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Aneurin Bevan Health Board Lone Workers Policy & Guidelines This policy has been developed through integration, where available, of the policies from the predecessor organisations of Aneurin Bevan Health Board and has been endorsed by the Health and Safety Committee, subject to review and formal approval once agreed. N.B. Staff should be discouraged from printing this document. This is to avoid the risk of out of date printed versions of the document. The Intranet should be referred to for the current version of the document. Status: Issue 1 (Interim) Issue date: 25 March 2010 Approved by: Health and Safety Committee Review date: 25 March 2012 Owner: Health and Safety Expiry date:25 March 2013 Policy Number: ABHB/H&S/0434

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Aneurin Bevan Health Board

Lone Workers

Policy & Guidelines

This policy has been developed through integration, where available, of the policies from the predecessor organisations of Aneurin Bevan Health Board and has been endorsed by the Health and Safety Committee, subject to review and formal approval once agreed. N.B. Staff should be discouraged from printing this document. This is to avoid

the risk of out of date printed versions of the document. The Intranet should be referred to for the current version of the document.

Status: Issue 1 (Interim) Issue date: 25 March 2010 Approved by: Health and Safety Committee Review date: 25 March 2012 Owner: Health and Safety Expiry date:25 March 2013 Policy Number: ABHB/H&S/0434

Aneurin Bevan Health Board ABHB/H&S/0434Title Lone Workers Owner: Health & Safety

Contents: 1. BACKGROUND..................................................................................................3 2. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................3 3. PURPOSE...........................................................................................................3 4. DEFINITION........................................................................................................4 5. SCOPE OF POLICY ...........................................................................................4 6. POLICY STATEMENT........................................................................................4 7. LEGISLATIVE AND NHS REQUIREMENTS .....................................................5 8. HAZARDS, ADVERSE INCIDENTS & NEAR MISS REPORTING ....................5 9. TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION.........................................................................5 10. RESPONSIBILITIES................................................................................ 6 11. LOCAL MONITORING ARRANGEMENTS........................................................7 12. POLICY REVIEW................................................................................................7 13. FURTHER POLICIES AVAILABLE VIA INTRANET..........................................7 APPENDIX 1 - Personal Safety Guidance for Lone Workers ....................................8 APPENDIX 2 -Environmental Precautions................................................................15 1. Office Layout ...................................................................................................15 2. Strategy............................................................................................................15 3. Alarm Systems ................................................................................................16 4. Proposed Information to be Held at Base.....................................................17 APPENDIX 3 - Checklist for home or on-call visits..................................................18 1. Before leaving..................................................................................................18 2. En route............................................................................................................19 3. On arrival..........................................................................................................19 4. Personal safety................................................................................................19 5. Additional Advice for On-call Staff ................................................................20 6. Keeping you and your car safe ......................................................................20 7. Equipment........................................................................................................20 APPENDIX 4.................................................................................................................21 1. Home Visiting Checklist For Managers.........................................................21 2. Home Visiting Checklist For Staff..................................................................22 APPENDIX 5 - Action to be taken if a staff member is believed to be missing. .......................................................................................................................23

Status: Issue 1 (Interim) Issue date: 25 March 2010Approved by: Health and Safety Committee Review date: 25 March 2012 Expiry date: 25 March 2013

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Aneurin Bevan Health Board ABHB/H&S/0434Title Lone Workers Owner: Health & Safety

1. BACKGROUND

The All Wales NHS Violence & Aggression Training Passport and Information Scheme provides a framework policy for lone working from which Aneurin Bevan Health Board has adopted to form the basis of its organisational policy. This Policy applies to all lone workers throughout the organisation. Aneurin Bevan Health Board adopts a serious approach to providing a safe working environment for lone workers and this policy will be reviewed and updated as new initiatives become available.

2. INTRODUCTION

2.1. Due to the nature of the work within the NHS a significant number of employees are required to work alone. Aneurin Bevan Health Board recognises the various risks to which employees may be exposed and advises of the action that should be taken.

2.2. If employees are working alone it is important to have a system in

place to ensure that the alarm can be raised if they require assistance.

