The PDA is aware that reports from members about slips and trips in the workplace are on the increase, as many pharmacists continue to manage high workloads and support more patients.
Liz Larkin, PDA Organiser said, “Accidents at work can have a devastating effect on the health and wellbeing of PDA members. The PDA has supported members with slips on the floor or stairs due to spillages and leaks. We have advised other PDA members, who have slipped on items dropped onto the floor accidentally by colleagues or tripped over boxes and baskets. It can be challenging for members to deal with recovery from their injuries and some may also suffer financial hardship if their sick pay does not cover them for the length of time they are absent from work or because they are unable to return to work.”
Employers are responsible for the safety of their employees and workers under health and safety law. They must also ensure the health and safety of people who don’t work for them, such as visitors, contractors, and patients.
The PDA has published a new factsheet on accidents at work and what can be done to avoid them. It provides members with information on employer responsibilities, what hazards to look out for, who to report their concerns to, and what to do if they experience an accident at work.
The factsheet also outlines how members can seek support from the PDA and how to become a PDA Health and Safety Representative for those members who are interested in getting more involved.
Gordon Finlayson, PDA National Representative said, “Everyone has the right to work in a safe and healthy workplace. Having trade union Health and Safety Reps ensures that health and safety are given the priority it deserves. Poor health and safety standards result in more injuries to individuals and potential loss of earnings, higher absentee levels, and reputational damage to the employer.”
download the factsheet here
Get involved
- If you are not yet a member of the PDA and would like support, join the PDA today.
- If you would like to be more involved in the work of the PDA, find out how to become a PDA Health and Safety Rep here.
Learn more
- HSE’s risk assessment template
- HSE’s hazard-spotting checklist
- Safer Pharmacies Charter
- PDA encourages pharmacists to take part in the 2022 Safer Pharmacies Survey
- NHS workplace health and safety standards
- NHS health and safety policy
- Accidents in the workplace – Northern Ireland
Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists, and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.