Unit 6

Unit 6: Ensure your Own Actions Reduce Risks to Health and Safety

1.1: Define hazards and risks

A hazard is a potential source of harm on a person or a number of people such as chemicals, electricity, slips and trips, manual handling, working at height, work equipment, environment and stress etc. A risk is the likelihood that a person may be harmed and whether the chance is high or low, together with an indication of how serious the harm could be.

1.2: Outline key hazards and risks in own workplace, describing safe working practices

In life, there are many hazards and risks. From crossing the road to accidentally leaving bleach in reach of a toddler. Some risks like crossing the road cannot be prevented however, leaving a dangerous chemical substance in reach of a baby, well that can.

With relation to this question I am going to be talking about my own working environment and how they try to keep it as safe as possible. I work for TVMS (Tees Valley Music Service) and based in an office. While this is one of the safest work environments potential accidents can occur if you are not careful. An example would be loose wires running along the floor as this presents a tripping hazards. Luckily, most of the wires are either behind computer desk or taped to the floor which is what also happens when we set up for a concert to prevent any accidents.

Another would be spilling a substance onto an electrical appliance. Accidents do happen but it is your responsibility to minimilise the risk. This means that cups should be kept away from the computer equipment to prevent any damages and water bottles should have its cap securely fastened. Obstructing exits is a major hazard because if there was a fire and the building needed to be evacuated people might get hurt and also struggle to get out of the building safely. This is why that exits should be clear from boxes, chairs, desks or any other thing that might prevent people from leaving through that door.

Finally, we make sure any cleaning chemicals are kept far away any food items. Unfortunately, due to our small working space it is sometimes unavoidable that chemicals may come in contact with food items such as a can of aerosol when attempting to make the air small fresher. It is recommended therefore to eat your lunch in a different location, not just because you need a rest but to prevent chemicals being sprayed on your food which, depending on what chemical it is, may be fatal.

1.3: Outline key hazards and risks within own job role, describing precautions

My job role is not solely working in the office. There have been times where I need to load and unload a van carrying heavy musical equipment. This can be an extreme hazard if the equipment is not lifted correctly. For example, if I am lifting amps/speakers to the van for transport they tend to be really heavy so to prevent any minor/major injury to my back I lift by bending my knees and gripping the heavy equipment with both hands. To make things easier we can use a specific trolley which can transport a handful of equipment right to the van doors so you are only carrying the equipment a couple of inches. 

It is also a requirement in my job role to set up equipment and staging to prepare for a concert. As previously stated all exposed wiring is taped to the floor so to prevent a tripping accident. All staging is securely set up correctly and checked to prevent it coming undone when people are standing on it.

2.1: Identify own responsibilities for health and safety in own workplace and job role under health and safety legislation, explaining the importance of personal presentation and behaviour

My role within the company is very minor, being an apprentice, so it is not my responsibility to make sure the health and safety is up to scratch; that responsibility lies with the line manager or the nominated health and safety officer in the building. Normally, when an employee begins a job role, they are given appropriate training. Health and safety is a compulsory topic because it is something all employees must know. Health and safety training could include videos, pictures, a group discussion and outlining certain scenarios and which member of staff to go to.

 

2.2 Describe procedures for dealing with risks outside the scope of own responsibility, identifying the appropriate personnel with whom to liaise in own workplace

When a risk falls outside the scope of your own responsibility it doesn't mean you can just ignore it. There are procedures set in place to ensure the safety of everyone who works in that environment. In this case you would flag it up with your line manager as it is their responsibility to keep you as safe as possible. I personally, would make a note of the situation and record everything and everyone involved, if any which I would then send my report to my line manager or to the health and safety representative with the notes I have recorded for them to deal with the situation. If the risk is minor, like a spilt drink, I could deal with it myself, as I am not putting myself in any danger.

3.1: Identify workplace instructions relevant to own job

I work for the council so like many, I need to read and understand the health and safety booklet so I am aware of the rules and regulations. I also need to sign a sheet to confirm that I have read the health and safety booklet. This booklet entails many aspects of health and safety including driving a licensed vehicle, what to do in case of an emergency and if necessary, where the blame lies. 

Now and again a risk assessment is carried out which is basically a careful examination of what in your workplace or the activities you engage upon could cause harm to people. Your risk assessment must be either 'adequate' or 'suitable or sufficient' as this informs you that appropriate precautions have been put in place to reduce risks. 

