Prioritising Health & Safety in care settings: five key areas to focus on

Health & Safety in your care setting isn’t just about compliance – it’s about creating a safe and supportive environment for service users, staff and visitors. Taking proactive measures keeps everyone safe while you keep up the high quality of care. Here, the experts at Citation explore five key areas that form the foundation of a robust Health & Safety strategy in the care sector, with practical tips to implement them effectively.

Comprehensive staff training

 

Well-trained staff are critical to maintaining high safety standards. Training should cover essential topics like manual handling, infection control, first aid and emergency responses. For example, proper manual handling techniques reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries for staff while keeping up resident dignity during physical assistance.

There are unique challenges in the care sector which means training has to cater to diverse roles – think about the need for care workers to have sessions on infection control and personal hygiene, while maintenance staff might need COSHH training. No matter what the training is though, regular refresher courses are vital, and it’s worth thinking about simulations and scenario-based workshops to keep the learning engaging.

Infection control measures

 

Strict infection control is really important in care settings to prevent the spread of illnesses. High-touch surfaces like door handles, communal dining tables and shared equipment need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly – so think about a structured cleaning plan to help make sure nothing is overlooked.

You also need to make sure all rooms have proper airflow, as better air quality is vital in reducing airborne risks. Plus, having proper personal protective equipment (PPE) available and training staff in its proper use builds resilience in infection prevention efforts.

Risk assessments

 

Risk assessments form the backbone of safety management in care settings. Proactively identifying risks and eliminating or reducing them means fewer accidents and better compliance – plus, risk assessments are a legal requirement.

The process should include evaluating who’s most at risk, devising control measures and documenting findings. For instance, a badly lit hallway could be made safer with motion-sensor lighting. A “see it, action it” approach, where staff are encouraged to report and address issues, immediately fosters collaboration and reduces risks. Reviewing risk assessments regularly makes sure they stay relevant.

Supporting mental health

 

Care work is demanding, both physically and emotionally, which makes mental health support non-negotiable. Stress can affect decision making, focus and communication – all of which compromise safety. Actively managing stress through regular assessments, open communication and wellbeing initiatives contributes to a healthier workplace. Not to mention that stress risk assessments are actually a legal requirement – and if you want to find out more, download their full free guide to stress risk assessments.

Providing managers with training to spot signs of stress, from mood changes to absenteeism is invaluable. Plus, workplace adjustments such as flexible scheduling, access to counselling services or wellbeing resources can reduce burnout and improve morale.

Promoting healthy practices

 

Care settings often require physical tasks, like lifting or helping residents with mobility. So, promoting safe practices makes sure these tasks are carried out effectively, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. This includes using assistive devices like hoists or adjustable beds, and training staff on proper posture and teamwork during lifts.

But beyond these tasks, improving the overall work environment like providing ergonomic chairs and optimising the layout of workspaces improves comfort and productivity.

Build a culture of safety with Citation

These five areas form the foundation of a supportive and safe care environment – but Health & Safety provision in your care setting is about to get a lot more important, with CQC changes coming up and the need to meet the ever-evolving demands of employment law. Basically, your bottom line needs to be protected now – so, to see how Citation can help you do just that, get in touch on 0345 844 1111 or click here and remember to quote ‘Care England’ when enquiring to access preferential rates.