Health and safety in the workplace: Do you know your responsibilities as an employee?
December 20, 2018
As an employer, employees are our most important and valuable resource. Our aim is to control any risks to your health and safety but we also need your help to do this.
Did you know that as an employee, you have a ‘duty of care’ responsibility for your own health and safety in the workplace? For employees with patient contact, this involves more than reporting hazards, it also involves you risk assessing your exposure to hazards, especially biological hazards in the workplace, alerting your manager of any issues and complying with Trust policy.
Below are some top tips for you to consider.
Be aware of your own health. If you are unwell or have symptoms that could be infectious refrain from patient contact as per Trust policy and discuss with your manager or Occupational Health where needed.
Ensure you are vaccinated/protected against communicable diseases to avoid transmission of viruses. e.g. Flu, TB, chickenpox, measles mumps and rubella, Hep B. If unsure contact Occupational Health to check your immunity status.
Stay away from infectious patients if you are immunocompromised or having treatment that can lower your immunity. (See attachment for further details to check if you could be immunocompromised)
Apply the appropriate and correct personal protective equipment as indicated in control of infection procedures. e.g gloves, masks, goggles etc. Ensure you are FFP3 mask FIT tested with regards to Respiratory Protective Equipment and apply the correct mask for the situation.
Follow Trust procedures and control of infection practices.
Ensure you report any related changes to your health following exposure to infectious diseases to your line manager and Occupational Health.