Health and Safety in the Public Service Workplace

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 2
Unit No:
M/616/8410
Credits:
4
Guided learning hours:
32 hours

Assessment Guidance

Portfolio of Evidence

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Understand requirements for health and safety in the public services.

  • Key legal requirements include:Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992; COSHH, RIDDOR
  • Consequences of non-compliance include: accidents, financial penalties, time off work, reputation.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1
    Describe the key legal and regulatory requirements and responsibilities of employers and employees for health and safety in the public services.
  • 1.2
    Explain why health and safety is important in the public services, including the consequences of non-compliance with legislation.
2

Know about risks and hazards in a public service workplace.

  • Hazards include: uneven floors, trailing cables, electricity, unsafe equipment
  • Risks include: slips, trips and falls, electrocution,
  • Manage and minimise risk and reduce hazards includes: risk assessment, training, clear desk policies.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1
    Describe hazards that may be encountered in a specific public service workplace.
  • 2.2
    Outline main risks in a specific public service workplace.
  • 2.3
    Describe how public services assess, manage and minimise risk and reduce hazards.
3

Understand how to maintain a healthy and safe working environment in the public services.

  • Sources of information include: www, HSE, occupational health, H&S professionals, trade unions
  • Support includes:first aid provision, risk assessments, training, counselling, gym services, advice
  • Policies and procedures include: risk assessments, H&S policy, accident reporting, DSE use, manual handling
  • Responsibilities include: Normal – using safety equipment, reporting accidents. Emergency – evacuation, public control measures, firefighting, road traffic accidents, bomb threats.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1
    Outline sources of information which can assist in developing health and safety systems in a public services workplace.
  • 3.2
    Explain the different types of support that public services offer their employees to help maintain good health.
  • 3.3
    Explain the policies and procedures public services use to maintain health and safety, including incident reporting.
  • 3.4
    Describe the responsibilities of individuals for maintaining health and safety in a public services workplace, including
    • routine safe working practices
    • actions to be taken in emergency situations.