Health and Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Accident reports

Q. How long do accidents reports have to be retained for by the Organisation?

A. Accident reports must be retained by the Organisation for at least 3 years from when the report is made, this applies to both internal accident reports and those made under RIDDOR.

Source: Health and Safety Executive Info line National Office

2. Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Inspections

Q. What is the notice period given to employers for a routine visit?

A. Not specified, the Health and Safety at Work etc Act Sec 20 states:

a). At any reasonable time.

b). Or in his opinion there is reason to believe unsafe conditions exist in the workplace.

Source: Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 Section 20

3. Occupiers Liability

Q. What responsibilities do 'Occupiers of Premises' have towards all invited visitors, including contractors?

A. In order to ensure compliance with legislation, occupiers of premises should develop a safe system of work to ensure the health and safety of all visitors to the premises. The occupier is not usually liable to an employee of a contractor who is injured whilst at work, unless the injury arose from the occupier's negligence. It is not reasonable to expect the occupier to be in a position to supervise every contractor. The term 'occupier' is not defined under health and safety legislation, however, the courts have generally taken the view than an occupier is someone having control over premises, including control exercised through a third party e.g. a manager.

Source: Occupiers' Liability Acts 1957 and 1984

4. Display Screen Equipment Workstation Height

Q. Is there a specified height for DSE workstations?

A. The height is not specified. The Regulations 2 & 3, Schedule and Guidance provide information on Analysis of Workstations and Requirements for Workstations.

Source: Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 Updated Health and Safety Miscellaneous Amendments Regulations L26

5. Minimum work temperature in workplaces in particular waiting room

Q. Does the minimum temperature of 16 degrees Celsius apply to waiting rooms where the door is constantly opening and closing?

A. Regulation 7 Approved Code of Practice states:
Para 43 - 'The temperature in workrooms should normally be at least 16 degrees Celsius unless much of the work involves severe physical effort in which case the temperature should be at least 13 degrees Celsius. These temperatures may not, however, ensure reasonable comfort, depending on other factors such as air movement and relative humidity'. Para 44 - 'Para 43 does not apply to rooms or parts of rooms where it would be impractical to maintain these temperatures, for example in rooms which have to be open to the outside, or where food or other products have to be kept cold. In such cases the temperature should be as close to those mentioned in para 43 as is practical'.

Source - Workplace (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 Approved Code of Practice pages 12-13

Please note: DenMed Training accepts no responsibility for the interpretation of the above information.

Information sourced from www.denmed-uk.com

Health & Safety - Why you need staff training

The Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require every employer and self-employed person to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the health and safety risks to employees and others affected, in order to put in place appropriate control measures.

However, it should be considered that all dental staff, not just the employer and regardless of registration have both legal and ethical obligations to take part in the management of health and safety in the workplace.

Undertaking training in Health & Safety should be seen as a process of protecting both your colleagues and all external visitors, (Patients, contractors etc) with notable consequences for both the employer and employee of not complying with such legal duties.

The process of risk assessment is designed to work alongside health & safety by means of examining the elements in the workplace that could cause harm.

Effective control of this process will help you to decide if sufficient precautions have been taken or whether more is required to prevent accidents.

This article is here to give you an overview of the essential aspects of these two complimentary, yet critical Risk assessment tools for all dental staff.

Health & Safety - What are my responsibilities

Professional responsibilities:

It is the total responsibility of the owner of the practice for the health, safety and welfare of both employees and non-employees (such as patients, visitors and contractors) lies with the employer. This responsibility includes:

Safe place:

All areas of your practice are safe to work in and to others entering it.
It has safe access to, and egress, from.
Environmental conditions are controlled, e.g. heating, lighting and ventilation.
Welfare facilities are provided.
There are good standards of housekeeping.

Protocols:

People, materials, equipment and the workplace operate safely when coming into contact.
Safe methods of work are designed and implemented.
All employees are continually advised on matters of safety with information & instruction provided accordingly.
Systems and procedures are reviewed and revised as necessary.

Safe equipment:

Correct equipment is provided to the required standard, commissioned and maintained to the required working order.

Staff training & Competency:

Ensure all persons have the ability & skills to carry out tasks safely with feedback given on their performance.
Ensure adequate supervision is provided.
Necessary information, instruction and training are provided with periodic reviews, all documented.
Using equipment safely and wearing personal protection provided.
Continuing professional development (CPD) is a structured process.

Conclusion

All dental staff have both legal and ethical obligations to take part in the management of health and safety in the workplace. Statutory registration places responsibilities on you for the protection of patients, both in the treatment provided and their health, safety and welfare while they are in the practice.

What should you do now... think

If you are carrying out risk assessments, have you been trained and are you competent with the process?
Assess the risks in your practice. How real are they?
Assess those at most risk.
When was the last time you reviewed your risk assessment policy.
If hazards are present and you feel there is a genuine risk, then talk to your employer or a colleague.
Review your own working procedures. How safe do you think you are and what affects do your actions have on the rest of your team, patients and all other visitors to your practice?
Do you include Health and Safety & Risk assessment training as part of your CPD? especially for staff inductions.

This information has been provided by kind permission of Jane Bonehill from DenMed Training & Consultancy - www.denmed-uk.com

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