with or misusing anything provided for health, safety or welfare. http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/law.pdf

Legislation Legislation is enforced by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). Health & Safety at Work Act (1987) – Updated by Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 This is primary legislation, covering minimum standards that have to be followed, including: qualified first-aid person suitable first-aid equipment.

Legislation The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 Covers the use of VDUs in the workplace.

Legislation RIDDOR (1995) COSSH (2002) (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations ) COSSH (2002) (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations) Students should be encouraged to undertake further personal research to deepen their understanding of health and safety legislation. The HSE link http://www.hse.gov.uk/ offers students the opportunity to gain further information in the form of case studies as well researching the role of various bodies with regards to health and safety legislation.

Communicating health and safety information Induction training Intranet Notice boards Staff development training Staff meeting

Consequences of not complying: Employer Reported to the HSE, who can: enter and inspect premises issue improvement notices interview people and give warnings close down premises fine or prosecute.

Consequences of not complying: Employee Disciplinary procedures: verbal warning written warning suspension fine dismissal criminal or civil prosecution.

Your tasks Visit the HSE website. Follow links to find out what procedures need to be followed to report an incident at work. Design an A4 poster showing these procedures. Research three health and safety breaches and present on a PowerPoint on them. Students can be encouraged to use the SQA website to check answers to enable them to become familiar with the marking instructions and further prepare them for assessment. SQA 2010 Section 1 Q2b Describe two key responsibilities employers have with regards to display screen equipment regulations. (4) Award one mark for outline plus one for additional comment, illustration or example. Ensure that all staff receive the necessary training so that staff know how to use the equipment – to ensure that equipment is being safely handled - this would prevent repetitive strain injury (RSI), back pain, etc. • Ensure that safety equipment is provided for staff using a PC, eg wrist rests, etc. • Ensure equipment is maintained by carrying out regular checks to prevent possible injury and therefore no legal action • Provide eye tests on request. • Provide regular breaks/job rotation. Notes Do not award a second mark for examples of the same key responsibility (training, safety equipment and maintenance) SQA 2009 Section 2 Q4d Outline and justify two ways of making sure employees are aware of new legislation or changes to legislation affecting the office environment. More than naming, but not a detailed description. Candidate will not be expected to develop their answers. Role play: staff can practice situations such as fire drills. This encourages good practice amongst staff – useful for health and safety training. Notices to highlight specific policies. These can provide information, procedures and warnings to staff in an eye-catching manner. They are also constantly on display to staff for reference purposes. Examples of posters of what to do in the event of a fire etc – must be current and relevant. Talks from relevant officials, eg HSE, Fire Brigade – used when big issues need to be discussed and it is important to give information quickly. Staff meetings - used when big issues need to be discussed and it is important to give information quickly. Staff can ask questions to clarify any misunderstandings. Company intranet containing all relevant policies and procedures – can be easily updated and referred to at any time. Staff development training – used when practical activities need to be observed and demonstrated. Newsletters to bring issues to the attention of staff – can be made interesting, personal and motivating. DVDs, videos for training purposes or simply for information – can be set up in reception areas to reinforce knowledge Notes: Accept the use of email to inform staff of new legislation.