Disabled awareness is not just about DDA compliance

Awareness of disability issues is not just about meeting the needs of disabled people; it also involves the health and safety of all employees.

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) makes it compulsory for all workplace buildings to have access for disabled people.

If a feature of a building such as steps leading to a doorway prevent access to disabled persons, then they should either be removed or equipment such as ramps installed to provide access. Alternatively, an alternate route needs to be clearly signed.

Ideally, fixed ramps should be installed, but if a place is only occasionally used by disabled people, then a portable ramp is acceptable.

In hazard areas, large brightly coloured hazard warning safety signs are needed. There are many disabled people who are visibly impaired, but have sufficient sight to see large safety signs.

Disability awareness should not be restricted to adapting buildings for disabled people. Workplace owners have a duty to make sure that employees do not have serious accidents that could cause them to become disabled. Safety equipment and clothing must be supplied for people working on potentially dangerous processes. Train all staff in the use of safety equipment and protective clothing.

Areas with high vehicle use, such as where forklift trucks operate, need to be separated from pedestrian areas with safety barriers. All personnel handling heavy items need to be supplied with material handling equipment.

Business owners should be aware of two issues: making their workplaces accessible to the disabled, and reducing the risks of workers becoming disabled.