Health and Safety

1. Purpose

At DNT we are committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of our remote staff and learners. This policy outlines our approach to maintaining a safe and healthy working and learning environment, in line with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and relevant UK legislation.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All remote staff, including employees, freelancers, and contractors.
  • All learners enrolled in our online dental nurse courses.

3. Responsibilities

3.1. Our Responsibilities

We commit to:

  • Providing guidance on setting up a safe remote workspace.
  • Offering training and resources to promote health and safety awareness.
  • Ensuring staff and learners know how to report health and safety concerns.
  • Regularly reviewing and updating this policy.
3.2. Staff Responsibilities

Remote staff must:

  • Take reasonable care of their own health and safety while working.
  • Ensure their home workspace is safe, comfortable, and free from hazards.
  • Report any work-related incidents, injuries, or risks to Erica Clatworthy.
  • Complete any mandatory health and safety training provided.
3.3. Learner Responsibilities

Learners are expected to:

  • Follow their dental practice’s health and safety procedures when engaging in on-site training or clinical practice and must at a minimum be aware of the practices infection control, fire, COSHH, RIDDOR and ionising radiation policies
  • Ensure their learning environment is free from hazards.
  • Take regular breaks and manage screen time responsibly as per your practice policy
  • Report any health or safety concerns related to the course platform or materials.

4. Safe Remote Working Practices

4.1. Workspace Setup
  • Ensure adequate lighting, ventilation, and a comfortable chair/desk setup.
  • Keep work areas tidy to prevent trips and falls.
  • Use a properly adjusted chair and screen at eye level to avoid strain.
4.2. Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Guidelines
  • Follow the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) DSE checklist to set up workstations.
  • Take short, regular breaks to reduce eye strain and fatigue.

5. Compliance with Practice Health and Safety Procedures

  • Learners must adhere to the health and safety policies of their clinical practice or placement. This includes:
    • Reporting incidents or hazards according to the practice’s guidelins
    • Understanding emergency procedures specific to their workplace.
    • Following practice protocols for infection control, patient care, and equipment usage.

6. Incident Reporting

  • Report all work-related accidents or near-misses to the appointed person in your practice
  • Staff are to use the online reporting via email by contacting the course director.

7. Training and Resources

  • All remote staff must complete mandatory health and safety training modules as per CQC/GDC guidance.
  • Learners will have access to health and safety information relevant to their course.

This policy is reflected in the learner handbook. If you find that a learners health & safety is compromised please refer them to the DNT course director.