3. PURPOSE

Authoritative bodies have increasingly recognised that the risk of injury to NHS staff, from members of the public has substantially increased in recent years. Employees that work alone may be more vulnerable to violence from members of the public. Furthermore lone working may mean that there are additional difficulties in obtaining assistance in the event of an incident such as accidents or vehicle breakdowns. Whilst recognising that this document is aimed at lone workers, the majority of practice can apply to other situations where staff are working remotely. Health and safety legislation currently in force does not prohibit lone working, except in a few specific circumstances eg, working in confined spaces. The employer has a general duty under Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act, 1974, to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable the health, safety and welfare at work of employees. Further, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, 1999, requires that work activities are risk assessed. The risk assessment needs to consider options to

Status: Issue 1 (Interim) Issue date: 25 March 2010Approved by: Health and Safety Committee Review date: 25 March 2012 Expiry date: 25 March 2013

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Aneurin Bevan Health Board ABHB/H&S/0434Title Lone Workers Owner: Health & Safety

eliminate or control a hazard in order to decrease the degree of risk to as low as is reasonably practicable. The assessment should consider the suitability of the member of staff to undertake lone worker duties. Whereas the final procedures must be based on local conditions, this Policy will deal with generic aspects of management of risk. It provides advice on the efficacy of various control measures that may be utilised to reduce the level of risk.

4. DEFINITION

This policy intentionally sets out not to identify specific groups of staff thought to be lone workers, or to delineate a specific time when lone working is deemed to occur. The overarching principle must be that lone working can occur anywhere, at anytime and within any group of staff. The All Wales NHS Steering Group for the Management of Violence and Aggression have therefore adopted the HSE lone working definition of “those who work by themselves without close or direct supervision”.

5. SCOPE OF POLICY

This policy will include all lone workers, whether they are working or acting directly or indirectly for or on behalf of the organisation.

6. POLICY STATEMENT

The Board will ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that staff who are required to work alone or unsupervised for significant periods of time are protected from risks to their health and safety. Measures will also be adopted to protect anyone else affected by lone working.

Lone working exposes staff to particular hazards. The Boards intention is where practicable, to entirely remove the risk from these hazards or, where complete elimination is not practicable, to reduce the risk to an acceptable level.

Status: Issue 1 (Interim) Issue date: 25 March 2010Approved by: Health and Safety Committee Review date: 25 March 2012 Expiry date: 25 March 2013

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Aneurin Bevan Health Board ABHB/H&S/0434Title Lone Workers Owner: Health & Safety

7. LEGISLATIVE AND NHS REQUIREMENTS

For most circumstances, there are no specific legal duties on employers in relation to lone working. However, employers have a general duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act to maintain safe working arrangements. Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 also requires employers to risk assess the work that their employees undertake. Where there are more than five employees, the significant findings of the risk assessment must be recorded and reviewed regularly.

Under Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, it is the

responsibility of employees to take reasonable care of their own health and safety at work and that of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions. All staff must comply with all safety procedures/safe systems of work and approved codes of practice pertaining to their particular work activities and report all incidents that have led or may lead to injury or damage.

8. HAZARDS, ADVERSE INCIDENTS AND NEAR MISS REPORTING

The Board has in place arrangements for the recording of hazards, adverse incidents and near misses. It is important to ensure that if an adverse incident or hazard involves a lone worker, specific reference should be made to that fact in the recording mechanisms.

Following any adverse incident or near miss an investigation must be undertaken to identify if any lessons can be learnt. Risk assessments must then be amended accordingly.

9. TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION

Training and instruction is crucial for all groups of staff that work alone and those who manage them.

This training must be relevant to the nature of the work

undertaken.

A training needs analysis must be carried out by local managers and must be identified through the risk assessment process. Staff must be made aware of the Board’s Violence to Staff Policy and Guidelines. Staff must be provided with appropriate training in personal safety awareness and physical skills. This training must be part of an on-going programme and be updated regularly.

Status: Issue 1 (Interim) Issue date: 25 March 2010Approved by: Health and Safety Committee Review date: 25 March 2012 Expiry date: 25 March 2013

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Aneurin Bevan Health Board ABHB/H&S/0434Title Lone Workers Owner: Health & Safety

• Personal Safety (on-line) every 2 years • Basic Break Away Skills available via a Risk Assessment

approach It is the employee’s responsibility to attend any training provided for them. Training and personal safety advice is available from the Personal Safety Co-ordinator, Health and Safety Department, based at Llanfrechfa Grange.

