Posted By jervis I'm after some info from any one who works with adolescents with mental health problems on a ward. What would be key issues on health and safety apart from the obvious any thing extra! Hope that makes sense.

Posted By jervis Thanks Kieran some helpful points there.

Posted By Kieran J Duignan Jervis One of the sources of risk factors to consider may be some of the development services offered to (some) adolescents with mental health problems. In my area, for example, there's an excellent initiative based in a gym managed by a former world chamption (at 3 weights) to provide fitness coaching for people with mental health problems. Any such initiative with people for whose safety you have responsbility would benefit from risk assessment; I've no doubt that you would approach such initiatives constructively and make it clear to the fitness coaching staff (who normally have at least CYA Level 2 certificate in exercise and fitness or comparable qualfications in e.g. swimming) that you are available to enhance their good work. As development services for people with mental health problems is increasingly conducted in community settings, it may be appropriate for you to extend your professional services in these areas to the benefit of all concerned (and to enrich your own work and skills, perhaps.)

Posted By water67. Hi, as has been said risk assessment is the starting point and then introduce the appropriate control measures. If you are in a "ward" (hospital), then you should have support from, others: psychiatrists, H&S professionals etc. As an aside re restraint of children mentioned. we train staff using a system called Therapeutic Crises Intervention (TCI) which includes, as a last resort, restraining young people for their own and others safety. There are no adverse legal issues for staff using this system.

Posted By AMelrose Should have mentioned, along with the Safer Work course, Maybo also offers SaferCare which is aimed at those within healthcare, social care and for ambulance staff. They also have a Safer Children course for staff in contact with children and young adults.