Introduction

This policy and guidance document is designed to be read within the context of your wider policies and procedures. In particular, reference should be made to Service user plans, Service User Risk Assessment, Management of challenging behaviour (including the use of physical intervention) policy and guidance. Full guidance and procedures on all health and safety matters should be contained in your Health and Safety Procedure Manual.

What is an emergency

An emergency may be defined as an unplanned, and normally dangerous, event that requires immediate action in order to minimise any loss or damage to people, property and the environment.

Emergencies may be caused by property damage (e.g. due to adverse weather), by a breakdown in essential services, or by people. Whatever the cause, the aim must always be first to protect the safety of service users, staff and any members of the public. The next priority is to try to minimise damage to the property and surrounding environment.

Preparation

Most situations can be prevented (or at least the losses can be minimised) by careful planning, by regular risk assessments of the property and the people living and working in it, and by ensuring that service user plans are comprehensive and current.

Service users should be supported to deal with an emergency by:

q  staff talking through with service users what they should do in a given situation, e.g. if they think they can smell smoke or gas or suspect a fire

q  having the opportunity to practice evacuation drills

q  knowing how to contact the emergency services (999 – police, ambulance and fire brigade).

All staff and volunteers must have easy access to emergency phone numbers. Essential telephone numbers include:

q  emergency services (999 – police, ambulance and fire brigade)

q  essential services: gas, electricity, water

q  out-of-hours maintenance number(s)

q  management contact numbers

q  management out-of-hours on-call service.

 

Staff responsibilities

It is vital that employees and volunteers co-operate and share responsibility for the full and correct implementation of health and safety. In particular, staff are reminded of their own responsibility to:

q  familiarise and observe the operational and health and safety policies and procedures of  your organisation

q  report any dangerous occurrences to the manager or leader of the service or group

q  report any personal injury or incapacity that could affect their ability to move or safely handle service users

q  follow management advice in ensuring safe working practices

q  seek to work in a manner that will not be detrimental to their own health and safety

q  report any changes in service users’ health, environment or working condition

q  at all times keep themselves updated with the content of the risk assessments and service user plans.

q  always make every effort to minimise the risks to service users, themselves and others.

Dealing with an emergency situation

In dealing with an emergency situation staff and volunteers should:

q  stay calm

q  assess the situation, and then choose a course of action to manage the situation

q  only manage a situation if this is safe to do, and does not place service users, themselves and others in to a position of greater possible harm or risk

q  reassure service users

q  never attempt to deal with a situation alone, unless it safe to do so

q  contact the appropriate emergency service or agency, being clear and concise when making an call

q  contact the manager of the service. For “out of hours” the on-call service can also be used. In emergency situations, staff are authorised to call upon additional staff to assist with the situation.

Reporting of accidents and dangerous occurrences

Any accident/incident that results in an injury whilst at work must be reported to the manager and an accident report form must be completed. An entry should also be made in the accident book.

If any person has an accident that requires reporting under RIDDOR then your designated health and safety officer must be informed with 24 hours. There is a legal requirement to report this to the HSE Incident Contact Centre.

Any fatality in the workplace must be reported to Mencap’s national health and safety officer as soon as possible by telephone.

Notification to others

Other people and agencies will need to be informed as required, for example:

q  line management without delay

q  relatives

q  placing authority.

Part VII of the Care Homes Regulations 2001 requires the registered manager to notify the National Care Standards Commission without delay of any event in the care home that adversely affects the well-being or safety of any service user.