Hazards and safety in theatre

The Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) provides legislation aimed at securing the safety of everyone at their place of work, and of any other person whose safety may be at risk by their presence in that area. Responsibility rests at all levels. Management have a duty to provide a safe working environment and to provide education and training for workers. At a departmental level daily safety checks need to be carried out and continuous safety conscious management must be in evidence. At a personal level we must all work carefully, bearing in mind the particular hazards in our area to ourselves, to our colleagues and our patients. This article hopes to highlight some of the trouble spots we should already be familiar with.