Understand health and safety in social care settings

Soon we will be going to an outing to Warwick Castle with four of our service users and three cares, a minibus has been hired for day. I have had a look at the accessibility for wheelchair users around the castle. There are four toilets in the castle, but only three are wheelchair friendly, these are located in the coach house, the conservatory and the mill and engine house. Most of the castle is wheelchair friendly, I have made a list of non-wheelchair access at the bottom of the plan. Both restaurants have access for wheelchairs.

Ai Some examples of accidents and/or sudden illnesses that might occur on the outing: Trips and falls – someone could trip whilst walking, or over a step Sickness/fainting – someone may feel car sick

Cuts and grazes – someone could accidentally cut themselves
Seizures – someone could have a seizure

AiiIf an accident or illness should occur, we will be taking a basic First Aid kit, including dressing pads, sterile wipes, different sized plasters and bags in case of vomiting. In serious case of a accident or seizure (which lasts more than five minutes) call 999. The staff attending the outing would of had emergency first aid training, however there are a number of fully trained First Aiders at Warwick Castle, if needed you will have to talk to a member of staff who will arrange one. Remember to always reassure the service user, so they remain calm. A accident report form must be recorded and the manager informed.

AiiiList of the principles to be followed for safe moving and handling: Avoid moving and handling where possible.
Ensure you are aware of the contents of associated risks assessments and work in line with them. Always follow your workplace procedures and never undertake an activity for which you have not received training. Always follow your workplace dress code.

If the load is a person, explain what you are going to do, reassure the person throughout the move and remind them to assist in the move as much as they can. Ensure there is enough room to carry out the activity safely. Maintain the natural curve of the spine, keeping the spine in line, create a stable base of support with your legs slightly apart, your knees slightly bent. Avoid stooping, bending at the waist and twisting. If you are working with colleagues, identify a team leader who should give instructions, for example ‘ready, steady, move’. Use your large muscles in your legs to power the activity, keep the load as close to you as possible, and make sure you have a good grip. In case of a person, check that the movement and your grip doesn’t cause discomfort. Take your time and if for any reason you are not happy with the activity, get advice and report your concerns to your manager. Know your limitations and do not exceed them.

AivIt is important to follow the care plan and communicate with each individual when moving and handling at all times as it promotes health and safety and safety of the service user and staff. Always explain to the service user what you are going to do, so they know what to expect. A care plan has all the information on the service user, for example, risk assessments, if they bruise easily or any injuries which could cause distress when moving and handling.

AvIn the event of a medication administration staff must have the correct training. Each time medication is administered, you need to have the: Right individual – always check the prescription label.

Right medication – read the medication label carefully. If there is any doubt stop and call the pharmacist before you give the medication. Right dose – the amount you give will be found on the MAR (medication administration record) sheet Right time – the time medication is administered will be found on the MAR sheet. Right route – this will be found on the label of the prescription. Right documentation – every time medication is administered or refused it must be documented on the MAR sheet The appropriate medication must be given by wearing gloves or put into a beaker.

AviAgreed procedures for medication needed for the outing:
Obtaining – a designated person will be responsible for medication, the designated person will also ensure MAR sheets are taken. Storing – medication which needs to be refrigerated can be kept in a cooling bag, any other medication can be kept in a secure bag/box Administering – always use PPE (gloves)

Recording – after administering it must be recorded on the MAR sheet.

Aviisocial care workers accompanying on the outing should have specialist training in the following: Carrying out emergency first aid – in case of any accidents, staff with first aid training will know how to put an individual in the recovery position and how to give CPR. Assisting with moving and handling – so social care workers can perform manual handling safely for both themselves and the service user. Handling medication – know when and how to give medication correctly.