Unit 504 Qcf 5

Unit 504 – Develop health and safety and risk management policies procedures and practices in health and social care or children and young peoples’s settings (M1)

Outcome 1.1

The main legislation is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.   This is the primary legislation.   There are then explanatory and advisory regulations that interpret the primary legislation.   These come certain categories:

• Workplace Regulations: laws that keep everyone safe and reduce hazards and manage risks.
• Employment Conditions: outlines the duties, rights and responsibilities of employers and employees.
• Equal and Fair Treatment: ensuring that people have equal access to opportunities and that the diversity of the workforce is valued.
• Working with Children: additional requirements that result from work undertaken with vulnerable people including children and their families.

The most regularly referred to Regulations are known as the 6 pack:

1. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regs.1999
2. Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regs. 1998
3. Manual Handling Operations Regs. 1992
4. Workplace(Health, Safety and Welfare) Regs. 1992
5. Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regs. 1992
6. Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regs 1992.

This legislative framework is the background to ensure high standards of
Health and Safety are provided in the workplace and   public areas.  

Businesses with 5 or more employees must adhere to this legislation.   Where necessary risk assessments must be carried out as employers are responsible to

• Make the workplace safe.
• Prevent risks to health.
• Provide Health and Safety Training to all employees.
• Ensure the plant and machinery is safe to use and that safe working practices are set up and followed.
• Make sure that all materials are handled, stored and used safely.
• The employer must provide adequate first aid facilities.
• The employer must inform and warn all employees about any potential...