Health and Safety
Legislation and good practice require that employers take all reasonable
measures to make sure that the people they employ are not put at
risk of being injured or become ill as a result of their employment.
As an employer, you are responsible for providing a healthy and
safe workplace for your Personal Assistant(s). You have a duty not
to do anything, or ask them to do anything that may result in their
injury or illness. Employees have a duty to avoid actions that may
jeopardise the safety of either party at any time.
Carefully examine the rooms that will be used by your employee.
Ensure that your home is a safe environment for staff to work in.
Inspect any equipment that your employee will use in his or her
work. Make sure that it is in good working order and is safe to
use. Ensure that any cleaning materials and chemicals are stored
securely and that your Personal Assistant knows how to use them
appropriately. Employees should wear rubber gloves when working
with chemicals such as those used in household cleaning.
Working safely
You should ensure that employees use the appropriate moving techniques
and handling equipment. Use mechanical or electrical aids where
possible and ensure that employees follow appropriate 'handling'
procedures. They are designed to prevent your Personal Assistant
injuring either you or him or herself.
If you feel that you need any enabling equipment, you should raise
this with your Social Worker or Occupational Therapist.
Exercise caution with hazardous materials and follow good hygiene
practices. Ensure that any medication you use is stored safely.
Be certain that your Personal Assistant knows how to deal with
caustic substances safely such as battery acid from an electric
wheelchair. Provide appropriate clothing and training on the way
such substances or equipment should be handled.
General good hygiene practices with regard to daily activities
should be encouraged to reduce the risk of infection.
Ensuring that your home is safe
It is very difficult for anyone to make an objective assessment
of the safety of his or her own home. Below are two strategies that
may help.
Training
As an employer you have a duty to ensure that your employee has
a basic knowledge of good 'lifting and handling' techniques and
hygiene practices. You are the expert in your own personal support
requirements but Health and Social Services Trusts may be able to
provide training in 'lifting and handling'.
Health and Safety Audit
You may choose to invite inspection by a suitably qualified adviser
or carry out the audit yourself or ask a friend or relative to help
you, using a self-assessment checklist.
More information
Information is available from Centre for Independent Living - Belfast.
Alternatively you may contact:
The Health and Safety Executive
83 Ladas Drive
Belfast BT6 9FR
Help-line 0800 320 121
Fax 028 9023 5383
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