Welcome Guest! The IOSH forums are a free resource to both members and non-members. Login or register to use them

Postings made by forum users are personal opinions. IOSH is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any of the information contained in forum postings. Please carefully consider any advice you receive.

Notification

Icon
Error

Options
Go to last post Go to first unread
Admin  
#1 Posted : 16 November 2005 13:41:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Rich Elliott I am looking at the issues surrounding health and safety training for blind and partially sighted workers. Does anyone have experience of providing such training? If so, how do you go about it? What particular challenges does it present? What issues are there for employers?
Admin  
#2 Posted : 16 November 2005 21:12:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Kieran J Duignan The starting point I take in training (and vocational rehabilitation) of blind and partically-sighted workers is the same as with any person with an impairment: an ergonomic risk assessment. A sound 'ergonomic' risk assessment a. considers the panoply of needs of the individual, and has regard for his/her strengths as well as impairments; b. addresses an adequate range of physical, cognitive, organisational and electronic interfaces the individual needs in order to work effectively and safely; c. ensures that the individual is legally safeguarded with full DDA compliance ; d. indicates how funding can be sourced through the employer, government subsidy (Access to Work grants) and other possible sources.
Admin  
#3 Posted : 17 November 2005 11:19:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By jackw. Hi, you don't indicate what kind of work they are doing. As in all things a risk assessment is required. There are various issues: with trip slip and falls being high on your agenda, emergency evacuation etc. We have vision impaired poeple (some with no sight at all), in our offices. We have a strict regime of keeping passage ways clear, cupboard and filing cabinets doors, drawers etc closed, a buddy system in place for emergency evacuation etc. Training - you may have to use audio in place of handots, or brail or large print. As has been said access to work will provided some funding for aids and adaptations you may require. You will also find that they will be able to offer you advice and guidance on what's available and what best suits the individual. In some cases the person may have a specialist advisor at the local job centre (assume they are still called that). Also don't forget the most important and best source of advice on this: The person with the impairment.. talk to them. Almost forgot it is now down to the employee (used to be the employer), to make the initial contact with access to work. Hope this helps Cheers.
Users browsing this topic
Guest
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.