When interviewing a client in an office setting, the social worker has some control over the environment. This is not the case when seeing clients at home. Ideal physical conditions for an interview include comfortable seating and room temperature, freedom from distraction, ample space to move around, and a sanitary location (Hepworth, Rooney, Rooney, Strom-Gottfried, & Larsen, 2010). Some tips for making your surroundings as conducive as possible include:
1. Arrange your schedule so that you are able to visit with clients who live near each other or on the same side of town. Take into consideration factors such as school release times and work schedules of your clients. If it does not compromise safety of the family members, leave your business card and contact information when you have visited a home with no one there.
Safety Considerations When Working In A Home Based Environment
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4. Sanitized personal protective equipment (PPE) is to be provided by the schools or parent prior to the beginning of any lab assignment with safety considerations. This of course includes hands-on activities outside of the formal science/STEM lab. Eye protection, such as indirectly vented chemical splash goggles (meeting the ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 D3 standard) are to be used when working with liquid hazards (chemicals or biologicals), or protective safety glasses with side shields when using solid physical hazards (springs, sharp objects, projectiles, etc.) Vinyl or nitrile gloves and non-latex aprons should be used when dealing with biological or chemical hazards. If proper PPE is not available, the laboratory exercise or activity must not be conducted.
This information should be helpful for teachers, students, and parents/guardians in planning for safer home science/STEM activity assignments. Please note the content of this commentary is based on prudent professional safety practices (e.g., NSTA, ACS, etc.) and on OSHA, NFPA, and other legal safety regulations, but do not purport to specify all legal standards. They are intended to provide basic guidelines in the areas of employee and student health and safety. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that all necessary warning and precautionary measures are contained in this information. Users of this information should also consult pertinent school board safety policy; local, state, and federal laws; and legal counsel for additional safety prevention program components during these challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
impacts on service or operational requirements, as well as the functioning of the work unit or team
work scheduling and distribution
working alone
workstation design and arrangement (ergonomics and home work environment)
who will provide what items (e.g., chairs, desks, computer, monitor, office supplies, etc.)
who will pay for utilities (e.g., hydro, water, home or cell phone, Internet, etc.)
any impact to or from workers compensation and occupational health and safety laws
A home office should offer the same level of safety and security as the employee would receive at the defined work location. When an employee is working at home, they may be working alone. While working alone in itself is not a risk, it can present a unique situation should something unexpected happen. It is important to keep to a contact schedule even if there are not "work" details to discuss.
One of the most important health and safety questions that should be answered when working at home is who will be responsible for health and safety issues and worker's compensation if the employee is injured. To avoid complications, there should be a written agreement between the employer and the employee clarifying these matters. Where possible, aim to maintain appropriate health and safety standards at home.
Occupational health and safety or compensation laws related to teleworking or working remotely arrangements may be different in each jurisdiction. In many situations there is little or no formal guidance available. Having a policy or agreement between the employer and employees is beneficial, and will assist the employer with their role of due diligence when duties are not specifically outlined in legislation. 2ff7e9595c