Evaluation Essay on Policy and Procedures in the Workplace

Evaluation Essay on Policy and Procedures in the Workplace

NHS Trust – Snow and ice procedure

Introduction:

This policy describes the risks from snow and ice and the actions to be taken by the Trust in relation to them.

Snow and ice may present risks to patients, visitors, staff, and others who access Trust grounds and buildings.

The Trust is required to take reasonably practicable steps in the event of snow and ice conditions and to show that it has plans in place to reduce the risk of harm.

The Trust will be able to demonstrate through this policy that all has been done so far as is reasonably practicable to avoid injury to staff, patients, and visitors, and to comply with current legislation:

General duties of employers and self-employed to persons other than their employees.

It shall be the duty of every employer to conduct his undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons not in his employment who may be affected thereby are not thereby exposed to risks to their health or safety. (1)

The extent of the occupier’s ordinary duty

The common duty of care is a duty to take such care as in all the circumstances of the case is reasonable to see that the visitor will be reasonably safe in using the premises for the purposes for which he is invited or permitted by the occupier to be there. (2)

Every floor in a workplace and the surface of every traffic route in a workplace shall be of a construction such that the floor or surface of the traffic route is suitable for the purpose for which it is used.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1), the requirements in that paragraph shall include requirements that—

(a)the floor, or surface of the traffic route, shall have no hole or slope, or be uneven or slippery so as, in each case, to expose any person to a risk to his health or safety (3)

“Arrangements should be made to minimize risks from snow and ice. This may involve gritting, snow clearing and closure of some routes, particularly outside stairs, ladders and walkways on roofs.” (4)

Responsibilities:

The Chief Executive of the Trust is ultimately responsible for ensuring that safe access and egress are provided for buildings that are used by staff and visitors and for ensuring that a suitable snow and ice policy is in place. The responsibility for ensuring this policy is implemented is that of senior managers and building controllers. All of these must ensure that all buildings have suitable arrangements in place with regard to managing the effects of snow and ice.

Managers must ensure adequate arrangements are in place to minimize the risks associated with snow and ice, including gritting procedures to provide safe access and egress in all areas.

Managers must ensure that all staff are aware of local gritting procedures and follow a safe system of work, which will form part of the risk assessment.

Managers must ensure that access is available for gritting to take place and any equipment provided, is accessible and suitable for the task.

Communication:

Warning signs are to be put in place to advise of the hazards associated with snow and ice accumulation on-site at all main vehicular and pedestrian entrances.

Strategically placed posters and information leaflets for patients and visitors and awareness for members of staff communicated through team meetings.

Appropriate internal “wet floor” signage will be provided and placed in an obvious position to warn staff, patients, and visitors of slippery surfaces and impending dangers.

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Procedure:

Risk assessments will be carried out to determine what action needs to be taken in the event of snow and ice conditions. The risk assessment will determine the site-specific procedures for ice and snow conditions and identify the equipment required to safely carry out any clearance operations. Footpaths and car parks should also be incorporated into the clearance procedure where practicable.

The risk assessment should be done in conjunction with staff required to carry out ice and snow clearance on site and should include:

The sequence in which any areas affected by ice or snow will be attended to.

Priority will be given to the following areas for snow and ice clearance:

• • The main entrance to the hospital and disabled access routes
  • Pathways to the entrance of buildings
  • Patient transport drop off / pick up areas/bus stops
  • Zebra crossing
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