After the huddle, staff should be able to:

1. Recognize existing or potential hazards in the workplace
2. Recall what to do if a hazard is present

Instructions

Choose one scenario, read it out loud, and use the guiding questions to have a conversation about the different hazards that can be present in your workplace.

Definition

A hazard is anything that could cause harm or create an adverse effect.

Scenarios

A: You enter the home of your client, Mr. Craig, who is sitting in the kitchen. You hear his dog barking aggressively and feel nervous because it sounds more aggressive than usual. You see clutter in the entryway and smell burning from a pot boiling on the stove. Mr. Craig is angry and says, “What took you so long?”

B: During the summer, you go to check on Mrs. Lexington who called about her room being too hot. When you enter the room you see the sun glaring in from the large windows and the air conditioner plugged in with a worn-out extension cord. You feel the temperature in the room is much warmer than usual and you smell the strong cleaning product that was recently used on the windows.

Guiding questions

1. Consider what you see, hear, feel and smell. Are there any existing or potential hazards in this scenario? What are they?
2. How would you navigate these hazards to make sure you are safe?
3. Who should you talk to if you are unsure how to navigate a hazard?

Notes to the huddle leader

1. Use the hazard examples provided to discuss existing or potential hazards.
2. Discuss how your organization manages hazards, how to work safely, and how to report concerns.