Councils Work With Care Homes To Raise Safety Standards
The Commercial Services Section of Shared Regulatory Services has this week hosted an event for managers and care staff working in residential care homes across Bridgend, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan to help raise health and safety standards.
The forum was held at Cardiff City Stadium on 09 February after inspections of every privately-managed care home in the region raised concerns in 2016.
During these inspections, weaknesses in the management of Legionella and lifting equipment safely were identified. Care workers’ knowledge of health and safety in relation to falls from height and scalding was also highlighted as weaknesses.
A bespoke training programme for the care sector was subsequently developed and more than 70 people attended the first of these specially tailored sessions.
Councillor Gwyn John, chair of the joint committee for Shared Regulatory Services, said: “People who work in health and social care are looking after a vulnerable population. They have the right to work in a healthy and safe workplace, and the people using the services are entitled to care and support that is safe and considers their needs and dignity.
“Managing these different needs can sometimes present complex situations that, if not effectively managed, can result in serious harm to staff and residents.
“It is hoped that by working closely with residential care homes across Bridgend, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, especially by providing interactive training sessions such as these, we can ensure safe and healthy working environments on a sustainable level.”
Councillor John also added: “The recent training focused on supporting and enabling staff to manage health and safety and infection control risks more effectively through a series of presentations, small workshops and a range of stands where delegates had the opportunity to discuss issues directly with officers in an informal setting. The event was very well received by attendees, and a credit to all SRS staff involved in the event.”
Spotted something? Got a story? Email News@News.Wales
