Welcome to June’s Risk Management Safety
Presentation.
Do They Pose Risks?
Yes, All Contain Risks
Today We’ll Look at a Few
Important Ones
Unfortunately…
We, in
telecommunications
or similar periphery
installers/service
techs, might be the
only ones to see or
encounter certain
things inside a
person’s home.
Common situations our employees may face in a customer’s
home, based on reports and incidents investigated over the
last 25 years of safety work in telecommunications.
Filth #1 Drugs Child Abuse Elder Abuse Animal Cruelty
Spousal abuse
Bloodborne
pathogens
Dogs/other
critters
Drug
Production
COVID/Cold/Flu
Prostitution Infestations
Deliberate
equipment
Tampering
Racially
Charged
Situation
Politically
Charged
Situation
Criminally
Charged
Situation
Civil
Disobedience
"Customer's homes can be really disgusting!"
Here’s a quote
–Craig Rapp
You Never Know What Your IR Tech
May Face Every Day
This is an actual picture the author of this presentation was involved with inside a
customer’s home. Yes, that is animal feces ground into the carpet . Never kneel.
What is the solution to filth?
What types of
PPE should we
really be using in
our industry
while entering
homes?
Don’t we know the drill
already?
Latex/similar type gloves-then
wash your hands once they’re
removed
Booties (shoe coverings)
Respirators/masks
Knee pads/trash bags, etc.
Safety glasses
Quick tip for new installers
Do not kneel directly on a carpet
You do not know what that liquid is or from what it
came out of
Wear knee pads for extra protection
What ever you touch, has been touched by the home-
owner so sanitize your hands
A change of clothes is often a good thing
Things it is OK to do when the
house is sketchy:
Excuse yourself to get some fresh air and/or vomit
Refuse to enter a home you are uncomfortable going into/ or to
leave a home you become uncomfortable while inside-call your
supervisor
Wearing your PPE.
Disinfecting yourself before you take one person’s filth into
another person’s home.
It’s ok to NOT pet an animal. It may be hard to not succumb to
their cuteness, but you don’t have to engage.
Contact
Numbers
Your
Technicians
May Need
Child Abuse: See next slide for individual state
cps Numbers. The National number to text or
call is 1-800-422-4453
Elderly Abuse
Elder Care locator: 1 800 677 1116
National Adult protective services
association: 202 370 6292
National Center on Elder abuse: 855
500 3537
Animal Cruelty (49 States have laws with felony
provision): contact local L.E. or humane society
Drug Manufacturing/Production: Local L.E.
Children
WHO TO CALL
Definition of child abuse
https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/can/defining/
Federal legislation provides guidance to states by identifying a
minimum set of acts or behaviors that define child abuse and
neglect. The federal child abuse prevention and treatment act
(CAPTA) (42 U.S.C.A. § 5106g), as amended by the CAPTA
reauthorization act of 2010, defines child abuse and neglect as, at
minimum:
"Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or
caretaker, which results in death, serious physical or emotional
harm, sexual abuse or exploitation"; or
"An act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of
serious harm."
Definition of child abuse
https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/can/defining/
This definition of child abuse and neglect refers
specifically to parents and other caregivers. A
"child" under this definition generally means a
person who is younger than age 18 or who is not
an emancipated minor.
*Being an emancipated minor means that you are considered an adult before
age 18 and are legally separated from your parents or legal guardians.
State law definitions -
https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/can/defining/
While federal legislation sets minimum standards for states that accept
federal funding, each state is responsible for defining child maltreatment in
state law. Definitions of child abuse and neglect are typically located in two
places within each state's statutory code:
Civil statutes provide definitions of child maltreatment to guide individuals
who are mandated to identify, and report suspected child abuse and
determine the grounds for intervention by state child protection agencies
and civil courts. Locate definitions for your state by conducting a state
statues search on the information gateway website.
Criminal statutes define those forms of child maltreatment that can subject
an offender to arrest and prosecution in criminal courts.
State law continued
Many states recognize four major types of
maltreatment in their definitions:
1) neglect,
2) physical abuse,
3) sexual abuse, and
4) emotional abuse or neglect.
Let’s look at Texas for an example
The definition of child abuse, which is part of the Texas family code, is the basis
for civil actions to protect a child from an abuser (such as removal of a child from
the home). The penal code provides the basis for the criminal prosecution of a
person who assaults or otherwise commits a crime against a child.
Chapter 261 of the family code (recodified in 1995) states that child abuse is an
act or omission that endangers or impairs a child’s physical, mental or emotional
health and development. Child abuse may take several different forms:
Physical
Emotional injury
Sexual abuse
Sexual exploitation
Physical neglect
Medical neglect
Inadequate supervision.
More…
The law specifically excludes “reasonable”
discipline by the child’s parent, guardian, or conservator;
corporal punishment is not in itself abusive under the
law. An act or omission is abusive only if “observable
and material impairment” occurs as a result, or
if it causes “substantial harm”, or exposes the
child to risk of substantial harm.
Continued…
Neglect, like physical and emotional abuse, hinges on
substantial harm or observable and material
impairment. The law excludes from its definition of
neglect any failure to provide for the child that is due
to lack of financial resources. A child living in
poverty is not a victim of neglect under the Texas
family code except in cases where relief has been
offered and refused by the child’s parent, guardian, or
conservator.
