Professional Documents
Culture Documents
MM The process will identify hazards and minimise the chances of harm.
MM Training staff and, where appropriate, people with learning disabilities and
carers, in risk assessment and providing information minimises the risks of
accidents and other hazards.
MM Risks can change over time so it is important to review assessments and
amend as necessary so that they are appropriate to the current situation.
MM Effective risk assessment provides better opportunities for people with
learning disabilities to live their lives the way they want and make informed
choices and decisions, with the necessary level of support. It can help you
deal with the dilemma between an individual’s rights and protecting him or
her from harm. In cases where the person him or herself does not have the
capacity to understand the risk, risk assessment can help the person’s carer
to make the relevant choices and decisions.
MM Assessment of risk may indicate that changes would enhance health and
safety and minimise risks. For example, working practices can be changed
to make them safer or they can be updated or more appropriate equipment
might minimise risks. The assessment might indicate the need for more
relevant training.
MM Assessment can make people more aware of risks and ways to avoid or
minimise them.
MM Involving people with learning disabilities in risk assessment can provide
opportunities for them to understand risk, balance risks and benefits, make
more informed choices and avoid or deal more effectively with adverse
situations.
MM Risk assessments can enable staff to bring to the employer’s attention
anything that may pose a risk, but has not previously been identified.
1. Identify the hazards (remember, a hazard is anything that may cause harm).
2. Decide who might be harmed and how.
3. Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions.
4. Record your findings and implement them.
5. Review your assessment and update if necessary.
Your responsibilities
Under health and safety law you as an employee are required to:
MM follow the training you have received when using any work items your
employer has given you;
MM take reasonable care of your own and other people’s health and safety;
MM co-operate with your employer on health and safety;
MM tell someone (your employer, supervisor, or health and safety representative)
if you think inadequate precautions are putting anyone’s health and safety at
serious risk (www.hse.gov.uk).
Ruth and Ellen use a hoist when helping Martha with personal care. One day
Martha slips through the sling and lands on the floor, though fortunately she
slips out slowly and doesn’t hurt herself. Should Ellen and Ruth report this?
Activity
Think about your own work setting and a person you support.
List three risks you are aware of in relation to supporting that person. These
should preferably be risks you have identified yourself. If this is not possible, use
ones which are part of existing risk assessments.
Next write beside each risk what you can do to minimise that risk.
Finally, state how and to whom you would report this risk if it has not been
identified in risk assessments or who you would discuss it with for further
information. What questions would you ask?
Traditional methods of risk assessment are full of charts and scoring systems,
but the person, their objectives, dreams and life seem to get lost somewhere