Our generic risk assessment
This provides our generic risk assessment for working as a Personal Assistant for Thomas Watts.
This forms part of our health and safety policy.
Risks identified
The following risks have been identified through our risk assessment:
We will completed additional risk assessments as and when we need to. If you think we need to do a particular risk assessment, please talk to Jo and/or Michael.
Risk 1
Slips and trips
Who might be harmed and how?
Our employees, members of our family or visitors may be injured if they trip over objects or slip on spillages
What are we already doing?
We carry out general good housekeeping. All areas are well lit including stairs. There are no trailing leads or cables. Both employers and employees to keep work areas clear. However, this is a family home so there will be items left on the floor or other places. When accessing the community, we cannot control the environment that our employees are working in. Employees are to remain aware of the risks around them.
Do we need to do anything else to manage this risk?
We will make sure that our employees are aware of their responsibilities and risks of working in a family home or out in the community.
Action by whom?
Employers
All employees
Action by when?
N/A
Date completed
N/A
Risk 2
Faulty fire alarms
Who might be harmed and how?
Our employees, members of our family or visitors may be put at risk if the fire alarms in the house are not kept in good working condition
What are we already doing?
Fire alarms are placed throughout the house with an additional heat alarm in the kitchen. These are tested regularly for battery life and functionality
Do we need to do anything else to manage this risk?
No.
In addition, Golding Homes undertake annual maintenance of the alarms.
Action by whom?
Employers
All employees
Action by when?
N/A
Date completed
N/A
Risk 3
Manual handling
Who might be harmed and how?
Our employees, members of our family or visitors may be injured if they incorrectly lift items or physically hold Thomas.
What are we already doing?
Thomas do not require manual handling or lifting. However, there may be times when Thomas needs to be physically held to ensure his safety. This must be done in line with our Guidance for supporting Thomas’ behaviour.
Do we need to do anything else to manage this risk?
Have an open dialogue to respond if our employees state that they require further training and support.
Action by whom?
Employers
All employees
Action by when?
N/A
Date completed
N/A
Risk 4
Activities with Thomas
Who might be harmed and how?
Our employees, members of our family or visitors may be physically hurt through activities with Thomas.
What are we already doing?
These activities may include physical ‘rough and tumble’ games, cooking and other activities which all carry a degree of risk.
Thomas can additionally use physical contact with others when he is playing, especially when he is overly excited. When Thomas is becoming overly excited and is using physical actions on an employee, such as pushing or ‘dabbing’, and the employee is unhappy, they should stop and say to them:
“No thank you Thomas, you’re hurting me”
We are unable to eliminate all the risks from these activities. If staff are unhappy to take part in these activities, they must tell Thomas this immediately and they must also inform Jo and Michael.
Do we need to do anything else to manage this risk?
We will continue to monitor how Thomas is taking part in activities and will support our employees to put the relevant safeguards and interventions in place to keep all as safe as possible.
Action by whom?
Employers
All employees
Action by when?
N/A
Date completed
N/A
Risk 5
The family dog, Peanut
Who might be harmed and how?
Our employees, members of our family or visitors may be physically hurt by our family dog.
What are we already doing?
Peanut is a well trained and friendly labrador. However, she does get very excited and likes to play with her toys. There is a risk that our employees, members of our family or visitors may get caught by her teeth when playing with her toys or caught by her claws when she is seeking attention.
We are unable to eliminate all the risks from this activity. If staff are unhappy with this, they must inform Jo and Michael.
Do we need to do anything else to manage this risk?
We will continue to monitor how Peanut is interacting with our employees, members of our family or visitors and will support our employees to put the relevant safeguards and interventions in place to keep all as safe as possible.
Action by whom?
Employers
All employees
Action by when?
N/A
Date completed
N/A
Updated: 4 May 2024
Have we missed a risk?
If so, let us know. Talk to Jo and/or Michael.
