1. Purpose and Scope
Hausmate Pty Ltd is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for all employees, contractors, and participants. This policy applies to all Hausmate workplaces, including participant homes and any other location where Hausmate services are delivered.
2. Legal Framework
This policy is consistent with:
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent State/Territory legislation
- Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011
- Safe Work Australia guidelines and codes of practice
- NDIS Practice Standards — Rights and Responsibilities
3. WHS Responsibilities
Hausmate (as employer) will:
- Provide a safe work environment, safe systems of work, and adequate facilities
- Identify, assess, and control hazards in all work environments
- Provide appropriate PPE at no cost to workers
- Provide WHS training and supervision
- Consult with workers on WHS matters
- Maintain workers' compensation insurance
- Investigate all WHS incidents and implement corrective actions
Workers must:
- Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others
- Follow all WHS policies, procedures, and safe work instructions
- Use PPE as directed
- Report hazards, incidents, and near misses promptly
- Not attend work while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or illness that could affect safety
- Cooperate with Hausmate's WHS management system
4. Hazard Identification
Before commencing work at a new participant's home, staff will conduct a Home Safety Assessment that considers:
- Trip and fall hazards (unsecured rugs, cluttered pathways, wet floors)
- Electrical hazards
- Hazardous chemicals or substances in the home
- Presence of pets and any associated risks
- Access issues (stairs, narrow doorways)
- Biosafety considerations (body fluids, infectious waste)
- Lone worker safety considerations
Identified hazards are documented and controls put in place before work commences. The assessment is updated at least annually or following a change in the participant's circumstances.
5. Chemical Safety
All cleaning products used by Hausmate staff must be approved by the Operations Manager. Workers must:
- Use only chemicals that appear on the Hausmate Approved Chemicals List
- Read and follow the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for every chemical used
- Store chemicals safely and away from food, children, and pets
- Never mix chemicals unless directed by the SDS
- Notify the participant of any chemicals being used in their home
- Use environmentally friendly and low-odour products where possible
6. Manual Handling
Manual handling tasks associated with cleaning work carry a risk of musculoskeletal injury. Workers must:
- Complete manual handling training during induction
- Use correct lifting techniques at all times (bend at knees, not the back)
- Use mechanical aids (e.g. mop buckets with wringers, trolleys) where available
- Avoid tasks that require sustained awkward postures or repetitive heavy lifting
- Report any discomfort or pain immediately rather than "working through it"
7. Personal Protective Equipment
Hausmate provides the following PPE to all cleaning staff at no cost:
| PPE Item | When Required |
|---|---|
| Disposable or reusable gloves | All cleaning tasks involving chemicals or body fluid risk |
| Eye protection (goggles or safety glasses) | When using spray chemicals or high-pressure equipment |
| Slip-resistant footwear | All work visits |
| Face mask (P2/N95) | Where there is a risk of airborne transmission of infection |
| Apron | Cleaning tasks with significant splash risk |
Workers must inspect PPE before each use and report any damaged or expired items for replacement.
8. Incident Reporting
All WHS incidents, injuries, and near misses must be reported to the Operations Manager immediately (or as soon as practicable). The worker must complete an Incident Report Form within 24 hours. Serious incidents (hospitalisation, death, or dangerous incident as defined in the WHS Act) must also be reported to the relevant State or Territory WHS regulator.
9. Emergency Procedures
- Medical emergency: Call 000 immediately, provide first aid if trained to do so, then notify Hausmate Operations Manager
- Fire: Alert the participant, assist evacuation if safe to do so, call 000, do not re-enter the premises
- Hazardous spill: Follow SDS instructions, evacuate the area if required, call 000 for large or dangerous spills
- Lone worker emergency: Hausmate's check-in system requires workers to notify the office upon arrival and departure from each visit. Failure to check out triggers a welfare check
10. WHS Consultation
Hausmate is committed to consulting with workers on WHS matters. Workers are encouraged to raise WHS concerns at any time through their supervisor, at team meetings, or by contacting the Operations Manager directly. All WHS concerns will be acknowledged and investigated promptly.