RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

February 12, 2007
RoSPA TURNS SPOTLIGHT ON CARE SECTOR SAFETY

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is to hold its first briefings on health and safety in the care sector.

Two half-day sessions on March 26 will cover some of the main risks found in residential homes, nursing homes and domiciliary services. Guidance will be available on what should be done to safeguard both workers and service users.

Aimed at owners and managers, as well as employees and safety representatives, and in the light of recent enforcement action by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the briefings will help delegates understand and meet their health and safety duties.

Key issues on the programme include: fire risk assessments; the effective management of lifting equipment; stress, violence and aggression; and the HSE’s continuing work with the Commission for Social Care Inspection on better regulation.

Speakers include Ian Strudley, the HSE’s Head of Health and Social Care Services Unit, and Dave Smith, Training Manager at West Midlands Fire Service.

Roger Bibbings, RoSPA Occupational Safety Adviser, said: “Managers, supervisors and team leaders in the care sector need to be able to understand in practice what good health and safety management looks like and deliver continuous improvements in performance that comply with health and safety legislation in a complex and highly regulated environment.

“RoSPA’s briefings are designed to give delegates a good grounding in some of the key health and safety issues in the sector and experts will be on hand to answer questions. Networking opportunities will also encourage delegates to share and compare good practice with other care sector professionals.”

The briefings, sponsored by Arjo, will take place in the training suite at RoSPA headquarters in Edgbaston, Birmingham, where facilities include a fully equipped care centre with beds, wheelchairs, hoists, slings and a wide range of other handling equipment.

For details call 0121 248 2120, email events@rospa.com or visit www.rospa.com/nursinghomes/index.htm