Line managers are required to make adequate arrangements to ensure that staff attend courses and that training is regularly updated. Training records will provide the basis for such arrangements in accordance with the organisations training recording provision.

10. RESPONSIBILITIES

10.1. The Chief Executive has ultimate responsibility for ensuring compliance with the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the effectiveness of this policy.

10.2. Senior Managers are responsible for ensuring risk

assessments are undertaken (see appendices), local policies and procedures are introduced; safe systems of work are adopted; training is available; health and safety training records are maintained; ensuring statutory compliance; accident/incident reporting; communication; support; liaison; and audit within their service.

10.3. Line Managers will establish and supervise safe systems of

work; provide, and ensure staff have received appropriate training; and ensure that other policies and procedures are observed.

10.4. All employees are required to comply with the

organisations Risk Management policies and attend training as appropriate. They should use all safety / communication equipment at the appropriate time, and in the appropriate manner; follow the Board’s procedures for the use of this equipment; report unsafe activities or faulty equipment to their Line Manager; report all adverse incidents or near misses using the Board’s incident reporting system.

Status: Issue 1 (Interim) Issue date: 25 March 2010Approved by: Health and Safety Committee Review date: 25 March 2012 Expiry date: 25 March 2013

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Aneurin Bevan Health Board ABHB/H&S/0434Title Lone Workers Owner: Health & Safety

11. LOCAL MONITORING ARRANGEMENTS

Regular local monitoring must be undertaken within Aneurin Bevan Health Board to ensure:

• Lone worker incidents are being reported; • Safe systems are in place; and • Staff have received adequate training.

12. POLICY REVIEW

The Lone Worker Policy will be reviewed on a three yearly basis or sooner if: • There are significant changes in work practices; • There are changes in legislation; and/or • An incident occurs that requires improvement in practice.

13. FURTHER POLICIES AVAILABLE VIA ANEURIN BEVAN HEALTH BOARD INTRANET FOR GUIDANCE

• Violence to staff policy • Occupational Health & Safety policy

REFERENCE

• All Wales Violence and Aggression Training Passport and

Information Scheme

Status: Issue 1 (Interim) Issue date: 25 March 2010Approved by: Health and Safety Committee Review date: 25 March 2012 Expiry date: 25 March 2013

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Aneurin Bevan Health Board ABHB/H&S/0434Title Lone Workers Owner: Health & Safety

Appendix 1 - PERSONAL SAFETY GUIDANCE FOR LONE WORKERS / OFF SITE STAFF

1. Lone Workers

1.1. Risk Assessment

Essential to prevention is your ability to assess each and every situation as you encounter one. Assessment can result in improvement to procedures and identification of correct equipment to support progress. An identified risk must be reported to your manager so that action can be taken.

Lone workers can be classified as those who work in any situation or area without colleagues nearby. As a guide could you call for help and be heard by another member of staff? Following assessment where a member of staff feels that their personal safety is or could be compromised, they must not try to negotiate in these situations but must remove themselves and evaluate later Team Managers must be kept informed and the circumstances reviewed. The Board support measures taken that preserve the safety of staff when a risk is identified and discussed with their line manager.

1.2. Staff Identity Badge

All staff while on duty must to carry their ID badges. It is recommended that community/lone workers keep their ID with them in a non-visible place, for security reasons, but must always show ID if requested.

Whilst “on site” it is recommended that all staff have I.D. visible

although consideration should be made for those working In high-risk areas.

If staff experience problems with malicious telephone calls to their

home, it is advisable for your telephone number to be ex-directory.

N.B. useful number is BRITISH TELECOM Nuisance Line 0800661441

Status: Issue 1 (Interim) Issue date: 25 March 2010Approved by: Health and Safety Committee Review date: 25 March 2012 Expiry date: 25 March 2013

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Aneurin Bevan Health Board ABHB/H&S/0434Title Lone Workers Owner: Health & Safety

1.3. First Appointments/Assessments Where There is a Known Risk to Personal Safety/Security

All first appointments/assessments, where possible, should be seen at team base. Where this is not possible, arrangements must be made for two members of staff to carry out the first appointment/assessment. When both precautions are unable to be taken, contact the Health & Safety department for further advice.

