Introduction

Outlined below are some of the hazards that you might come across in the disability support environment as well as some of the key controls that can be used to keep you, the people you support, and the community safe and healthy. Use Hireup’s Stop, Think, Plan Risk Assessment tool to identify hazards and understand the risks of each new environment that you, and the person you support, go into. Whether it’s someone’s home, a public place, a car or a restaurant, the risk assessment tool provides three steps to use to assess risk on your Hireup shifts. 

Reporting a hazard or incident 

A safety hazard is anything that might harm you, a client, their family member or a community member, or cause damage to property e.g. dangerous surf conditions at the beach, medical waste like needles, or household pets. An incident is any event or circumstance that causes or has the potential to cause physical or psychological injury, ill health, damage to property or any other loss. The term near-miss refers to an incident that resulted in no injury, ill health or loss occurring, but still had the potential to cause it. Report all hazards and incidents as soon as possible and within 24 hours at the very latest via the incident report form. To discuss a safety concern or report a hazard or incident, please complete a safety issue or concern form or contact Hireup on 02 9113 5933 or hello@hireup.com.au. 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other Respiratory Illness - Infection Control and Hygiene

Many people in the disability community may be more susceptible to infectious diseases such as COVID-19 due to a range of health, support or environmental factors. Because of this, infection control and good hygiene practices are extremely important. 

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe. These particles range from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols. The most common symptoms include body aches, fever, sneezing, coughing, tiredness, loss of taste and smell. 

To reduce the risk of contracting and transmitting COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses, please follow these general guidelines: 

• Hireup strongly recommends vaccination against COVID-19 for all face to face support bookings. 
• Ensure you and the Client you support practice safe hand washing. 
• If you are working with a client who has tested positive to COVID-19, ensure you and the Client both have access to appropriate personal protective equipment including a respirator (Support Worker) and eye protection
• Clean all high touch areas (door knobs, benches, tables, handles etc) with cleaning products and disinfectant if available and appropriate.
• Continually self screen for symptoms and self-isolate if you become symptomatic.
• Cancelling/rescheduling shifts to prevent exposure to illness.

You can find more information in relation to how Hireup is responding to COVID-19 here. 

Behaviours of Concern

What are Behaviours of Concern?

Behaviours of concern, such as verbal and physical aggression, property damage, self-harm, sexualised behaviours or absconding, can pose significant physical and psychological risks. These behaviours may arise from unmet needs, communication difficulties, environmental triggers or health conditions.

If your client requires behaviour support, it is essential to read your client's Behaviour Support Plan (BSP), and ask others in their support network about anything else you might need to know prior to supporting your client. Your client's behaviour support plan will provide you with information about their behaviours of concern, things that may trigger those behaviours, and how you should respond if they occur.

How to prevent Behaviours of concern?

During the course of providing support you will find plenty of opportunities to prevent behaviours of concern from occurring. Identifying triggers, precursor behaviours (signs that the client is beginning to escalate) are crucial in de-escalating clients. Your client's PBS plan or support plan should provide you with this information. However, even without it here are some things to try to promote prevention:

Show continuous positive regard and empathy: Appear positive, confident and caring at all times. Provide non-judgmental listening. Restate assertions and declarations and make all attempts to satisfy requests

Enrich the client’s environment: Try to incorporate multiple, preferred, and/or generally liked activities. Ensure there is meaningful attention and interaction

Consider your body language and tone: Sometimes having closed fists or crossing your arms can be taken as a sign of aggression. Speak clearly and use simple language, with few words. Use positive words/phases. Try to remain calm yourself and take a moment to get some space if possible, this can be especially useful in situations where a behaviour may have escalated.

Promote choice and control: Provide the client with choice and control about how to do an activity/when to do an activity. Providing a range of choices can significantly reduce behaviours occurring, additionally it is a key element of great support work.

