Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. STAFF SAFETY AT WORK PURPOSE: To establish a system for preventing staff problems safety and security. To establish a system for reporting problems should they occur. POLICY: · All agency staff will be aware of the need to be “security conscious” and to report any real or anticipated problems to their immediate supervisor. Clinical staff will be advised of specific patient/family problems prior to home visits. · In addition, full-time clinical employees are provided with pagers. · The agency provides on-going education to employees in the area of office safety and field safety. For our staff we maintain a safety training that is included at orientation and ongoing training. Employees safety training activities include, but are not limited to: Body mechanics Workplace fire safety management and evacuation plan Workplace or office security Personal safety techniques Common environmental hazards, (e.g., icy parking areas and walkways, blocked exits, cluttered stairways, etc.) Office equipment safety Personal safety techniques relating to in-home care/service safety PROCEDURE: To prevent a potential incident and maximize employee safety while providing patient care in the community/home setting, the following suggestions should be followed: List the visit schedule for each patient on the case manager weekly visit schedule. Phone patient prior to visit so that patient is expected the visit In high crime areas, schedule visits early in the day. In some instances, two clinicians may visit the patient’s home to increase employee’s safety. Write the explicit directions to the patient’s house on the patient chart and add any possible hazards such as dogs on the property, locked gates, etc. When going to car, have keys ready. Hold the keys in your hand in such a way that they can be used as a weapon (between your fingers). Check you car before getting in. Check to see if the doors are locked, and if they aren’t, don’t touch the car, as you will disturb any fingerprints. Check for a person crouching in the back seat, even if the doors are locked. Car doors should be kept locked at all times. Carry an extra car key in your bag or lab coat pocket. Be aware of your surroundings, whether in your car or walking. When leaving the office to make visits, consider locking your purse or other valuables in the trunk. Do not carry a purse when making visits. Do not have equipment and supplies visible in your car while in home making visits. Know the location of stores, restaurants, police stations, etc. (safe places) Obtain a copy of the patient direction sheet before the visit. Pay attention to the address you are going to make sure you are at the correct house. Park close to the house. Do not park where your exit can be blocked. Don’t walk a great distance away from your vehicle. Be aware of overgrown trees, bushes, etc., where someone Home Health Agency. - - Personnel/Operations Policies B-103