1.4. First Appointments/Assessments Where There is a No Known Risk to Personal Safety/Security

The person carrying out the visit should assess the call using his or her own professional judgement and experience. If there is any apprehension either on assessing the visit or on arrival the process as described in section 1.3 above should be implemented.

1.5. Clinics

A list of clients/patients must be obtained prior to the session. Where a member of staff is running a clinic in isolation, the following must be observed, however it is recommended that clinics are not run by people in isolation: Where feasible observe the following actions: (i) Risk assessment leading to a local policy and

procedures for lone workers

(ii) Notification of clinic times. Local arrangements must be in place to ensure that if and when clinics pass their expected finish time if no notification has been received from the staff member local procedures must be implemented.

(iii) The staff member must have access to a telephone

(iv) A risk assessment must be carried out and a personal

alarm may be necessary

Status: Issue 1 (Interim) Issue date: 25 March 2010Approved by: Health and Safety Committee Review date: 25 March 2012 Expiry date: 25 March 2013

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Aneurin Bevan Health Board ABHB/H&S/0434Title Lone Workers Owner: Health & Safety

(v) Another team member must be aware of the clinic start

and finish time and implement local procedures when necessary. If any help or advice is required producing local procedures please contact the Personal Safety Co-ordinator on 01633 623460.

1.6. Home Visits/Off Site Movements

You must leave a daily diary of visits and movements at your base. (See appendix 2 Proposed Information to be Held at Base)

Where there is a known or expected risk to personal safety/security, it is advised to attend in pairs and take the following precautions: (i) It is recommended that consideration is given for joint

visits to be carried out with other professionals Social Services, GPs etc

(ii) Staff member must have as much background

information as possible on the patient before visiting. Priority must be given to any concerns arising from the information before the visit takes place.

(iii) All staff that provide home visits or regular off site

visits, are required to leave their vehicle details i.e. registration No., make of vehicle, colour of vehicle. A book of staff names and vehicle details must be made accessible and left at their work base. Managers must make sure that the book is kept up to date and is accessible 24 hours a day.

(iv) Staff member must inform a designated person when

they have finished visiting patients and intended movements. Where this does not happen the senior manager must be informed and local procedures initiated.

(v) Staff member must inform a designated person after

finishing all visits at the end of the day. If this does not happen the designated person must initiate local

Status: Issue 1 (Interim) Issue date: 25 March 2010Approved by: Health and Safety Committee Review date: 25 March 2012 Expiry date: 25 March 2013

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Aneurin Bevan Health Board ABHB/H&S/0434Title Lone Workers Owner: Health & Safety

procedures, alert relevant parties, eg senior managers, police as appropriate.

(vi) If a visit is a regular occurrence, staff are advised to

vary the time and day of the visit to avoid becoming a target, e.g. the perception that drugs are being carried.

1.7. Crisis Calls

A crisis call is defined as a situation where there is a known or expected risk to personal safety/security. In this situation the manager must instigate a risk assessment and take appropriate action. Staff must be directed to attend in pairs and take the following precautions:

(i) Staff member must ensure they have the correct details about the individual and family prior to the visit taking place.

(ii) Staff member must ensure they inform nominated

person when attending a crisis call and expected length of time they will allow for call.

(iii) Report back immediately on completing call

(iv) If necessary where a call becomes difficult leave

immediately contact nominated person if aggression / violence encountered contact police.

(v) It is advisable that a mobile phone is available at each

base for use where appropriate 1.8. Potentially Difficult Patients / Problem Relatives

and Associates Any relevant knowledge of a potential risk to staff presented by a patient or any other person who may be at the home must be made available to all Board employees that visit. This information must be centrally co-ordinated by the responsible manager and must be held at the base from where the care package is delivered. Links with other

Status: Issue 1 (Interim) Issue date: 25 March 2010Approved by: Health and Safety Committee Review date: 25 March 2012 Expiry date: 25 March 2013

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Aneurin Bevan Health Board ABHB/H&S/0434Title Lone Workers Owner: Health & Safety

agencies must be established and a protocol agreed on how to best protect staff by an exchange of relevant information. The discipline of confidentiality applies to all information, this cannot prevent the release of information and subsequently jeopardise staff personal safety.

