Most employers have a health and safety policy which sets out how they will protect everyone involved in their business including employees, visitors, contractors and individuals who access services. Most health and safety legislation applies regardless of what your job is, whether you work in a care home or in the private homes of individuals. You should ask your manager about the policies that are in place to support your health, safety and well-being.
All policies and procedures are similar in that they tell everyone how to do something or what must be in place to ensure the safety of all individuals. Some common procedures include how to sort and give out medication, how to provide personal care, what to do in the event of a fire and what to do to provide first aid.
Policies must give clear instructions to ensure that everyone is kept safe and no one is harmed through the work that is carried out. You must familiarise yourself with the health and safety policies and procedures of your workplace as it will have a big effect on your work.