Safety while supporting someone with Behaviours of Concern

If you believe that you’re at risk, then it’s important that you remove yourself and remain safe. You still need to consider the client’s safety and wellbeing. This could be a matter of giving the client a few moments with space to calm themselves or removing others who may be at risk. In urgent and high risk situations, additional support may be required. This comes down to a few factors, how well you know the client, what is in their plans and are there any immediate risk factors to their wellbeing.

Working with behaviours of concern is often not an easy thing to do. We recommend considering and taking care of your psychological wellbeing by speaking with Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or Hireup as needed.  

Hireup provides training around PBS, restrictive practices, and physical response, so if you feel you need this support with a person you are supporting, please get in touch with us.

Electrical Safety

When using electrical devices (e.g vacuum cleaners, household appliances) during support, be aware of these potential hazards:

• Damaged or frayed electrical cords
• Damaged and older electrical appliances
• Electrical faults that could cause a fire
• Using electrical appliances around water
• Using electricity outdoors

The Industry Development Fund has more information on electrical safety.

Emergency Safety Plan

We know that unexpected emergencies can occur while providing support, so it’s important to make yourself familiar with each individual’s support plan. Here you can find vital information about the person you’re supporting, including:

• Emergency contact details
• Medical considerations
• Safety assessment (in the home, in the community and transport)

We recommend going over the emergency plan with the person you’re supporting and/or their family on your first shift.

When it comes to fire safety, controls should be implemented to eliminate or mitigate fire-related incidents. Going into someone's home, it will be important to know the emergency escape plan (found in the support plan), if there are working smoke alarms and where you can find fire safety equipment if it's available.

Hazardous Manual Handling

As a Hireup Support Worker, your role may involve  hazardous manual tasks such as lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, moving, restraining, carrying or repetitive movements.

Before committing to any working relationship, seek clarity on the nature of support that's required. In your first meet and greet with your client and/or their family, you should receive details about the job requirements and any manual handling tasks and duties involved. This information will help you decide if you are a suitable support worker. Never enter a workplace or accept a shift if you feel that your safety, wellbeing and duty of care to others may be compromised.

Being aware of risks and taking the time to  use the Stop-Think-Plan isn’t about eliminating all risks, but rather a framework designed to help you determine acceptable risk levels with the person and/or person’s family you’re supporting. 

Ask the right questions about manual handling tasks and work within your comfort zone to keep you and the person you’re supporting safe.

Some important questions to ask about manual handling:

• Will manual handling tasks be required during support? If so, what's the nature, size and weight of the person or object?
• Will I need to physically move and transfer the person being supported?
• What are the typical locations where support will be provided?
• Can you demonstrate how to safely use the lifting equipment (or any equipment) if it's required?
• Are the appropriate number of people present to complete the task safely (E.g for a 2:1 transfer) 
• Is the equipment you are being asked to use in good working order? 

What do unacceptable risks look like when providing support?

• Engaging in manual handling tasks or using equipment without the appropriate training
• Engaging in manual handling tasks or using equipment if you haven't received effective on-the-job training
• Fully lifting a person without mechanical aids, assistive devices or another worker to assist you
• Using equipment to assist with any manual handling task that isn’t in good working order
• Lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, moving, restraining and carrying a person or item if there is a risk of any injury being caused to you or the person you're supporting
• Lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, moving, restraining and carrying a person or item if you have an injury
• Lifting above shoulder height
• Repetitive movements
• Manual handling or other physical tasks that are beyond your current physical capabilities and fitness.

Pushing and Pulling

Pushing is preferable to pulling because it involves less work by the muscles of the lower back and allows maximum use of your body weight.

Manual handling and transfer plans

If you’re supporting someone who requires manual handling for personal care, mobility and transfers, it’s important that you have access to their manual handling or transfer plan. These plans will go into detail around the manual handling tasks and duties for each individual that you’re supporting. If you need assistance to access the plans for any individual that you’re supporting, please contact Hireup.

While working, you should not be asked to engage in manual handling tasks or duties that are beyond your personal scope and limits as a support worker.

