SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR WORKING IN THE COMMUNITYX.0711

SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY

Policy Number:X.0711

Effective Date:December 2006

Supersedes Policy Dated: June 2004

Date of Last Review:March 2008

Employee Group:All Employees

POLICY

All Employees who work in the community must observe safety measures.

APPLICATION

  1. The Director of Safety or designee, in conjunction with the Program/Department Heads or designees, is responsible for the periodic dissemination of safety information to Employees who work in the community.
  • Safety guidelines shall be included in the orientation of Employees working in the community.
  • Annual reminders and updates shall be distributed, as appropriate.
  1. Safety Guidelines

Preparation

  • Dress in accordance with Agency policies (see Dress Code Guidelines policy).
  • Carry only enough money for carfare and lunch, no more than $25.00 a day, and a VNS ID card.

-Automobile drivers may carry a gas credit card, if necessary.

  • Be observant; develop a sense of consciousness regarding your effect on your immediate environment.
  • Make visits with an escort in “Escort-Designated” areas, and with a guard in “Guard-Designated” buildings[¹].
  • Discuss concerns or apprehensions with your supervisor; other staff may have the same concerns.
  • Learn activity periods in neighborhoods. Alter time of visits. Avoid set routine.
  • Determine best time of the day to make visits. Early morning is often a safer time to visit than in the afternoon.
  • Advise your supervisor and Escort Supervisor of changes in schedule, early morning visits, etc.
  • Prepare for new visits by clarifying exact location of apartment entrance; document on record.
  • Carry a map of the region.

While Working in the Community

  • Use well-traveled streets, avoiding dark, deserted places, secluded alleys, vacant lots, or parks.
  • Walk in center of sidewalks, away from buildings and parked cars. Walk on side of street of on-coming traffic when possible.
  • Plan to meet escorts or guard in the community in safe places, i.e., restaurants, coffee shops, supermarkets.
  • Observe windows and doorways for loiterers.
  • Avoid lingering outside of building, especially in run-down areas.
  • Identify and make yourself known to appropriate trades people and police in the community.
  • Do not accept rides from strangers and/or patients and their families.
  • Be courteously alert, maintain vigilance and convey the idea that you are expected somewhere if approached by strangers.
  • Observe working order of nearby telephones, and keep cell phones fully charged.
  • Do not enter area if there is unrest in the neighborhood and notify your supervisor immediately.
  • Know the area in which you work, e.g., police stations, public phones, restaurants, transportation/travel points.
  • Never give your home address or home or cell telephone number to strangers, patients or their family/friends.
  • Do not visit an unknown patient if approached in the community with a request. Direct all such inquiries to Referral Services.
  • Yell “Fire” instead of “Help” and scream if a threatening situation presents.
  • Telephone office to call on and off work, according to specific Region/Program procedure.
  • Complete and submit a Request for Security Assessment to your manager if you identify a safety issue in a building or area.

Transportation

  • Cars

-Keep cars in good working order. Have enough gas for the day.

-Lock car doors and close windows when leaving car. Do not leave bag, pentablet other equipment, or any personal effects inside car.

-Do not park in isolated areas or where groups of people are loitering.

-Check back seat before entering car.

-Do not stop to lend assistance to anyone under any circumstances. Instead, call 911, if appropriate.

-If you are parked for any reason, e.g., eating lunch, charting, keep doors locked and windows opened ONLY 2” to 3” wide.

  • Public Transportation

-Avoid standing at the edge of the subway platform. Stand near the change booth when possible. Avoid using infrequently used subway stations.

-Avoid sitting or standing near subway doors.

-Sit near bus driver or subway conductor.

-Move to another seat, sit near driver/conductor or leave the transportation if harassed. Do not argue with strangers.

-Take bus at frequently used stops when possible.

-Have Metrocard or carfare ready when entering subways or buses. Avoid buying Metrocards or seeking change during working hours.

-Avoid reading books, magazines, etc., while on public transportation. STAY ALERT.

-Plan your route beforehand, so as to avoid asking for directions.

The Home Visit

  • In the event that you approach a home or building that you do not feel comfortable entering, either:

-Call the office and discuss with your supervisor.

-An Escort may be sent or the visit may be cancelled, based on discussion with PSM.

-Call the family; ask them to meet and escort you.

  • In the event that you leave a patient’s home because you are in danger, advise your supervisor as soon as possible.

-Prepare and submit a Security/Safety Incident Report (20-0886).

  • Use your flashlight when necessary for entering building, walking through hallways, etc.
  • Elevator

-Always send elevator to basement first, whether alone or with an Escort. Get on elevator as it is going up. Stay close to the buttons, to be able to push the alarm button if necessary.

-Look before entering; do not enter if in doubt.

-Do not get on an elevator with people whom you perceive as threatening.

-When elevator is broken, only use stairs that are not enclosed. Call your supervisor to discuss alternates, e.g., housing police, families, escorts.

-Do not enter elevator if there is no light.

  • Do not search for a patient by knocking on strange doors or ringing doorbells.
  • When leaving note for patient, be sure it is slipped under patient’s door or is sealed and put in mailbox. Do not leave notes loosely stuck in door.
  • Be aware that some patients may have cameras installed in their homes for security purposes. VNS may not request their removal.

Additional Safety Measures May Be Taken if You Identify a Safety Issue

  • Schedule early morning visits only
  • Arrange with the patient to have someone meet you and escort you to and from the building
  • Arrange to provide service to the patient at an alternate address
  • Schedule visits with an escort or guard in designated buildings or areas
  • Complete a Request for Security Assessment and submit it to your manager if you identify a safety issue in a building or area

Immediate Safety Situations

  • When an immediate risk to safety is perceived, call your manager immediately.
  • If an immediate threat to safety is identified, the manager should direct staff not to enter the building, or, if already in the home advise staff regarding steps to take to ensure safety.
  • If patient care issues and safety issues continue:

-If a visit is cancelled due to safety concerns, notify the patient and physician.

-Collaborate with your supervisor regarding the service needs and safety issues.

Request for a Security Assessment

  • You may request a safety assessment of any building, block or area.
  • Submit a Request for SecurityAssessment form to your manager.
  • Security staff will make a safety assessment within 72 hours of the receipt of the request.

-Security staff work with the local police precinct to make their determination of whether an escort or guard are needed.

-Both a verbal and written report is provided to the manager who submitted the request.

  • Security staff re-evaluate escort and guard designated buildings on a regular basis.

Additional Information

  • Staying alert and being consciously aware of your surroundings is the key to field safety. While the safety techniques listed herein will assist you, it is only through diligence and constant awareness that your safety can be optimally ensured.

This policy applies to employees of Visiting Nurse Service of New York and its subsidiary and affiliate corporations, as described on the Employee Relations page of the VNS Intranet.

1

[¹] Residences/areas are classified as: (1) “Non-escort/guard” – neither is required; (2) “Escort designated” – an escort is required; or (3) “Guard designated” – a guard is required.