ABSTRACT
The healthy body is able to defend itself against transient pathogenic organisms in most individuals. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations are designed to safeguard people who work with substances that have the potential to harm. The UK Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 details the requirements of the clinician. Each clinician has a legal duty to be fully informed of and to adhere to their local policies in order to safeguard themselves, their clients, colleagues, students and visitors. Clinicians must be aware of the importance of back care and consider both their personal safety and that of the client if assisting with positioning of the client for assessment or intervention. Clinicians need to ensure their immunisations are up to date, particularly Hepatitis B, TB, polio, rubella and tetanus. Clinicians with eczema are at high risk of acquiring resistant hospital-associated staphylococci.
