Health and Safety
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.