HSE will carry out unannounced care home inspections

The most common cause of injury to employees in care homes over the last two years relates to handling, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has said.

Slips and trips were also common incidents that occurred for both care home workers and members of the public.

As a result, the HSE has joined with local authorities across the north-east and Yorkshire to ensure that health and safety is an important priority in care homes.

They will be carrying out a number of unannounced inspections within the region over the next six months and issues including unguarded windows, manual handling, bed rails and hot surfaces will all be focused on.

"Strong enforcement action" should be expected by managers and owners if they are found to be breaching regulations.

"Inspectors from HSE and the local authorities will be visiting care homes and focusing on the most important health and safety issues for staff and residents," Chris Flint, HSE principal inspector, stated.

Manual handling in care homes can pose a significant health and safety risk. More information is provided by Norwich Union Risk Services on this topic, which can be found at http://www.nurs.co.uk/document-library/files/50/5017_manual_handling_in_nursing_and_care_homes_v8.pdf.