For further information, please reference Model Code of Practice: Hazardous manual tasks by Safe Work Australia.

Hazardous Materials

Always read the information provided on the labels of the chemicals you are being asked to handle (for cleaning or gardening as an example), and if you're uncomfortable with the chemicals you’ve been asked to use, or if they are beyond household grade (common cleaning products), you have the authority to stop unsafe work and contact Hireup immediately.

To avoid any harm, implement these controls to manage your exposure:

• Eliminate the hazard: If necessary, communicate with the person and/or family you’re working with to eliminate the hazardous substance from the environment. This is the most effective control measure.
• Using something less hazardous: Is there a safer or less hazardous substance that can be used as a substitution?
• Personal Protective Equipment: Communicate with the person and/or family you’re working with to ensure that you have access to the appropriate PPE while providing specific supports. Eg. If you’re being asked to dress a wound, having access to gloves.

Source: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Hazardous Medications and Waste

As a support worker, you may be required to administer hazardous medication (e.g. cytotoxic medication) to a client. Hazardous medications have a small risk of side effects to the person administering them, especially if they handle the medication often and/or for a long period of time.

Hazardous medications require special care when preparing and/or handling them to risk the chance of side effects. 

Any bodily fluids of a person who is taking or has recently taken hazardous medication will be considered as hazardous waste for a period of time depending on the specific medication. As with hazardous medication, hazardous waste should be handled in a particular way to reduce the chance of side effects. 

If a client you are supporting is taking or has taken a hazardous medication, we recommend that you discuss with the client or account manager about how they manage hazardous medication and waste within their home.

A support worker who is pregnant should consult with their doctor before handling any hazardous waste or medications.

For more information about how to manage hazardous medication and waste, please see our Hazardous Medication and Waste Guide.

Sharps Hazards (Needlesticks etc)

Needlesick injuries happen when a sharp object, such as a needle, syringe or blade accidentally breaks the skin. A needlestick injury can expose you to blood-borne viruses (for example hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV) or dangerous substances, such as medicines, drugs for chemicals.

Always handle sharp objects carefully, use safety devices when available and always  dispose used needles immediately and in specially marked sharps containers to prevent needlestick injuries. Wear appropriate PPE - puncture resistant gloves when handling sharps or working with body fluids. Do not overfill sharp containers, seal containers securely before disposal to prevent accidental exposure.  Be aware of the location of the sharps containers and potential hazards in your work area to protect your health.

To prevent sharps injuries, use safe medical devices, avoid recapping needles and implement proper handling and disposal procedures. Do not pass sharps directly from hand to hand; use a "neutral" zone instead, always keep sharps in view and avoid walking with them unnecessarily.

If a needlestick injury occurs, immediately wash the wound with soap and water for at least 30 seconds.  If soap and water aren’t available , use an alcohol based hand sanitiser, seek medical attention immediately to assess the risk of infection and determine if post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is necessary and report the incident. 

Psychosocial Hazards

Psychosocial hazards are aspects of work which can have the potential to cause psychological or physical harm. Psychosocial hazards can include, bullying, fatigue, mental stress, sexual harassment, violence and aggression, discrimination and misconduct, poor and challenging relationships between you and your Client, their Account Manager and co-Support Workers and lack of role clarity.

Actions you can take

If you are feeling overwhelmed or unable to manage the demands of your work, this can become detrimental to your health. Here are some actions you can take to help manage the risk and support those around you if you are part of a Support Worker Team: 

Set Good Boundaries: Know what your personal and professional limits are including what tasks you are willing to do and your availability to provide support. Communicate these clearly and respectfully to your Client or Account Manager. Also agree on how you will raise issues or concerns with each other.

Raise issues early: Talk with your Client or Account Manager about what is happening and how it is making you feel. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this or you have already tried, get in touch with Hireup by calling us or completing an incident report or concern form. We have a Trust & Safety Team who are here to support you to reduce the risk of harm.

