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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Health and Safety at Work Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish clear health and safety procedures that protect staff, service users, and visitors within {{org_field_name}}’s domiciliary care service. Ensuring a safe working environment is critical for preventing accidents, maintaining high-quality care standards, and complying with legal and regulatory requirements.

This policy outlines responsibilities, risk management strategies, and practical procedures that ensure staff work safely in care environments, including service users’ homes.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All staff, including care workers, managers, and administrative personnel.
• Service users and their families, as they play a role in maintaining safe environments.
• Visitors and contractors, who must comply with safety procedures.
• The Registered Manager and Responsible Individual, who oversee health and safety compliance.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy is based on the following legislation and CIW regulations:

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, requiring employers to ensure safe working conditions.
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, which mandates risk assessments.
• The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016.
• The Regulated Services (Service Providers and Responsible Individuals) (Wales) Regulations 2017, which place responsibilities on service providers to ensure a safe working environment.
• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, which govern hazardous substances.
• The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, which regulate lifting and moving techniques.
• The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013, which require reporting of workplace incidents.

4. Health and Safety Management in Domiciliary Care

4.1 Health and Safety Responsibilities

Health and safety is a shared responsibility. At {{org_field_name}}, we ensure:

• The Responsible Individual and Registered Manager oversee compliance with health and safety laws.
• Supervisors and team leaders monitor daily implementation of safety procedures.
• Care staff follow safety protocols and report hazards.
• Service users and families are informed about risks in the home environment.

How we manage this efficiently:

• Health and safety responsibilities are outlined in job descriptions.
• All staff receive mandatory health and safety training upon induction and refresher courses annually.
• Regular meetings are held to discuss safety concerns and improvements.

4.2 Risk Assessments

Risk assessments identify hazards, assess risks, and implement control measures to protect staff and service users.

At {{org_field_name}}, we conduct risk assessments for:

• Service user homes, ensuring safe environments for care delivery.
• Manual handling risks, such as moving and assisting individuals with mobility issues.
• Use of hazardous substances, including cleaning agents and medical supplies.
• Slips, trips, and falls, especially in service users’ homes.
• Infection control risks, particularly when dealing with vulnerable individuals.

How we manage this efficiently:

• Risk assessments are updated regularly, or sooner if a new risk emerges.
• Staff are trained in identifying and reporting hazards.
• Service users and families are consulted to implement safe practices within their homes.

4.3 Lone Working Safety

Domiciliary care staff often work alone, increasing risks related to personal safety and emergency response.

To ensure safety, {{org_field_name}}:

• Implements a lone worker monitoring system, where staff check in before and after visits.
• Provides emergency contact protocols for staff in distress.
• Conducts dynamic risk assessments when entering new environments.

How we manage this efficiently:

• All staff carry mobile phones with emergency contacts programmed.
• A lone worker policy is in place to ensure support and supervision.
• Managers conduct spot-checks to verify safety compliance.

4.4 Infection Prevention and Control

Preventing infection is critical in domiciliary care, particularly for service users with weakened immune systems.

{{org_field_name}} ensures:

• Hand hygiene procedures are strictly followed.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided and worn correctly.
• Infection control training is mandatory for all staff.
• Cleaning and disinfection protocols are followed in service users’ homes.

How we manage this efficiently:

• Regular audits check that infection control measures are being followed.
• Staff receive ongoing infection control training, including updates on new guidelines.
• Emergency outbreak protocols are in place, aligned with CIW and Public Health Wales guidance.

4.5 Safe Moving and Handling

Improper lifting and handling can cause serious injuries. {{org_field_name}} ensures:

• Staff receive manual handling training, including use of hoists and other equipment.
• A ‘no-lift’ policy is enforced unless appropriate aids are used.
• Service users’ mobility needs are assessed to prevent strain on staff.

How we manage this efficiently:

• Annual refresher training is provided on moving and handling techniques.
• Risk assessments guide staff on how to safely assist individuals.
• Staff report concerns regarding unsafe handling practices immediately.

4.6 Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures

Fire safety measures protect staff, service users, and properties. {{org_field_name}} ensures:

• Staff assess fire risks in service users’ homes.
• Evacuation procedures are discussed with service users.
• Smoke alarms are checked regularly, and service users are encouraged to maintain them.

How we manage this efficiently:

• Fire safety awareness training is mandatory for all care staff.
• Emergency contact lists are maintained for each service user.
• Incident reporting procedures ensure that safety concerns are addressed promptly.

4.7 Accident and Incident Reporting (RIDDOR Compliance)

All accidents, injuries, and near-misses must be recorded, investigated, and reported.

{{org_field_name}} ensures:

• Accident report forms are completed after every incident.
• Serious incidents are reported to CIW and HSE as required by law.
• Lessons learned from incidents inform future safety improvements.

How we manage this efficiently:

• An incident management system tracks and analyses patterns of accidents.
• Corrective actions are implemented to prevent recurrence.
• Immediate investigations ensure proper responses to safety failures.

5. Related Policies

This policy aligns with:

• Risk Management and Assessment Policy (DCW18).
• Lone Working and Staff Safety Policy (DCW23).
• Infection Prevention and Control Policy (DCW17).
• Fire Safety and Evacuation Policy (DCW20).
• Management of Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses Policy (DCW24).

6. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to changes in legislation, business needs, or CIW regulations. The Registered Manager and Responsible Individual are responsible for ensuring its accuracy and implementation.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.