Subject title: Risk Checklist Completion Policy Volume: Approved by: Tracy Jones
Policy Identifier: Originated: January 2011 Revised:
Signature: Tracy Jones Page 1 of 2
Risk Checklist Completion Policy PREAMBLE The organization recognizes the need to ensure employees are adequately prepared for and have the necessary skills, tools, and instruction to appropriately assess the safety of the environment in which they work, particularly in the area of prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD’s). POLICY All newly hired employees, during orientation review the “Client Handling” policy, with particular attention paid to those activities and processes that may impose a risk of injury, specifically, conducting an assessment of the client condition and the environment. Client handling refers primarily to a lift or transfer of the client, however, the principles outlined under the section on Environment should become part of the initial risk assessment during the first visit: The Environment Ensure that the path of the transfer is clear by removing any obstacles. Check for uneven floors, scatter mats, any impediments that may increase the demands for client care. Ensure that furniture is arranged to allow easy access and that beds and chairs are at the appropriate heights for safe transfers. Be sure that there are no spills on the floor. Ensure that the lighting is adequate. Ensure noise, such as personal conversations, instruction to another client in the same room at the same time, television and radio are kept to a minimum to avoid distraction when preparing to transfer a client. PROCEDURE 1. 2.
The Personal Support Worker, at the first visit, will initiate and complete the Risk Checklist In addition to the physical condition of the client (under Physical on the Risk Checklist), particular attention is given to both the bathroom/bedroom and environment categories, ensuring all areas are identified that may pose a risk for musculoskeletal injuries, including, but not limited to :
the height and location of the client’s bed – is the bed too low, or too close to the wall? the location of other furniture in the rooms in which you will provide care – is there easy access, do you need to assume an awkward position to provide the care? are you required to kneel on a hard surface ( a bathroom floor, for example) in order to provide care? Is there adequate room for the use of a mechanical lift, if required? Are the floors of the same height and free of clutter (ie: scatter mats) for wheelchair and walker use, without undue stress on the employee? (activities requiring pushing or pulling)
3.
Complete the Risk Checklist, discussing any risks identified with the client or substitute decision maker. Include any safety recommendations on the Risk Checklist.
4.
On the Client Care Plan (blue form), note any risks under “Safety Alerts” and inform the Client Care Specialist and Nurse Manager to ensure these are added to the message board in the client’s electronic file.
Reference Manual System – Policies and Procedures
5.
Report any identified risk to the Nurse Manager immediately, for follow up. Both copies of the Risk Checklist are left in the home for the Nurse Manager
6.
The Nurse Manager, at her/his initial visit, reviews the Risk Checklist and any risks identified and noted by the Personal Support Worker, in addition to any new risks identified.
7.
Identified risks are also noted on the Client Care Plan under “Safety Alerts”. The Nurse Manager discusses with the client and/or substitute decision maker, strategies to remove or reduce the risk and notes same under Safety Alerts and on the Risk Checklist under Follow up Recommendations and Implementation. Notes are also left here for modifications to the plan of care, if necessary, if the risk cannot be eliminated (ie: sponge bathing if a transfer is unsafe or could cause harm/injury to the client and/or PSW).
8.
The Nurse Manager, upon completion of the Risk Checklist, ensures the carbon copy is returned to the office for placement in the client office file.
9.
All risks are reported, by the Nurse Manager, to the CCAC Case Manager for CCAC clients, and to the charge nurse or operating manager in retirement and long term care homes.
10. If risks are identified, and are not able to be eliminated, a voice message is left by the Nurse Manager, on the individual Preferred confidential voice mail box for all PSW’s providing care to the client, explaining the details of the risk and steps taken to reduce or eliminate the risk. Subsequent changes to the client care plan, if necessary, are also communicated. 11. It is the responsibility of the Nurse Manager to enter an appropriate note in the client’s electronic file, capturing the risk identified on the first visit. A follow up note is to be also entered, once resolution has occurred. These will be followed up and tracked monthly at Quality Improvement Team meetings. 12. It is the responsibility of the Personal Support Worker to communicate any changes in the client’s condition – either physical or environmental, which may impact the client plan of care, to the Nurse Manager, for investigation and follow up.
Reference Manual System – Policies and Procedures