Health & Safety

Are staff adhering to infection prevention and control (IPC) and COSHH guidelines, with adequate access to safe PPE?

What we look for: Review PPE supply levels and field spot checks. Verify staff know how to safely dispose of clinical waste in a domestic setting. A fail is poor hand hygiene observed, PPE stockouts, or staff using hazardous chemicals without guidance.

Evidence: IPC policy, Spot check records, PPE stock logs, Staff training matrix, COSHH risk assessments (e.g., for specific cleaning chemicals)

Are accidents, incidents, and near-misses properly recorded, investigated, and analysed for trends to prevent recurrence?

What we look for: Review the incident log for the last quarter. Check for robust investigations, root cause analysis, and shared learning. A fail is a lack of management review, repeat incidents without intervention, or failure to submit a required RIDDOR.

Evidence: Accident/Incident log, Investigation reports, RIDDOR submissions, Team meeting minutes, Post-incident action plans

Are robust lone working procedures implemented, monitored, and understood by all field-based care staff?

What we look for: Check if the system to track staff whereabouts (e.g., app check-ins) is actively monitored. Ask 3 staff members what they do if they feel unsafe. A fail is if the office doesn't notice a missed visit/check-in promptly, leaving staff at risk.

Evidence: Lone working policy, Staff interview notes, Spot check records, On-call logs, Staff app login/logout records

Are all staff up to date with mandatory health and safety training, including practical elements where required?

What we look for: Review the training matrix against the H&S policy requirements. Ensure moving and handling training includes a practical, face-to-face assessment. A fail is staff delivering care involving hoists without in-date practical training.

Evidence: Training matrix, Certificates (Fire safety, Manual handling, Basic H&S, First Aid), Competency sign-offs

Are comprehensive environmental health and safety risk assessments completed for all service users' homes prior to care commencing?

What we look for: Sample 5 new care packages. Check if environmental risks (trip hazards, pets, smoke, lighting) were assessed before day one. A fail would be missing assessments or failure to address identified risks like faulty wiring or aggressive pets.

Evidence: Service user care plans, Environmental risk assessments, Initial assessment records, Action plans for identified hazards

Is there documented assurance that moving and handling equipment used in people's homes is safe, serviced (LOLER), and checked by staff?

What we look for: Sample 3 people using hoists. Check if the provider has confirmed LOLER checks are in date (even if owned by the local authority). Staff must document pre-use visual checks. A fail is staff using unserviced or visibly damaged equipment.

Evidence: Service user risk assessments, LOLER certificates in home files, Staff daily logs, Moving and handling assessments

Is the business continuity and emergency plan up-to-date, comprehensive, and understood by the management team?

What we look for: Check the BCP covers extreme weather, IT failure, mass staff sickness, and loss of office premises. Test the on-call manager's knowledge of the plan. A fail is an out-of-date plan with old contacts or no clear prioritization of vulnerable clients.

Evidence: Business continuity plan, Emergency contact lists, On-call grab bags/digital access logs, Management meeting minutes

Is there a clear, up-to-date Health and Safety policy and a designated lead person overseeing H&S governance across the service?

What we look for: Verify the H&S policy is reviewed annually and names the responsible person. Check the office environment (fire exits, extinguisher checks, PAT testing). A fail is an outdated policy, no designated lead, or an unsafe branch office environment.

Evidence: Health and Safety Policy, Employer's Liability Insurance certificate, H&S committee minutes, Office risk assessment