Page 20 - Just Better Care Contractor Handbook

Definitions
Hazard—a source of potential damage or harm (e.g. physical/environmental hazards, manual handling, psychological/psychosocial hazards, chemical, infection/hygiene, falls risk, electrical, access, animals or weapons etc.).
Injury—an event where a contractor, staff member or customer is injured (e.g. physical injuries, psyhcological injuries or infectious diseases acquired).
Incident—an instance of something happening. Events, behaviours and circumstances that impact on self
or others that has the potential to cause harm (e.g. a concern, refusal for service, breach of policy or procedure, missed medication or damage to personal belongings, etc.).
Critical incident—a very serious
(or traumatic) incident or injury
that might include a death, risk of death, abuse, neglect or exploitation, abandonment, serious harm or injury, alleged criminal activity, inappropriate sexual behaviour, property damage and/or emergency situation such as bomb threats, hostage situations,
and natural disasters. This also includes sexual harassment, sex- based harassment, sex-discrimination, victimisation or any conduct which may cause a hostile workplace environment.
Just Better Care has mandatory reporting obligations under
the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) for Aged Care, NDIS Reportable Incidents Scheme and Child Safety regulations.
There are also a range of other mandatory reporting obligations, depending on the type & severity of the critical incident. Contractors must report critical incidents immediately to Just Better Care to enable appropriate follow up action; and fulfil mandatory reporting obligations
Important Fact Sheets
SIRS Home Services Fact Sheet
NDIS Reportable Incident Fact Sheet
National Child Safety Standards
Health & Safety
20
WHS in the Home Environment
The customer’s home environment can change on a daily basis. Contractors must be alert for possible hazards at all times.
A safe environment is vitally important and requires assessment on every visit.
Any hazard identified that places the customer or yourself at risk needs to be communicated immediately to Just Better Care so appropriate controls can be implemented and follow up action can be taken.