Question

Read the case study, then answer the questions that follow.

Narelee's works as a support worker in a home and community care setting. As part of her role, Nerelee assists with showering, grooming, and dressing people in their own homes. Nerelee’s workplace has WHS policies and procedures that aim to ensure a person’s home is as safe as possible, for both the support workers and the people receiving care.

Nerelee is aware that there are specific safety requirements that apply to work in a home and community care setting.

Question:

1. List three potential sources of infection Nerelee needs to be aware of in her work and explain why minimizing the risk of infection is such a high priority in support work. (Approx. 80 words).

2. What is the musculoskeletal system and what tasks place Nerelee at risk of harm to her musculoskeletal system? (Approx. 50 words).

3. What important information should Nerelee be aware of regarding practices that minimize the risk of injury to herself and her clients? (Approx. 90 words).

Answer 1

1) Following are the potential sources of infection Nerelee needs to be aware of in her work place .

* Airborne infection .  

* Vector borne

* direct contact infection

Minimizing the risk of infection is so important because at the end of the day that person’s health or client health is her responsibility Infection control in the workplace mainly aims to prevent pathogens from coming into contact with a person.Bacteria and germs can spread like wild fire from one client to another.

The main purpose is to ensure the clients and families are protected against infectious diseases. It is in accordance with the Health and safety Executive regulations .It ensures maintaining a safe environment for everyone by reducing the risk of the potential spread of disease.

2)The musculoskeletal system helps to provides shape , body support, stability, and movement to the body. It is made up of the bones ,muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints, and other connective tissue. Itsupports and binds tissues and organs together.

* Overstress can be one of the major risks, which can harm Nerelee by affecting her musculoskeletal system negatively.

* Forceful exertions. Many work tasks require high force loads on the body . Muscle effort increases to the response to high force which leads to increased fatigue and further leads to damage of musculoskeletal system.

3)Nerelee needs to be aware of possible fire hazards due to inflamable substance , location of fire extinguisher, risk factors associated with the electricity, which can help her to prevent the issues associated with injury to both the clients and herself.
She must be also aware of basic fire and safety measures. Moreover Nerelee also needs to aware of the information about the use of heavy equipment, which also can help her prevent the risk related to an injury. Aggressive behaviour of customers needs to be considered by Nerelee in order to avoid the risk related to personal safety.