6 common hazards in care

According to Skills for Care, adult social care in the UK has a bigger workforce than the NHS, construction, transport, or food and drink industry, making the adult social care sector one of the biggest employers in the country. With the UK’s ageing population, this will cause higher demand for staff and shows no signs of slowing down.

Safety in care homes should always be a top priority, not only for the wellbeing of individuals in care but also for the peace of mind of their loved ones and care home staff. Given the vulnerable nature of those in care, with residents often being elderly or disabled, the potential for Health & Safety hazards is particularly high. Some of the most common examples of hazards in a care home include:

• Slips, trips and falls
• Fire hazards
• Infection control
• Medication errors
• Equipment and mobility aids
• Legionella and waterborne hazards

Taking the time to understand the unique risks in care homes and implementing effective safety measures to tackle these is super important for creating a safe and happy environment for everyone.

 

Common hazards in care homes

Slips, trips and falls

Slips, trips, and falls are some of the most common hazards in care homes due to the mobility challenges often experienced by those in care. Research by the Care Inspectorate found that many individuals in care have long-term health conditions that can also increase their risk of falling, such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, depression and dementia.

Falls can seriously affect both health and quality of life. To prevent these accidents, care homes can roll out safety measures to help reduce risk, such as non-slip flooring, making sure residents wear the right footwear, and training staff regularly on fall prevention strategies.

See our guide on preventing falls in care homes for more information.

Fire hazards

There are a number of different risk factors that can cause fires in a care setting, such as kitchen fires, electrical faults, or smoking-related incidents.

Sticking to fire safety procedures is super important. Care home staff should stay compliant by having regular fire drills, installing and testing smoke alarms, and making sure that fire exits can be easily accessed by everyone. By following these steps, care homes can cut down the risk of fire-related incidents.

Infection control

A recent survey by the Journal of Hospital Infection shows that around 11% of UK care home residents were found to have an infection, with 10% of residents being prescribed antibiotics. Care homes are at a particularly high risk of infection outbreaks, like flu, COVID-19, and norovirus. That’s why having effective infection control measures are important for protecting both individuals in care and care home staff.

So, what does this look like? This involves regular training on strict hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and regular cleaning. It’s also important that staff stay updated on UK infection control guidelines and keep to these to help maintain a healthy care environment.

Medication errors

Managing the unique medication needs of individuals in care can be tricky, due to the diverse and specific requirements of each individual. However, making sure that residents receive their medication correctly is super important, and failing to do so can have serious consequences.

Medication errors happen when staff deliver an incorrect dosage of medication or not at the right time. Care homes should make sure that staff feel confident in their ability to deliver medication and through thorough staff training, regular record keeping, and sticking to best practices for giving medication, care homes can do their best to prevent the risk of harmful errors.

Equipment and mobility aids

Using equipment and mobility aids properly is super important to avoid injuries. To prevent accidents, regular check-ups and maintenance of hoists, walking frames, and wheelchairs are key. Staff training on using these aids correctly is needed and residents should be assessed regularly to make sure everyone has the right equipment and uses it effectively.

Legionella and waterborne hazards

Did you know that in the UK, 80% of all Legionella disease cases occur in the over 50s? Well, according to Legionella Control International, this is the case.

Legionella bacteria thrive in water systems and due to the typically older demographic in care homes, Legionella can be a real threat to individuals in care if not kept in check. Care homes must comply with UK legislation regarding Legionella control to protect residents from waterborne hazards. Staff should carry out routine water temperature checks, regular system maintenance, and thorough risk assessments, to keep things safe and sound.

 

Preventive measures

To effectively tackle these hazards, care homes should implement a range of different Health & Safety strategies. Regular safety checks and hazard assessments help spot risks early on. It’s essential to keep the team up to speed with training while promoting a safety-first mindset. Using the right PPE and sticking to UK safety standards are key steps in building a safe environment.

 

Legal and regulatory requirements

Care homes in the UK must meet several legal requirements, like the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Care Quality Commission standards. Care homeowners, managers and staff are all responsible for creating a safe environment for individuals in care, and not following regulations can have serious consequences. It’s important for residents and their families to know their rights regarding safety and care standards and to also have confidence in the staff caring for and maintaining them.

Let us lend a hand

At Citation, we get that managing safety in care homes can be tricky. Our Health & Safety services are designed to support care home managers, employers, and business owners in staying compliant and keeping those in their care safe. You can also take a look at our Health & Safety for care guide for further information on how you can keep patients safe.

Get in touch today to learn how we can help you create a safer care environment. Whether you need advice on regulatory compliance or help with implementing effective safety measures, we’re here to help.