What is health and safety?
Health and safety is important as it helps to keep everyone safe and well in their A group of people that live in the same place or have something in common..
Watch - Explore health and safety in the community
Learn more about who keeps communities safe.
VOICEOVER: Health and safety is really important not just for us as individuals, but for the community as a whole. What does ‘health and safety’ mean though? And why is it so important in our community?
CHILD 1: Health and safety means like, keeping us safe from harm.
CHILD 2: It’s important to follow health and safety rules so that we’re all safe, happy, healthy, and do not get hurt.
CHILD 1: Like assessing risks.
VOICEOVER: Health and Safety is about the things that we put in place to help people stay safe and well in the community.Have you ever wondered who keeps communities safe and well? There are laws set by the government which local councils will put in place for your community, but who else do you think keeps you and your local community safe?
CHILD 3: Nurses, doctors.
CHILD 4: The government.
CHILD 1: People like teachers and police officers.
CHILD 2: Charities who take action.
VOICEOVER: Anyone in a position of responsibility has a legal duty to keep the people around them safe but we can all do our bit to help. As responsible citizens we can get involved in keeping ourselves, our schools and our neighbourhoods safe and healthy by following different rules and guidance. Why do you think it’s important to follow the rules when it comes to health & safety? Can you think of any particular rules that you’ve followed?
CHILD 5: Say for example when you go swimming, the lifeguards will tell you not to run because if you do, you could hurt yourself.
CHILD 3: I follow the rules by following the signs, staying off dangerous paths, not going really near the railway and keeping a nice distance, and while crossing the roads looking at both sides to make sure no cars are coming.
CHILD 2: If we don’t follow these rules, there may be hurt and upset in our community.
VOICEOVER*: There are many examples of steps taken to ensure health and safety around us every day and it’s important to understand why we need to follow these steps. By following rules and advice we all help to make our community a safer place for everyone. What steps do you take to make sure you and others are safe?
Rules and guidance are made to prevent accidents or injuries to people.
Following health and safety rules can make the community a safer place for everyone.
Who is responsible for keeping the community safe?
There are different groups of people that have a responsibility to keep communities safe and healthy.
- The UK Government creates Guidelines that tell you what you are allowed to do and what you are not allowed to do. and Laws are rules which affect the whole country. They are enforceable and punishable if broken. . It is responsible for protecting citizens and keeping communities safe.
- Police officers tackle crime and maintain law and order in the community.
- Teachers and school staff keep pupils safe by following school rules.
- Health and Safety officers find ways to prevent accidents, injuries and illnesses in the workplace or schools.
- You - we can all do our bit to help!
What things keep us safe?
Rules offer us advice to help people make safe decisions. However, laws are something we must all follow.
Image caption, Emergency Exits
By law, every building must have a clear way out that should be used for escape during emergencies, such as a fire.
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Did you know?
The first three point seatbelt was made in 1959. However, it was only in 1983 that it became law for all people to wear a seatbelt when travelling in a vehicle.
Activities
Health and safety signs challenge
When you are out in your local community, look around you and see how many health and safety signs you can spot. They are usually placed on walls, doors and floors.
- You could draw or take a picture of the ones you see.
- If you aren't sure what some of them mean, you could do some extra research to find out more!
Be a health and safety advisor
Imagine it is your job to advise people on health and safety.
- Click on the image below and read the different scenarios in the downloadable sheet.
- Think of two pieces of advice you would give to people in these situations to keep them safe and healthy.
- Share your answers with your friends and family. Do they suggest anything different to you?
Quiz
SATs preparation resources. activity
Get ready for the SATs papers with videos, activities, quizzes and games to refresh your knowledge and practise your skills.
More on Citizenship in the community
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