Unit21

* Explain employees’ roles and responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control of infection:

As a care worker you have a responsibility to take care of your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by your actions.   The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires workers to:

  * Take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others
  * Cooperate with the employer in respect of health and safety matters
  * Not intentionally damage any health and safety equipment or materials provided by the employer
  * Attend training provided by the employer
  * Use protective equipment provided by the employer

If a person aquires an infection, it is your responsibility to try and control and limit the spread of the infection.

In summary you must make sure that your own health and hygiene do not pose a risk to your client and other carers.   You must ensure effective hand washing especially where personal care is concerned and the handling and preparing of food.   It is a must to ensure that you use protective clothing when needed and appropriate.

      * Explain employers’ responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control infection

Employers’ roles and responsibilities include:

  * Provide a safe workplace making sure employees are aware of the health and safety aspects of their work (e.g. posting information on notice boards, keeping of information on file such as COSHH, training, and providing supervision)
  * the need to keep records in relation to infection control using appropriate documentation
  * to ensure that the relevant standards, policies and guidelines are available within the workplace
  * provide personal protective equipment
  * ensure regular health and safety checks are carried out.

Responsiblities extend to employers protecting employees from the risks posed by biological hazards such as blood, body fluids and associated infections.

Employers should have put infection...