What is it?
As an independent NDIS support worker, it’s essential to understand and manage the risks associated with your work, and to understand the legal requirements that apply to your business.
Risk management helps you prevent or minimise harm to participants and yourself. This lesson covers identifying risks, planning a response and building clear documentation procedures.
Why it matters
- Safety: Effective risk management can reduce the chance of accidents and injury.
- Professional responsibility: Understanding requirements helps you operate responsibly and maintain professional standards.
- Peace of mind: Addressing risks early helps you prepare for situations that could otherwise be confusing or stressful.
How to do it
1. Understand risk management principles
Identify risks: Consider physical, medical, emotional, financial and environmental risks involved in providing support.
Assess the severity: Evaluate the likelihood and impact of each risk. This helps you prioritise which risks need immediate attention and which can be monitored over time.
Reduce risks: Put strategies in place to minimise or eliminate risks where possible. For example, store equipment safely, establish clear communication and keep your skills up to date.
2. Create a risk management plan
Establish procedures: Write down how you will respond to different risks. For a medical emergency, have a process for getting help quickly. For an incident during a session, know how it will be documented and escalated.
Review regularly: Risk management is not a one-time task. Update procedures as circumstances change and conduct regular safety assessments.
3. Understand the requirements that apply
Know the Code of Conduct: It sets expectations for upholding participants’ rights and delivering safe, respectful support.
Understand the NDIS Commission: Familiarise yourself with its requirements and how they affect your services and provider circumstances. Use the Commission’s provider information as a starting point.
Check your insurance: Ensure the insurer understands the services you provide and the risks involved. Review policy terms, including public liability and professional indemnity cover.
4. Document relevant information
Incident reporting: Record what happened, who was involved and the actions taken. Know when and how an incident must be escalated. The next lesson covers this in more detail.
Confidentiality: Handle participant information securely and use it only for appropriate purposes.
What you will need
- Knowledge of the insurance and requirements relevant to your work.
- A clear process for documenting and responding to incidents.
- A system for storing and managing risk-related records.
- An agreed understanding of participant needs and emergency arrangements.
What to expect
Creating a risk management plan may take a few hours initially. As a planning estimate, allow 30 to 45 minutes a month to review it, with additional reviews when circumstances change.
Compliance is an ongoing responsibility. Stay informed about changes that affect the supports you deliver.
Illustrative example
Jane had an emergency procedure in place before beginning support. When a medical emergency occurred, she knew how to contact help and follow the agreed process. Afterwards, she documented the event and reviewed whether her procedures needed updating.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not having a plan: Assuming everything will go smoothly can lead to delays when something goes wrong.
- Skipping documentation: Gaps in records make it harder to understand incidents or review support.
- Overlooking insurance: Confirm that your cover suits the work rather than assuming it does.
FAQs
What is the best way to manage risks?
Start by identifying them, assess their likelihood and severity, then take steps to reduce them. Review your plan regularly.
Does insurance replace risk management?
No. Insurance and prevention have different roles. Continue to use safe work practices and understand the conditions of your cover.
Action steps
- Identify the main risks in the support you provide.
- Write down prevention and response procedures.
- Review your insurance policies.
- Set up a secure documentation process and regular review reminders.