Providing care in homes and the community raises significant safety challenges because of the isolation and lack of control employers and workers have over the work environment. If at any time a worker feels unsafe or threatened, they need to trust their instincts, leave the situation, and go to a safe place.

Plan your travels…

When visiting clients in the community the first step is planning ahead. It is important to get to know the area, particularly the safe areas in the district (make note of nearby police stations, public telephones, and other public buildings like hospitals and restaurants/stores open late). Plan the safest route to and from the client’s home, even if it isn’t the most direct. Dress code is also very important in the planning process; do not wear clothing that may restrict your movements or get caught/pulled on, as well as wear non-skid shoes that allow you to move quickly and safely. Always ensure you have your cell phone or communication device with you and that it is fully charged.

Client Visits…

Elevators:
Stand close to the control panel with your back to the wall; be aware of the alarm and if anyone bothers you, press the button for the floor you are closest to and press alarm-do not push stop. Get off as soon as possible and knock on the first available door. *If avoiding an assault yell FIRE and kick the walls.

Hallways:
Stick to the center of the hallway, avoiding alcoves and hidden corners. In a hallway emergency, knock on as many doors as possible and yell FIRE. *If you fear serious injury to yourself or other, pull fire alarm.

Stairwells:
If you must use stairs, keep count of the number of floors you are ascending or descending as some buildings do not have floor doors numbered.

BEFORE entering a client’s home:

• Do not enter a home if there is visible threat to safety (e.g. drugs, alcohol, weapons, pornography, animals out of their cages) or where your instinct tells you not to.
• Before getting out of the car/entering home, check the surrounding location and activity; observe the environment for signs of used syringes, odours, clutter , people fighting etc. and follow SCAN. PLAN. PROCEED. process. *Trust your judgment and do not enter if your instinct tells you not to.

When IN a client’s home:

• Do not remain at a visit where a client, a client’s visitors or family are intoxicated, abusive, inappropriately dressed, where sexual comments/innuendoes are made or pornography is viewed in your presence.
• Leave if you are told to leave.
• Sit where you have a good view of the bedrooms or hall to the bedrooms; if possible keep an open pathway for exiting and listen for anyone coming in from outside door.
• Verbal communication and body language are very important when dealing with potentially violent/aggressive clients.
• Maintain behavior that helps to defuse anger by (1) presenting a calm, caring attitude, (2) not matching threats, (3) not giving orders, and (4) acknowledging the person’s feelings.
  *If you feel threatened, or the interaction is increasing a client’s anger, terminate the interaction immediately.

*Personal attack TIPS - Make a scene, yell or scream as loud as possible - shout words like FIRE! STOP! HELP!; run to nearby store or nearest well-lit area and continue calling for help
*If you are being pulled or dragged along, fall to the ground and roll

*When a weapon is involved- Never try to disarm. If possible, try to leave situation and call 9-1-1

Possible Control Methods…

• A “buddy” system
• Establish a check-in procedure. Make sure that regular contact is kept with all employees. Establish ways to account for people (visually,verbally) while they are working
• Periodic telephone contact
• Site specific plans created by supervisor, employee and Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC)

When working alone always be aware of the risks of working alone (diagram below), the measures you can take to ensure your safety, as well as communicate your concerns and whereabouts with your employer.