Encouraging hazard reporting

Are your staff reporting when there’s a hazard?

If not, do you know why?

There is no denying that those who provide direct care to individuals are often very aware of the challenges that exist in the services that they provide.

If they don't raise these concerns however, supervisors and managers can be very unaware of the risks, despite holding the responsibility to keep workers safe.

We cannot underestimate the importance of encouraging and supporting carers to speak up when there are risks identified in the services they provide.

One of the many benefits of getting to know organisations through training their staff, is that it helps to reveal insights into why staff may not be reporting risks.

We are always thankful for carers being willing to open up about their experiences when they feel they are being heard and they are in a safe forum to share. This is the start of real change!

Here are the top 5 reasons that carers have shared with us in the last 12 months about why they don't report hazards in their workplace:

1. Time - not enough time to complete hazard reporting procedures and get to next client

2. Client - not wanting to upset or offend their client

3. Colleagues - discouraged to report by colleagues, i.e. "we don't have a problem with it"

4. Money - fearful of losing shifts if they report a hazard

5. Lack of action - this is often a case of "if at first I get no response, why bother to report again"

Hearing about hazards before they become incidents is one of the greatest things an organisation can encourage for the wellbeing of their clients and staff.

If you are keen to explore how hazard reporting is working within your care organisation please get in touch. We want to support your carers as much as you do!