Understand hazards and risks in the workplace
1.1 Define hazards and risks
A hazard is considered to be anything which can cause harm. A risk is something that is something that is harmful it can be negligible or high risk.
Some of the most common hazards and risks that happen in the workplace are usually ones that you don't notice everyday. In the Creative Media sector the main hazards that could occur could be human factors, fire, first aid, waste and equipment hazards.
Wires are an obvious hazard as people can trip over them. Wire guards and using tape are the best ways to keep them safe and tidy. In the Media sector lifting could be a hazard as you could injure yourself if you lift incorrectly.
1.2 Outline key hazards and risks in own workplace, describing safe working practices
A key hazard that could happen in my workplace is tripping. This is a common risk anywhere but could possibly be considered a high risk in my place of work. As I work in a music service there is things that could obstruct and could cause a risk. Although I work in an office there is also opportunities to be taken outside and work with children and teachers. It is important that I am aware and understand safe working practices such as care, confidentiality, behaviour and appearance. In January everyone that worked with Tees Valley Music Service had to carry out training about safe working practices when working with children and adults.
1.3 Outline key hazards and risks within own job role, describing precautions.
Hazards that could take place in my workplace could be too high noise levels. For example if you are working with the PA systems or any audio equipment, it could be considered a risk and could potentially damage your hearing. Precautions that could be put into place to avoid this could be to wear ear plugs or protective wear to prevent this from being an issue.
Other hazards that could happen in the office could be tripping over wires to prevent this from happening trip guards can be used to keep cables neat and altogether.
As I work for a music service there is many events that take place outside the workplace and in different locations. A risk assessment would have to be carried out.
Understand own responsibilities for health and safety in the workplace
2.1 Identify own responsibilities for health and safety in own workplace and job role under health and safety legislation, explaining the importance of personal presentation and behaviour
My own responsibilities involve taking a break from the computer every so often. It is important to wear suitable clothes and not wear baggy loose clothes that will get caught. Suitable footwear should also be worn as I work in a music service there is heavy instruments and things that could drop from a height. Behaviour in the workplace is key and you must behave professionally and not mess about.
2.2 Describe procedures for dealing with risks outside the scope of own responsibility, identifying the appropriate personnel with whom to liaise in own workplace
Dealing with risks are important they need to be planned and reviewed. For example in our workplace there may be an instrument blocking a fire door. If this is the case then it needs to be moved to another place where it is not obstructing any exits but also not just placed anywhere in the building, it needs to be planned.
Be able to evaluate hazards and risks in the workplace
3.1 Identify workplace instructions relevant to own job
In my workplace there is health and safety procedures put in place to prevent risks happening and ensure that no one is put at any unnecessary risk. It is important that I know where the fire assembly point is which is located in the swimming pool car park near the gate.
3.2 Identify any unsafe practices in own workplace and job role
The most common unsafe practices in my own workplace include not having liquids close to electrical equipment. Also when lifting equipment you need to determine whether or not it is suitable enough for one person to carry or if you need more people to if it is heavy. Another unsafe practice in my workplace would be sitting in the correct posture when using computers.
3.3 Check which potentially unsafe working practices present the highest risk to self and others
When lifting equipment this could be a risk as you could hurt yourself if you were to lift anything that is too heavy. If you were sat in an incorrect position when using the computers you could damage your back.
3.4 Take action to address any hazards in accordance with workplace procedures and legal requirements
This was covered in this unit on 2.2. Although a hazard is an existing situation that is likely to cause harm. If a risk exists it could then potentially become a hazard if control measures are not put in place.
Be able to reduce risks to health and safety in the workplace
4.1 Work safely in accordance with own level of competence, relevant instructions and legal requirements, following environmentally friendly practices
It is important that I follow relevant instructions and legal requirements in my workplace. I should not complete any tasks that I am unsure about or don't have training in.
At TVMS, where I work some documents are sensitive and should be kept safe and data protected. Therefore only some documents I am allowed to access. Related to environmentally friendly practices the documents if they are finished with should be placed in the shred it box as then they are guaranteed to be kept private and shredded and also recycles them.
4.2 Manage any health and safety risks within own capacity and responsibility
At Tees Valley Music Service I have to manage health and safety risks within my own responsibility. As we are not given an individual desk then we share a desk with the coordinators. It is important to keep the desk tidy at all time so that there isn't a risk of things falling on the floor and causing a hazard.
4.3 Suggest ways of reducing risks to health and safety to the appropriate personnel
Effective risk management involves a commitment to health and safety from those who operate and manage the business and also employees. There can be 4 steps that you need to follow in a business to reduce risks.
1. Identifying the hazard and finding out what could cause harm
2. Assess the risks and determine how serious the harm could be
3. Control the risks by working out the most effective way
4. Review control measures to make sure they are working
Ways that I could reduce risks to health and safety in my workplace, could be to check that corridors are clear and there is no objects such as instruments obstructing. One other thing that I could do is when a workshop is on that is happening in the office building I could tidy the room after and check that there is nothing lying around that could cause a risk to others.
4.4 Report any differences between workplace and suppliers' or manufacturers' instructions
This is not relevant to my workplace. However if this was I would need to address it to my workplace and they would need to put relevant precautions in place.
4.5 Ensure that own personal presentation and behaviour meets the requirements of relevant instructions, procedures and legal requirements
Working for the council with lots of colleagues and customers around brings certain expectations, requirements and behaviour that you should undertake.
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