Health and safety in care service businesses

There's a wide range of factors to consider when trying to ensure the health, safety and welfare of clients, employees and the environment in care-service businesses. This includes crèches, playgroups and care homes.

Make sure you:

• check that all potential staff are suitable before employing them  - see vetting, AccessNI and training in care service businesses
• provide health and safety training and information
• carry out a health and safety risk assessment and take actions to reduce risks 
• keep the design and layout of your premises simple and obstacle-free
• make your premises easily accessible, by providing lifts, for example - see disabled access and facilities in business premises
• keep electrical, mechanical and other equipment in good order -  - see safety of workplace machinery, equipment and tools
• keep up repairs to your premises
• install user-friendly fixtures and fittings in your premises
• secure your business premises
• write a health and safety policy for your business and communicate it to staff
• ensure staff are aware of, and help to manage, key risks eg hot water, surfaces, moving and handling, window and balcony safety, bedrail safety, slips and trips and infection control
• provide suitable equipment - from protective gloves to lifting equipment
• keep wash facilities clean and well stocked
• provide sufficient rest rooms and ensure rest breaks are taken
• train staff in managing waste on site
• store wastes properly before disposal
• segregate wastes - especially hazardous wastes
• store liquid wastes away from watercourses and drains
• fit stair and bath rails
• use non-slip flooring where appropriate - see avoid slips and trips in the workplace
• keep hazardous substances such as chemicals and medicines locked away with restricted access - see hygiene and hazardous substances in care service businesses 
• provide adequate lighting