Social Care Company fined for failing to have risk reducing measures in place

Recently Dimensions (UK) Limited, a not-for-profit organisation providing support services for people with learning disabilities, was fined £14,000 and ordered to pay £30,000 in costs after a support worker was kicked in the eye by one of their clients.

Dimensions were found guilty because they did not have adequate procedures in place to control the risk of workers being exposed to violence and aggression from their clients.

In 2010-11 there were 2,348 injuries to workers in non-residential social care. The risk of injury at work is increased when working in the Social Care Sector and employers must remember that injuries are not only physical but can also be psychological leading to stress and anxiety which can ultimately affect their family and social life.

Social Care Organisations have a duty to ensure that proper management systems are in place to control the risk of violence and aggression to the lowest possible level. Dimensions (UK) Limited ought to have put measures in place to avoid risks and ensured that staff understood the activities and the environments appropriate for this client to reduce the risk of violent behaviour being triggered.

It is also important for organisations to have acted on previous incidents and near misses. These occurrences indicate an escalating risk to the employee so it is essential that organisations are proactive in protecting their workers.

At Linder Myers we have specialist regulatory and compliance solicitors who can ensure you and your business are abiding by the regulations in the social care sector. We can assist and guide you through the rules and red tape. Call 0844 984 6444 or click here to speak to one of our legal advisors.