13.1 Responsibilities

Supported Lives has a duty as an employer to provide a safe working environment for its staff. Because the great majority of staff work in Clients' homes, this duty will be met in the following ways:

Training and/or information will be provided in relation to moving and handling, hazardous substances, the safe use of equipment and response to emergencies.
The registered manager ensures that an assessment is undertaken, by a trained and qualified person, of the potential risks to Clients and staff associated with delivering the support (including where appropriate the risks associated with assisting with medication and other health related activities) before Supported Lives commences work and this will be updated annually or more frequently if necessary.
A risk assessment of the Clients home will be carried out when finalising the details of the Support Package.
Appropriate protective clothing will be provided (disposable aprons, gloves).
Personal alarms will be provided if required.

In turn, staff have a duty to be vigilant and to take reasonable steps to protect themselves, by following approved procedures, reporting any situations where they feel there is a risk, and completing accident/incident forms as required.

This document was updated in January 2007

Policies and Procedures

13.1 Responsibilities