1.9. Escorts

Where there is a risk to personal safety/security: (i) A full risk assessment of the patient must be

completed prior to leaving the unit. (ii) Consideration must be given to the most appropriate

mode of transport to meet the individual patients’ needs.

(iii) A mobile phone must be taken with staff when they

accompany patients off any unit. (iv) Staffing:

(a) A suitable member of staff as agreed by the person in charge, must accompany patient off the unit.

(b) Male staff must be present if male patients are

escorted and vice versa for female patients.

(c) If patient’s profiles case notes are with the patient, staff must ensure that both the safety and confidentiality of the case notes are maintained at all times.

(d) Where escorting by car always sit patients behind

passenger seat (with seat belt on). Staff always to sit behind vehicle driver.

(e) If patient becomes aggressive/violent pull over and

leave the vehicle (always remove keys). Contact the police as soon as possible.

Status: Issue 1 (Interim) Issue date: 25 March 2010Approved by: Health and Safety Committee Review date: 25 March 2012 Expiry date: 25 March 2013

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1.10. Internal Areas

1.10.1. Interview Rooms

All rooms that are used for patient/family interviews should consider having an alarm system with appropriate procedures in place. (See appendix 2 for additional information).

1.10.2. Reception/Outpatient Areas

When members of staff are experiencing difficulty, there must be a system in place to summon assistance.

1.10.3. Basic Vehicle Security/Safety

Never leave items on display in vehicle ie

bags, brief cases, CDs,/ cassettes, and place all items out of site in the boot.

Always have vehicle keys in hand when

leaving premises / building (this saves time looking for keys whilst stood outside vehicle, thereby preventing personal safety risk).

Always check inside vehicle for possible

intruders before entering

Once inside vehicle lock all doors especially when travelling at slow speeds and stopping at traffic controls.

Always try to park close to the address

you are visiting and in a well lit area

Status: Issue 1 (Interim) Issue date: 25 March 2010Approved by: Health and Safety Committee Review date: 25 March 2012 Expiry date: 25 March 2013

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1.10.4. Dealing with the Threat of Animals, all Types - Basic Guidelines

If there is a known problem with animals

at an address it is advised to contact the occupants (if possible) to secure the animal(s) before you arrive.

First home appointment/visits, if you

attend and are confronted by a dangerous pet ie aggressive dog, do not put yourself at risk, contact line manager inform them of the situation and abandon the visit if necessary. Personal alarms could be used if an

attack is imminent from a dog, as the piercing noise has prevented attacks previously, however staff should be aware that piercing noises can aggravate the situation. Any clinical procedures within the home

may provoke a reaction from a pet so it is recommended they are not present during this time. Due consideration should be given to

possible pet allergies If you feel uneasy with any animals

present, ask for it to be removed under health and safety guidelines.

Status: Issue 1 (Interim) Issue date: 25 March 2010Approved by: Health and Safety Committee Review date: 25 March 2012 Expiry date: 25 March 2013

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Aneurin Bevan Health Board ABHB/H&S/0434Title Lone Workers Owner: Health & Safety

APPENDIX 2 - Environmental Precautions

1. Office Layout

The overall aim in office design must be to make the atmosphere as non-oppressive and conducive to relaxation as possible. At the same time consideration for your personal safety is vital. Awareness of the following points will lessen the risk: Ensure that you can reach an escape route without being

obstructed Arrange furniture so that it cannot be used against you

Remove objects that can be used as weapons or missiles

i.e. plant pots, glass objects etc

Prevent any door locks from being activated

Direct visitors to a chair in the position of your choice

With dangers such as glass keep your distance to a maximum i.e. windows, doors etc

Consideration should be given to fitting safety glass where

ever possible

2. Strategy

Inform others when you have someone present

Have another person present if apprehensive

Prepare an urgent call sign in the event of an emergency

Recognise hot drinks or china as a risk, they could be

used as a missile or weapon

Status: Issue 1 (Interim) Issue date: 25 March 2010Approved by: Health and Safety Committee Review date: 25 March 2012 Expiry date: 25 March 2013

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Allow access for others to enter swiftly

Consider the need for a person to leave quickly when they get angry

3. Alarm Systems

Alarms must be located in a position that is easily accessible for staff

All staff must be made aware of the sound the alarm will

make Panic alarm tests must be held regularly at a set time (i.e.

weekly) The sound of the alarm must be distinct and avoid

confusion with any other alarms in use in the area, i.e. door bell, fire alarm etc

The alarm must sound in an area where staff are readily

able to respond/assist

Whenever possible, prepare adequately for interviews or consultations, the physical design can always be in place as can a contingency plan or procedure. Don’t be afraid to move any furniture.

