Circle of Care is committed to the prevention of workplace violence and harassment, and to promoting a workplace culture where employee safety and well-being is valued. There are certain known hazards such as client aggression and working alone, that our employees can deal with in their daily routines, and it is important that you review important information related to workplace violence and harassment on an annual basis.
If you have not already done so, please ensure to complete our mandatory training module, 2022 Annual Policy Attestation (Part 4). This important module focuses on training and policies related to workplace violence and harassment, and also includes a risk assessment survey. Your feedback is important so that we can ensure we are continually improving our workplace violence and harassment program. The training module can be accessed through Dayforce and you will have until March 31, 2023 to complete the module.
Safe Operating Procedures
Our Joint Health and Safety Committee has also reviewed our Safe Operating Procedures for Working Alone and Client Aggression. We encourage you to review these documents.
Reducing the Risk of Community Violence
To reduce the risk of an external assault while travelling to and from client homes throughout the day, follow these tips:
- Be aware of your surroundings – make sure to walk and park your car in well let areas. Pay attention to your surroundings and don’t look down at your cell phone.
- Know the area that you are visiting – map the area before visiting the client’s home. If you are going to a client that you are unfamiliar with, plan out your route in advance and make sure you are sticking to main walkways and intersections.
- Pack ahead of time – plan and take only the items that you will need for your visits scheduled for the day. Leave any valuables or personal items in your car trunk, or leave these at home.
- Once you are in your vehicle, ensure all doors are locked and windows are up – While driving, if you suspect that you are being followed, note the car’s license number, and go immediately to the nearest police, fire, or service station. Do not leave your car, and honk repeatedly until someone responds.
- Keep your cell phone close by and handy – have emergency numbers handy in case you do experience community violence. Report any incidents to your Supervisor, Manager or Human Resources.
De-escalating Client Aggression
To reduce the risk of client aggression while you are in your client’s homes, follow these tips:
- Be aware of your immediate surroundings – make note of any caregivers that may be in the home in addition to your client, or any pets that are in the home and should be secured while you are completing your client visit.
- If you notice that your client is becoming aggressive or is having a change to their demeanor, stand outside of your client’s personal space. Keep a safe distance away from the client, and stand off to their side (not directly in front of them).
- Position yourself in the client’s room in a way so that you can easily reach an exit. If your client becomes aggressive or violent, remove yourself from the situation and exit the area. Call Circle of Care to report the incident.
- Learn the early signs of escalating aggressive behaviour such as fidgeting, heightened breathing, or a flushed face. If you notice these warning signs, or if a client starts to become aggressive, try to remain calm, neutral, respectful and empathetic.
- Review the client’s file before your visit, and make note of when a client has a history of anger, aggression or abuse.
- Be aware of behaviours stemming from an ongoing condition and knowing when the client has a condition that may lead to unpredictable behaviour such as substance abuse, Dementia or Alzheimer’s.
- Use the ALC checklist to evaluate the client’s condition and communication with your Client Services Supervisor if you notice any changing conditions.
To learn more about de-escalating client aggression, you can click on the following video: