How To Do A Risk Assessment
The continuous thing I see and hear in the AC online groups is that AC's are expected to know about things like risk assessments, care plans, activity planning etc but no one shows them and they are left with feelings of frustration and overwhelm.
Risk assessment is something I would recommend AC's do as standard practice for lots of reasons and in this blog I cover the why and do's. Hope it helps you.
A risk assessment is a careful examination of what in your workplace could have the potential to cause harm to people in your care.
It allows you to evaluate if you have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm.
Why You Need To Do A Risk Assessment
It is a legal requirement under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 to provide a care plan (Which your home manager will do) but under that remit you have to make sure it is centered on the resident's individual needs etc.
And risk assessments need to be done if doing an activity, such as going out on an outing.
You need to consider two basic things during assessment. Firstly, physical risks, stairs, wheel chair access, mini bus/coach access, floor surface etc. Secondly, procedural risk, you need to consider manual handling, way staff work, staff ratios, resident's attitudes etc.
Always ensure the risk assessment is signed off and reviewed periodically as stated on the risk assessment.
Things To Identifying
Hazard- Identify the potential for harm.
Who's At Risk – State the names on the document.
Level of Risk- Medium, high,low.
Precautions- State what needs to be done.
Who will do them- Staff.
When- State when.
Make sure it is signed and dated.
AC Action Plan
Health & Safety: To be responsible for your own Health and Safety and that of anybody else who may be affected by your acts or omissions.
To complete risk assessments on activities, outings and events as necessary.
Promote safe working practice in the care home.
Do you have risk assessments in place for equipment used?
Make a of what equipment you do have and what needs a risk assessment in your home-
Really important to have a risk assessment in place for lots of reasons. From a legal perspective if you’re not there and someone decides to use the parachute for example and someone holds it incorrectly and breaks a finger this can have huge implications on the home.
That’s just one example. it’s good practice and if you write the risk assessment people can have clear written instructions on how to use equipment and avoid negative things from happening as they sign to say they have read it and understood it.
And that way everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet.
Until next time keep shining and remember your worth. Do you like what I have shared? Let me know and also I have created an online AC Academy that gives you support with all the challenges you face. www.actasticacademy.com.
Don't Be Alone!Come connect with me on FB and be part of my online community of fellow AC's at www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup
Also I hold a care show every year so please feel free to come on the 24/05/16 at Lancing Parish Halls, South St, Lancing. 10am-4pm. FREE admission.
Until next time, keep shining.
Love,
Ann Marie x
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