Take breaks: Ensure you take the opportunity to step away from your work during rostered or scheduled breaks. Speak to your Client or Account Manager or Provider about how breaks will be arranged. If you have concerns about inadequate breaks, please contact Hireup. Also, plan days of rest into your roster to ensure you get time to recuperate and to do the things that you love away from work. 

Where to seek help

Hireup’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Guide provides guidance on work and your mental health, fatigue, stress and challenging work relationships. 

Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides counselling and psychological support. You can access it by calling Acacia EAP on 1300 364 273, this phone line is available 24 hours a day. We recommend you save this number in your phone for easy access when you need it.

Incidents or concerns of bullying, harassment including sexual harassment and discrimination please refer to Hireup’s Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Policy.

As your Employer we want to support you.  If you would like to discuss an incident with us or raise a safety concern, please contact the team via hello@hireup.com.au or on (02) 9113 5933.

Slips and Trips

There are various factors that can contribute to the risk of slips and trips. Slips usually occur when there is a loss of grip between the shoe and the floor. Trips occur when a person's foot hits a low obstacle in the person's path causing a loss of balance. The following factors can contribute to the risk of slips and trips.  

• Uneven surfaces
• Slippery or wet surfaces
• Loose mats or rugs
• Trailing cords and cables
• Weather conditions 
• Obstructed views
• Poor lighting
• Clutter
• Unsuitable footwear
• Rushing
• Fatigue

Preventing slips and trips

There are ways that you can help prevent slips and trips and keep your support shift safer for you and your client by being observant and vigilant of the surrounding environment.

• Clean up spills immediately
• Mark areas that have spills and are wet until they are cleaned and dry 
• Mopping or sweeping debris from walking surfaces
• Make sure walkways are free of clutter and obstacles
• Mats and rugs are laying flat
• Work areas are well lit

• Wearing slip resistant and appropriate footwear
• Paying attention to where you are walking
• Take your time and not rushing when walking
• When carrying or moving items make sure you can see the walkways in front of you

Make sure you are always aware of your surroundings and where you are walking. If you see a hazard let your Client or co-support workers know.  If you are injured you should report your injury to Hireup as soon as possible. 

Vehicles and Driving

Whether you’re driving a car that you own, or one owned by the person you’re supporting or their family, a number of safety precautions need to be considered when using a vehicle. Please refer to Hireup’s Providing Safe Transport Policy for more detail. 

Some important questions to be aware of and ask are:

• If this is the first time driving the vehicle for work purposes, have you completed a safety inspection of the vehicle
• Do you hold an unrestricted driver’s licence for the state or territory that you’re working in?
• Is the vehicle you’re planning to drive registered and insured (Compulsory Third Party Insurance (CTP) as a minimum)?
• Does the vehicle you’re driving have comprehensive insurance that covers you as a driver?
• Can you legally drive the vehicle if it has been modified for the person you’re supporting? If so, are you comfortable driving the vehicle?
• Is the vehicle maintained and roadworthy?
• Do you know who to contact if an incident occurs while driving?
• Is there a safe space in the car to store any support equipment e.g wheelchairs?
• Have you planned the journey with your Client to ensure sufficient rest breaks? 
• If driving your client’s vehicle, have any modifications or new or unfamiliar technologies been demonstrated and explained to you?

We understand that each environment you drive in may present different hazards, depending on the time of the day you're driving, other drivers on the road or the weather. In these situations, it's important to stop and think about whether the hazard could harm you, the person you're supporting or someone in the community.

Remember, you are not permitted to consume alcohol or drugs while providing transport, or operating any vehicle.

Miscellaneous Tools and Equipment

Before you use any equipment, it’s important that you have experience in operating it, or have been shown by the appropriate person how to operate it safely. For example, if you were being asked to use a hoist that you hadn’t used previously, a detailed demonstration by the appropriate person would be important.

If you are being asked to operate equipment that you’re not comfortable using, or feel as if it could compromise the safety of you and the person you’re supporting, you have the authority to stop unsafe work and contact Hireup immediately.