Safety

• Check your schedule is visible to your manager or team. If you're going somewhere you're not expected, tell someone.
• Trust your instincts. If a situation feels wrong, such as aggressive behaviour, loose dogs, or anything that seems unsafe – leave. You can always return with a colleague or rearrange the visit.
• Keep your phone charged and on you. It's your link to help.
• Lock your van when you leave it. Don't leave tools, tablets or personal items visible.
• The council's lone worker policy is clear. Your safety comes first. Report the situation when you're somewhere safe.

• Signs to be aware of: children who seem neglected, frightened or injured; adults who appear to be living in dangerous conditions, being controlled or unable to care for themselves; hoarding that creates a fire or health risk.
• You don't need to be certain. If something concerns you, report it. A concern that turns out to be nothing is always better than one that goes unreported.
• Report to your manager or contact the council's safeguarding team directly. In an emergency, call 999.
• Do not confront the situation yourself. Your role is to notice and report, not to investigate.

Since October 2025, social landlords must investigate damp and mould reports within 14 calendar days and begin repairs within a further seven days. Emergency cases must be fixed within 24 hours. These are legal deadlines under Awaab's Law.

• Report any damp or mould you see during a visit, even if it is not what you were called for. Use the council's reporting process and make sure it is logged.
• Tenants may not report it themselves. They may think it is their fault, or they may not know how. If you see it, flag it.

If you are involved in or witness an accident, near-miss or dangerous occurrence:

• Make the area safe if you can do so without putting yourself at risk.
• Get medical help if anyone is injured. Call 999 for emergencies.
• Report it the same day through the council's incident reporting system. Near-misses matter too, as they prevent the next accident.
• Preserve the scene where possible until you have reported it. Take photos if it is safe to do so.

• Safety boots — steel toe, on every visit.
• Hi-vis — on site, in the depot and in communal areas.
• Gloves, goggles, dust masks — as the task requires.
• Check your PPE before each use. Damaged kit does not protect you.
• If you don't have what you need, speak to your manager.