Ideas and Insights
for Safety Champions

Connecticut In-home Safety Enhancement Funding Program

The state of Connecticut Social Services Department has recently launched a new fund to provide financial support to Home Health Agencies and Access Agencies that are enhancing in-home staff safety. This article provides an overview of the program and fund, key dates, and application process, and tips to help your organization successfully secure funding. 

Essential Components of an Effective Lone Worker Policy

In today's fast-paced and diverse work environments, employees frequently work as lone workers or in isolated conditions, posing unique challenges and risks to their safety and well-being. To ensure employee protection, organizations must develop and implement comprehensive Lone Worker Policies. These policies provide a crucial framework of guidelines and procedures to mitigate risks associated with working alone, fostering a safe and supportive work environment. This article explores the essential components of an effective Lone Worker Policy, including scope, lone worker definition, responsibilities, hazard assessment, hazard controls, working alone restrictions, training and records management. By understanding and incorporating these components, organizations can create a robust policy that safeguards their employees while promoting a culture of safety and shared accountability. 

Home healthcare nurse with patient

OSHA Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence in Healthcare

Healthcare and social service professionals play an essential role in providing critical care and support to our communities. Unfortunately, they are also exposed to significant workplace violence risks, which can negatively impact their well-being and affect the quality of care they provide. In 2013, over one-quarter of fatalities in healthcare and social service settings resulted from assaults and violent acts, highlighting the pressing need for effective guidelines to address this issue. A recent report from WorkplaceBC revealed workplace claims related to violence increased 25 percent in the past five years with the vast majority of claims related to the health care and social services.  

Woman working alone

10 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Lone Worker Safety Solution

Lone workers face unique safety risks while performing their job duties in isolated or remote locations without close supervision. To ensure their safety, companies need to implement a comprehensive lone worker safety solution that provides adequate protection. However, with so many options available, choosing the right safety solution can be challenging. In this article, we will discuss 10 essential factors to consider when selecting a lone worker safety solution. 

Risks of Reacting

10 Risks of Reactive Safety Planning for Lone Workers

Safety planning is essential in establishing a secure and productive work environment for individual employees by identifying and mitigating potential hazards, as well as creating policies and procedures to ensure their well-being. To prevent accidents, reduce legal liability, and foster a safety-focused culture, it is critical to embrace a proactive approach to safety planning. Unfortunately, many organizations only prioritize safety after an incident occurs, opting for a reactive strategy instead of a proactive one.