ISBN: 9781916019966

This book interprets the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 for the healthcare sector in Ireland. It details the rights and responsibilities of both employer and employees in providing a safe and healthy work environment.

• Introduces the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 as the principal legislation providing for the health and safety of people in the workplace to include employers, employees, contract workers, clients and their family members 

• Defines the role and responsibilities of the Health & Safety Authority (HSA) under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work 2005 Act 

• Positions the safety statement and continuous risk assessment as the cornerstones of providing a safe and healthy work environment 

• Details workplace hazards and occupational health risks that may cause injury or health concerns within the health sector in Ireland today 

• Promotes the importance of fire prevention and the knowledge of safe evacuation procedures for clients, visitors and employees 

• Explains the principles of infection prevention and control, how it protects against healthcare related infections (HCAIs) and contagious infections e.g. COVID-19 

• Illustrates how effective use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, gowns and aprons can protect the user against health and safety hazards 

• Locates effective communication and training as central to the promotion and awareness of health and safety strategies and policies within the healthcare setting 

• Describes how a safety culture at work can promote a healthy balanced lifestyle and support the safety, psychological, behavioural and situational needs of employees, clients and their family members.

  THE AUTHOR

  Róisín Quínn is a healthcare tutor in Limerick Clare ETB and lectures on a BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care distance learning program. She has an MA (Ed) in Wellbeing of the Older Person (MIC), H. Dip. in Further Education (NUI Maynooth) and a Diploma in Understanding Dementia (Univ of Tasmania, AUS). Róisín has also worked as a health and social care coordinator in residential settings for older people.