Preventing hazards relating to working alone

Do the following before arriving at the client’s home:

• Scan the area, the neighbourhood and the entrance to the client’s home
• If no concerns are identified, approach the client’s home
• If concerns are identified, go to a safe location and report to your supervisor

Once inside the client’s home

• Observe the client and the behaviour of any other occupant
• Continue to assess both the client and the home environment as you do your work
• If no concerns are identified, continue to do your work
• If concerns are identified, consider the risk to yourself
• If you are unable to reduce the risk and feel threatened, leave and report to your supervisor

Are you prepared?

Before entering the client’s home

• My supervisor has provided me with the check-in procedure for working alone
• I have checked the area for hazards
• I have completed the check-in procedure
• I am alert and aware of my surrounding
• I am wearing practical footwear that will allow me to leave quickly if necessary
• I have read the client’s care plan
• I have a mobile phone on, or near me, while I am working so that I can call for help if needed
• I have a clear route that I can take if I need to leave quickly
• I know what to do if I feel threatened or unsafe
• I know to contact my supervisor immediately if it is unsafe for me to proceed