Remain alert and avoid complacency. For further Information contact: Personal Safety Co-ordinator on 01633 623460

Status: Issue 1 (Interim) Issue date: 25 March 2010Approved by: Health and Safety Committee Review date: 25 March 2012 Expiry date: 25 March 2013

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4. Proposed Information to be Held at Base

STAFF MEMBERS NAME…….……………………... BASE …………….… Mobile Tel. No. ….……………………… Home Tel. No. …………………….. Person to be contacted in an emergency ………………………………............. .......................................................................................................................... VEHICLE DETAILS: REG. NO……….. MAKE……….…….. MODEL……..…… COLOUR…………

Example of a staff daily diary, this can be weekly / monthly, as long as it is updated as necessary (please be aware of patient confidentiality). 1st PATIENT DETAILS: NAME:……………………

ADDRESS………………

……………………………

Tel. No.: …………………

Date/Time ………………

2nd PATIENT DETAILS:

NAME:……………………

ADDRESS………………

……………………………

Tel. No.: …………………

Date/Time ………………

3rd PATIENT DETAILS:

NAME:……………………..

ADDRESS…………………

………………………………

Tel. No.: ……………………

Date/Time …………………

4th PATIENT DETAILS:

NAME:……………………

ADDRESS………………

……………………………

Tel. No.: …………………

Date/Time ………………

5th PATIENT DETAILS:

NAME:……………………

ADDRESS………………

……………………………

Tel. No.: …………………

Date/Time ………………

6th PATIENT DETAILS:

NAME:…………………..…

ADDRESS…………………

………………………………

Tel. No.: ……………………

Date/Time …………………

Status: Issue 1 (Interim) Issue date: 25 March 2010Approved by: Health & Safety Committee Review date: 25 March 2012 Expiry date: 25 March 2013

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APPENDIX 3 - CHECKLIST FOR HOME OR ON-CALL VISITS

1. Before leaving

a) Check:

records: anything known; route and location: be sure how and where to go; vehicle, fuel, tyres OK

b) Let other know:

where you are going and how long you will be; ring at regular intervals ensure list of car registration numbers are at base

c) Difficult visits:

ring in prior to and after visit

d) Stand-ins:

brief colleagues on difficulties

e) Accompanied visits:

do you have a local policy on when you request other staff to assist?

NB some police forces will try to provide an escort where imminent danger is threatened, subject to resources available

f) Doubts:

if in doubt, double check address, telephone number; check the telephone directory or ask the operator to

confirm, consider ringing back to confirm verify information about previous treatment; ask caller

to be visible at house window or door as you arrive and to leave light on/curtains drawn back at night

do not become a victim assess the situation and needs before leaving

Status: Issue 1 (Interim) Issue date: 25 March 2010Approved by: Health & Safety Committee Review date: 25 March 2012 Expiry Date: 25 March 2013

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2. En route

a) Consider:

the time the location the route

b) Procedure:

lock car - whilst driving if necessary do not leave medical bag on view being followed? uneasy? uncertain? remain with or return to your vehicle, drive away for a

short while; drive to a safe place if your suspicions are confirmed, contact the police

3. On arrival

be alert be aware be safe park with care - ensure you can pull straight out from

parking position

a) If in doubt:

do not enter premises seek advice seek assistance plan your action

NB If violence is threatened, leave immediately unless medical requirements make this impossible.

4. Personal safety

park in well-lit area do not take short cuts do walk facing oncoming traffic do avoid groups of rowdy people do carry a torch - if dark

Status: Issue 1 (Interim) Issue date: 25 March 2010Approved by: Health & Safety Committee Review date: 25 March 2012 Expiry Date: 25 March 2013

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do have a personal alarm readily at hand if provided, ensure mobile phone is readily available

a) On return to car:

do have the keys ready do check the interior before getting in lock the door immediately you get in

NB: Minimise the risks - think ahead

5. Additional Advice for On-call Staff

Where staff are attending a site on an on-call basis and they are likely to be reporting to a department or area where they may be alone steps should be taken to inform the site manager who is in work and on site at that time. Appropriate arrangements should be agreed to ensure that the person called out can enter their place of work safely. All guidance in this section regarding personal safety should be considered.

