In the community

For Participant related hazards possible risk factors are listed below.
For each risk factor there are things you can consider in order to minimise the risk.

This is not an exhaustive list. It is a tool to give you ideas that you might want to explore.

For some of the risk factors there are general considerations.

For some risk factors there are specific considerations. Click on a risk factor to see the associated specific considerations.

 Risk factors

 Considerations
  1. Confusing or potentially dangerous vehicle or pedestrian traffic area
  2. Participant drop off/pick up area is away from parking area
  3. Poor lighting
  4. Poor traffic or road conditions
  5. Dangerous weather or nature conditions
  6. Behaviour of others in the community
  7. Communication black out areas
  8. Are there physical barriers that will make assisting the Participant difficult
  9. Specific needs of the Participant

General considerations

  1. Review environmental factors that may add to difficulty of situation.
  2. Can the task be performed at another time or location?
  3. Is further training in order?
  4. Would a safety coach or mentor be in order?
  5. Are there Participant or carer behaviour contributing factors?
  6. Is it safe to continue the service in this location?
  7. Would adding more Support Workers to the service be in order?
  8. Your organisation should have plans in place to guide workers in the event of dangerous weather or nature watches or warnings.
  9. Is it safe to leave the Participant alone at a drop off or pick up point?
  10. Are there traffic or other conditions that put the Participant or Worker at risk of incident or injury?
  11. If there are known communication black out areas, a worker check in plan should be in place.
  12. Workers have mobile phones in working order and a check in system is in place.
  13. Would a GPS app on workers’ phones, which can be turned on during work hours only, be an appropriate option to know where they are?
  14. Is a check in departure and arrival protocol in place?
  15. If there are known physical barriers in the community which make assisting the Participant difficult (e.g. stairs to facilities, no curb cut outs at intersections, inadequate toilet access), alternate arrangements or settings need to be made in order to reduce risks to Participant and worker.
  16. Are their first aid equipment in vehicles that are transporting Participants?
  17. Do drivers require any specific knowledge about the Participant they are transporting?
  18. Do drivers require any specific training in relation to meeting the needs of the Participant?