3.2: Identify any unsafe practices in own workplace and job role

I am very fortunate to be in a job where health and safety is a top priority as there are rarely any problems regarding it. Sometimes people can be careless and lazy and mistakes can be made but that is just human nature. The important thing is to make sure the mistakes are learnt from. For example, I once had to lift an extremely heavy amp, only using my bare hand. I could easily of lost my grip and it could of landed on my toe or I could of damaged my back. I think the problem here is not solely the employers fault although he should assess the risk, but I admit I am partly to blame because I realized that I couldn't carry it confidently but I wanted to prove to myself that I could. I have also witnessed boxes being stacked to high which is a falling hazard. Some boxes were also stacked close to doors which is very dangerous if there is a fire. I know we are talking hypothetically but these scenarios can happen.

3.3: Check which potentially unsafe working practices present the highest risk and 3.4: Take action to address any hazards in accordance with workplace procedures and legal requirements 

The highest risk with regards to unsafe working practice would be tripping hazards. That is what our last risk assessment (carried out in December 2014) taught us. This was because boxes were left in front and behind doors which could easily be tripped over. This was the highest risk because depending on the surroundings, someone could easily die from banging their head on the side of a table when they fall. As dramatic as this may sound every precaution is taken in order to diminish that possibility. Since then, boxes have been placed no where near doors and stacked safely in corners.

Also, any wires that were trailing along the floor have been taped or removed including the use of the external heater which is sometimes plugged in a plug socket near the door. It cam with a long wire so that had to be removed to prevent any accidents. It is legally required to PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) all of the portable electrical appliances every once in a while to make sure they are working the way they should. The appliances that are tested are computers, laminator, kettle, heater, mobile phone charger and basically anything that has a 3 pin socket.

4.1: Work safely in accordance with own level of competence, relevant instructions and legal requirements, following environmentally friendly practices

This question is about knowing my own level of competence. So, I realize and acknowledge that I must not undergo a task if I haven't had the appropriate training which is relevant to said task. This could include operating machinery, handling heavy equipment and working with dangerous chemicals. All types of jobs where you are using these skills day in and day out would require you to have a licence and possess a certificate to certify that you have taken the necessary training. If an accident does occur your employer is accepted to submit a report to RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) detailing the extent of the injury. Along with this, the company you work for should be documenting any accidents that happen on their premises so an accident log detailing minor and major accidents will help to do this; as well as measures put in place to make sure it never happens again. 

For example, if you are a woodwork teacher who works in a school, you are required by law to have certificates that allow you to operate certain machines that pupils can't. This is not just because you need to be able to give demonstrations using that machine and help a child with their project but to understand the potential hazard that machine could cause and the precautions put in place to protect the children you teach.

4.2: Manage any health and safety risks within own capability and responsibility

Having worked with TVMS for a while now I have been given some responsibility with regards to health and safety. This includes making sure my desk is organised and tidy so I know where everything is and prevents accidents. By not allowing heavy boxes on my desk, there will be no chance of it falling on someone's toes. Regularly cleaning my desk helps to keep the office happy and pleasant. 

4.3: Suggest ways of reducing risks to health and safety to the appropriate personnel

Discussing changes to health and safety protocols in order to reduce risks should be encouraged in group meetings. Usually, your management should welcome new ideas and advice from their employees and by speaking about it openly can help change the way a company deals with their health and safety rules. You would discuss ways of reducing risks to health and safety to your line manager in order to achieve the biggest outcome possible. They have the power to make changes to these rules if they want to. In my personal experience I find that workplace health and safety training is a great way for the employees to learn about the potential hazards and risks. Having an annual training day where health and safety is revisited, employees have a much fresher version of what was said in that training session.

4.4: Report any differences between workplace and suppliers' or manufacturers' instructions

During my tenure with Tees Valley Music Service I have never been required to report any differences between workplace and suppliers/manufacturers instructions because the whole company works the same throughout its entire workforce. If there ever happens to be any differences I will of course flag it up with my line manager to ensure procedures are put in place so that the error is corrected.

4.5: Ensure that own personal presentation and behaviour meets the requirements of relevant instructions, procedures and legal requirements

Working in a company where the focus is mainly client based brings a certain amount of expectations in personal presentation and behaviour. At Tees Valley Music Service your appearance doesn't really matter. I am expected to wear a smart shirt, trousers and black shoes. Other people in the company wear suits and ties which is to indicate they have a managerial status who attend meetings and are the appearance of the company. The smart dress rule can be broken if we are moving instruments for a day or any activity where you might get dirty. In this case you are allowed to wear your own clothes under the approval of your line manager. As for behaviour, we are expected to conduct ourselves in a professional manor because we are representing the company. This for example, means that swearing or acting silly around children is sending out the wrong message. Furthermore, the way you act and conduct yourself in front of clients when working will be reflected in the image the company is given.