6. Keeping you and your car safe

lock it close the windows do not leave property on view do not leave medicines/prescription pads on display do not advertise Dr or nurse on call unnecessarily fit and use security locks fit security film on inside of side and rear windows ensure car registration is etched on all windows do not leave registration documents in car

7. Equipment

torch personal alarm does everything work? check batteries and carry spare

Status: Issue 1 (Interim) Issue date: 25 March 2010Approved by: Health & Safety Committee Review date: 25 March 2012 Expiry Date: 25 March 2013

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Aneurin Bevan Health Board ABHB/H&S/0434Title Lone Workers Owner: Health & Safety

APPENDIX 4

1. HOME VISITING CHECKLIST FOR MANAGERS

Are your staff who visit:

fully trained in strategies for the prevention of violence? briefed about the area where they work? aware of attitudes, traits or mannerisms which can annoy

clients etc? given all available information about the client from all

relevant agencies?

Have they:

understood the importance of previewing cases? left an itinerary? made plans to keep in contact with colleagues? the means to contact you - even when the switchboard may

not be in use? got your home telephone number (and have you got theirs)? a sound grasp of your organisation’s preventive strategy? authority to arrange an accompanied visit, security escort or

use of taxis?

Do they:

carry forms for reporting incidents? appreciate the need for this procedure? use the forms? know your attitude to premature termination of interviews? know how to control and defuse potentially violent situations? appreciate their responsibilities for their own safety? understand the provisions for their support by your

organisation?

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2. HOME VISITING CHECKLIST FOR STAFF

Have you:

had all the relevant training about violence to staff? a sound grasp of your unit’s safety policy for visitors? a clear idea about the area into which you are going? carefully previewed today’s cases? Any ‘PVs’? asked to ‘double up’, take an escort or use a taxi if unsure? made appointment(s)? left your itinerary and expected departure/arrival times? told colleagues, manager, etc about possible changes of

plan? arranged for contact if your return is overdue?

Do you have:

forms to record and report incidents? a personal alarm or radio? Does it work? Is it handy? a bag/briefcase, wear an outer uniform or car stickers that

suggest you have money or drugs with you? Is this wise where you are going today/tonight?

out-of-hours telephone numbers etc to summon help?

Can you:

be certain your attitudes, body language etc won’t cause trouble?

defuse potential problems and manage aggression?

Remember the three Vs of visiting:

Vet

Verify

Vigilance

Aneurin Bevan Health Board ABHB/H&S/0434Title Lone Workers Owner: Health & Safety

Status: Issue 1 (Interim) Issue date: 25 March 2010Approved by: Health & Safety Committee Review date:25 March 2012 Expiry date: 25 March 2013

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APPENDIX 5 - Action to be taken if a staff member is believed to be missing.

1. Inform line supervisor / manager. Supervisor / manager to initiate the following action:

2. Ring staff members mobile phone leave message (if possible) asking staff member to contact you ASAP. Message should state your concerns for staff members safety and leave your contact number for staff to contact, if message is picked up.

3. Contact missing staff member’s colleagues.

4. Ring staff members home number, asking if staff member has been in contact/ been seen, explain to suitable person (i.e. next of kin) of concerns of whereabouts of staff member and to contact you at ASAP, if staff member arrives home or gets in contact. (leave your contact numbers) Questions to be asked:

A. When was the last time colleague was seen? B. When was colleague last spoken to? C. Check staff daily dairy, ascertain where staff member should be / was? D. Leave your contact details and advise staff to contact you ASAP if staff member is traced.

5. We have been advised by Gwent Police to contact them within 1 hour, depending on the circumstances to initiate their missing persons operation. The Police may need the following information:

• Staff members name & date of birth. • Description of staff member. • Home address & contact details of staff member and next of Kin of staff member. • Vehicle details: make, colour, registration. • Last place seen ( staff daily dairy may be of use) • Does the staff member have any serious health problems. 6. Inform Health & Safety Department

Health & Safety Manager: 01633 623456 Personal Safety Co-ordinator: 01633 623460 Administrative Support: 01633 623437