22. Describe the measures designed to protect security at work for you and people you support

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:
1.   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.
2.  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.
3.  Checking the identity of people who phone
asking for information. Do not give any information unless you have
consent to do so.
4.   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.

You should never put yourself or colleagues in danger and
if you feel threatened, you should withdraw immediately. 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.

Irrespective of where they live, any individual who
appears to be missing must be reported immediately. Check if your employer has
agreed ways of working if someone goes missing.

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. 

Each situation is likely to be different but you should
always remember if anyone is violent towards you:
-Never
retaliate

-Walk
away

-Get
help

If you are working with individuals who are known to be
aggressive or violent, it is recommended that you undertake some learning in
dealing with difficult, aggressive, challenging behaviour. You may also want to
consider learning self-defense.