Relevant Legislation in Relation to Infection Control

Relevant Legislation in Relation to Infection Control

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

  • The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the primary piece of legislation governing health and safety in UK workplaces, including the management of infection control.
  • It sets out general duties which employers have towards employees, as well as the public and employees owe to themselves and each other.
  • All workplaces are required to provide a safe working environment that minimises risk of infection to staff and service users.
  • A key aspect of this legislation is that there must be clearly defined procedures for dealing with health risks, including infectious diseases.
  • Any failure to adhere to health and safety rules set out by this Act can result in fines or prosecution.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002

  • The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations focus on preventing or reducing workers’ exposure to substances that might harm their health, including biological agents such as bacteria and viruses.
  • It emphasises Risk Assessment, which means that the potential harm caused by a hazardous substance must be assessed and plans must be in place to remove or minimise those risks.
  • This obligation extends to employers, employees, and self-employed workers, who must all take reasonable measures to control risks from hazardous substances, including pathogens.

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013

  • The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) requires employers, self-employed people and those in control of work premises to report certain serious workplace accidents, occupational diseases and specified dangerous occurrences.
  • This includes exposure to biological agents that could result in severe human illness, making it directly relevant to infection control practices.
  • Deaths, diseases, injuries, and certain incidents related to infection must be reported.

Health and Social Care Act 2008

  • The Health and Social Care Act 2008 established the Care Quality Commission (CQC) which monitors and inspects all health and social care services.
  • Under the Act, all providers are legally responsible for ensuring that their services meet national care standards – including standards for infection prevention and control.
  • Regulation 12 of the Act specifically relates to clean and appropriate premises and equipment, the prevention and control of infections.

Remember, understanding these legislative frameworks not only guides good practice in infection control but also helps prepare for potential questions about legal aspects of infection control.