An accident is a separate, identifiable, unintended incident leading to physical injury or ill health. This includes acts of non-consensual violence against people at work. Understanding what constitutes an accident helps prevent and ensure a prompt response when it occurs.

A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm. This could be a substance, a process, a situation, or an environment. In care settings, these could range from physical hazards like wet floors to health hazards such as improper medication disposal.

These specific, unintentional events may not result in a reportable injury but potentially cause significant harm. Recognising such occurrences is crucial for preventing more severe incidents in the future.

Risk refers to the likelihood and consequences of harm occurring, such as someone slipping and falling on a wet floor. It is the cornerstone of many health and safety strategies, which aim to mitigate risk where possible.

A near miss is an event that does not cause harm but holds the potential for injury or ill health. It's essential to report and investigate these instances as they are important indicators of where harm could occur.

Risk assessments are processes of identifying existing or potential hazards in the workplace. A well-conducted risk assessment helps to prevent accidents and ill health, ensuring a safer environment for employees and visitors.

Significant risks are those with a high probability of occurring, posing a substantial risk to health and safety. Immediate action is required to control these risks, considering the cost includes time, effort, and finances.

Being safe is about being protected from or not exposed to danger or risk. Creating a 'safe' environment is the ultimate goal of health and safety management.

An undesired circumstance involves a set of conditions that could lead to injury or ill health. Recognising and remedying these situations is fundamental to maintaining safety in care settings.

The process of monitoring the health of employees who are exposed to certain health risks due to the nature of their work.

An action or activity designed to reduce the risk associated with a hazard. This can involve changes to work processes, using protective equipment, or implementing new safety protocols.

Immediate care is provided to an injured or ill person until medical treatment is available. In a workplace setting, designated first aiders are typically trained to provide an initial response to health emergencies.

Protective clothing or equipment designed to protect the wearer's body from injury or infection. PPE can include items like gloves, masks, and safety glasses.

The maximum concentration of a hazardous substance in the air an employee can be exposed to is averaged over a specific period.

The transporting or supporting of a load by hand or bodily force. In a care setting, this can include moving patients.

Devices or equipment with an alphanumeric or graphic display screen, including computers, laptops, tablets, etc. Specific regulations exist for the use of DSE to prevent associated health problems.

COSHH stands for ‘Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations.’ These regulations require employers to control substances that can harm workers' health. In a care setting, this might include cleaning chemicals or medication.

RIDDOR stands for ‘Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations.’ These regulations require employers, the self-employed and those in control of premises to report specified workplace incidents.

The legal obligation to safeguard others from harm while they are in your care, using your services, or exposed to your activities. This is particularly important in health and social care environments.