Unit 6 - Ensure Your Own Actions Reduce Risks to Health and Safety

1.1 Define hazards and risks

While not exactly the most hazardous industry to be working in, there are still a number of hazards and risks to be aware of in the creative media industry, such as:

Loose Wires that can be tripped over.

Handling electronic equipment - in particular, lighting which may become very hot over time, or lifting heavy objects.

Location, for example filming in a public place or outdoors near traffic.

Working with computers, ensuring there are no liquids or spillages near the electronic equipment or taking regular breaks.

It can also be an issue to be filming or working from height, for example in some cases, when working at over 30 feet high, your insurance becomes invalid.

1.2 Outline key hazards and risks in own workplace, describing safe working practices

Working in both an office and off-site at events, there are a number of potential hazards and risks. There are many computers in the office, which leads to a variety of wires that need to be kept tidy to prevent tripping, as well as keeping the environment well lit and taking regular breaks from looking at the computer screen. Keeping the fire exit clear is also very important.

1.3 Outline key hazards and risks within own job role, describing precautions

There are a variety of hazards and risks for me to be aware of, when working in the office. In the office, most of my work involves electronic equipment such as PCs and Printers, therefore the main hazards to be aware of are ensuring I work in a well lit environment and take regular breaks, as well keeping drinks away from the electronics.

2.1 Identify own responsibilities for health and safety in own workplace and job role under health and safety legislation, explaining the importance of personal presentation and behaviour

My own responsibilities involve ensuring I take regular breaks and use the correct posture at my computer, as well as keeping my work station clean and tidy (including keeping liquids away from the PC) and practicing correct cable management. It is also important to maintain sensible behaviour, i.e not running around the office like a headless chicken or throwing equipment around, as well as wearing appropriate attire (For example wearing Steel toe cap boots or not wearing loose jewellery) . These are all important as they not only effect your own safety but that of others in the workplace too, and there are also laws in place to enforce correct Health and Safety procedures.

According to Health and Safety law, employees are required to:

1 Follow the training you have received when using any work items your employer has given you.
2 Take reasonable care of your own and other people’s health and safety.
3 Co-operate with your employer on health and safety.
4 Tell someone (your employer, supervisor, or health and safety representative) if you think the work or inadequate precautions are putting anyone’s health and safety at serious risk.

(reference: http://www.hse.gov.uk)

2.2 Describe procedures for dealing with risks outside the scope of own responsibility, identifying the appropriate personnel with whom to liaise in own workplace

 It also outlines the correct procedure for dealing with general health and safety issues, that you can't directly deal with yourself:

1 If you are worried about health and safety in your workplace, talk to your employer, supervisor, or health and safety representative.
2 You can also look at our website for general information about health and safety at work.
3 If, after talking with your employer, you are still worried, you can find the address of your local enforcing authority for health and safety and the Employment Medical Advisory Service via HSE’s website: www.hse.gov.uk.

In my own workplace, I would liase with my managing director Denise if I had any problems regarding health and safety issues, as she is also the appointed Health and Safety representative. It is also required by law to maintain a record of any previous accidents. It could also be as simple as discussing an issue with a co-worker that is involved - i.e if their work station has loose wires that could potentially be a hazard, advise them to keep the area tidy.

3.1 Identify workplace instructions relevant to own job

In my workplace, there are instructions and procedures (as required by law) in place which include practices to reduce health and safety hazards, as well as what to do in case of hazardous situations. This includes fire safety, such as identifying where the fire extinguishers are, as well as instructions of how to use the fire blanket located in the kitchen, and identifying the fire exits. It also includes the location of the first aid kit in case of any injury.

3.2 Identify any unsafe practices in own workplace and job role 

The most common unsafe practices in my workplace include incorrect postures while sitting at the computers and drinking tea or coffee close to electrical equipment.

3.3 Check which potentially unsafe working practices present the highest risk to self and others

The unsafe working practices that present the highest risk to me and others in the work place, in my opinion, includes the following: Blockage of the fire exit, this is potentially very dangerous and can effect all people in the work place in case of a fire, untidy work station; loose wires that may be tripped over causing injury. 

3.4 Take action to address any hazards in accordance with workplace procedures and legal requirements

In my workplace, if there is a hazard, I report it to my health and safety representative and make sure it is recorded in the log book in accordance with our health and safety procedure.