Security measures and procedures should be in place at work.
These are designed to protect you, your colleagues and the individuals you support from becoming a victim of crime. In residential homes there may be people specifically responsible for security. You should know what security procedures and systems are in place and follow these at all times. If security is breached, you will need to know what to do.
Security in place may include:
Window and door locks
Window and door alarms
Automatic security lights
Visitors sign in book
Some workplaces will also have security cameras and security guards.
Security procedures will also be in place.
These may include:
- Asking strangers on the premises if you can help them, checking who they are and what they are doing. Escorting them to the person they wish to see.
- Checking visitors’ identities by asking to see a photo identity card. Make sure they are expected. Don’t let people into the building unless you have consent to do so.
- Checking the identity of people who phone asking for information. Do not give any information unless you have consent to do so.
- Raising an alarm if you hear or see something that does not seem right.
Lone working
If you are working in an individual’s home, you can encourage them to get advice and guidance on how to make their home more secure. You may be working alone or at night time which could present higher safety risks. Lone working can also happen in a residential home.
If you are at a higher risk of lone working, we recommend you take our Lone Working course. It provides lots of information and guidance.
These are some of the key things to note for now.
- The importance of proper planning before you visit someone. Be aware of the risks, for example, if the property isolated, how you gain access, the location of the key or key safe and if there are any pets that may pose a risk.
- Is the street lighting and parking isolated? Park your car as close to the property as possible and if possible, pointing in the direction of your exit.
- Carry a personal attack alarm and a mobile phone. Ensure phone is fully charged and equipment is checked regularly.
- Someone should always know where you are.
- Carry a blanket and flask in cold weather conditions.
Your employer should have a lone worker policy and a process for conducting risk assessments on lone workers. Have you seen this? If not, what are you waiting for?
Missing Persons
For the safety of individuals in a residential setting, day care setting or secure hospital, it is important that their whereabouts is generally known at all times, particularly if they suffer from memory loss or conditions like dementia.
The location of individuals living in a residential setting and any appointments or outings should be communicated during the handover at the beginning of your shift.
Aggression and violence
It is important to know how to be able to deal with aggression and violence. This could be from the individuals you support, their family and friends, or a member of the public. It could be directed at you, at the individuals you support or their family and friends.
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