Finally…
Accidental injury or harm is also excluded from the
definition of abuse. However, a person commits abuse if
she/he places a child, or allows a child to be placed, in a
situation where the child is exposed to “substantial risk” of
injury or harm. The law also clearly states that a person
commits abuse if she/he fails to make a reasonable effort to
prevent another person from abusing a child. This provision
applies to all forms of abuse, including physical and
emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect.
Child Abuse Hotline and state numbers
Alabama- County Specific
Alaska-1 800 478 4444
Arizona- 1 888 767 2445
Arkansas- 1 800 482 5964
California- Co specific
Colorado- 1 844 264 5437
Connecticut- 1 800 842 2288
Delaware- 1 800 292 9582
Florida- 1 800 962 2873
Georgia-1 855 422 4453
Hawaii- 1800 832 5300/494 3991
Idaho- 1 855 552 5437
Illinois- 1 800 252 2873
Indiana- 1 800 800 5556
Iowa- 1 800 362 2178
Kansas- 1 800 922 5330
Kentucky- 1 877 597 2331
Louisiana- 1 855 452 5437
Child Abuse Hotline and state numbers
Child abuse hotline and state numbers
North Dakota- Co specific
Ohio- co specific
Oklahoma-1 800 522 3511
Oregon- 1 855 503 7233 (SAFE)
Pennsylvania- 1 800 932 0313
Rhode Island- 1 800 742 4453
South Carolina-1 888 227 3487
South Dakota- 1 877 244 0864
Tennessee- 1 877 237 0004
Texas- 1 800 252 5400
Utah-1 855 323 3237
Vermont- 1 800 649 5285
Virginia-1 800 552 7096
Washington- 1 866 363 4276
West Virginia-1 800 352 6513
Wisconsin- co specific
Wyoming- co specific
Elder abuse
WHO TO CALL
Elder
abuse. A
sad reality.
Abuse can happen to anyone — no matter
the person's age, sex, race, religion, or
ethnic or cultural background. Hundreds
of thousands of adults over the age of 60
are abused, neglected, or financially
exploited annually.
Abuse can happen in many places,
including the older person's home, a family
member's house, an assisted living facility,
or a nursing home. The mistreatment of
older adults can be by family members,
strangers, health care providers, caregivers,
or friends.
Types
of elder
abuse
Physical
Emotional
Neglect
Abandonment
Sexual
financial
Who are being
abused in this
older
community?
Most victims of abuse are women,
but some are men. Likely targets
are older adults who have no
family or friends nearby and
people with disabilities, memory
problems, or dementia.
Abuse can happen to any older
adult, but often affects those who
depend on others for help with
activities of everyday life —
including bathing, dressing, and
taking medicine. People who are
frail may appear to be easy victims.
Common signs of elder abuse, but
not all inclusive
Stops taking part in activities he or she enjoys
Looks messy, with unwashed hair or dirty clothes
Has trouble sleeping
Loses weight for no reason
Becomes withdrawn or acts agitated or violent
Displays signs of trauma, like rocking back and forth
Common signs-not all inclusive
Has unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or scars
Has broken eyeglasses/frames, or physical signs of punishment or being
restrained
Develops bed sores or other preventable conditions
Lacks medical aids (glasses, walker, dentures, hearing aid, medications)
Has an eviction notice for unpaid rent, notice of late mortgage, or home
eviction
Has hazardous, unsafe, or unclean living conditions
Displays signs of insufficient care or unpaid bills despite adequate financial
resources
A
heartbreaking
infographic
Contacts
Elderly Abuse
Elder Care locator:
1 800 677 1116
National Adult protective
services association:
1 202 370 6292
National Center on Elder
abuse: 1 855 500 3537
Pets/animals
WHAT TO DO
Is it animal abuse/neglect?
From https://americanhumane.org
Maybe it only looks like neglect. Look more
closely at different times of day.
Maybe the food and water bowls are kept
inside, away from bugs and freezing
temperatures.
Maybe your neighbor goes to work at 3 a.m.
And feeds the dog then.
Maybe there’s a dog door you can’t see.
Some Sure signs of animal neglect
NO SHELTER: animals need protection from the elements while
outdoors to ensure their welfare and well-being.
Collar too tight: not increasing the size of a collar as an animal
grows causes injury, strangulation and death.
Lack of grooming: without regular grooming, a pet, especially a
long-haired one, can get massive matting and sores.
Mange: mange, caused by tiny parasites, leads to itching, loss of hair
and sores from scratching and biting to relieve the irritation. Mange
is easily treated with medicated baths.
Starvation: starvation is caused not only by lack of food, but also by
improper food, untreated disease and parasites (like worms).
https://www.americanhumane.org
What can you do?
If you witness animal abuse or neglect, report it to your local
animal control, law enforcement or humane organization. If
these authorities agree that there’s the possibility of neglect
or abuse, they will investigate and decide how to help the
animal.
Don’t try to rescue a pet from a potentially abusive or
neglectful environment yourself. Not only is this illegal and
potentially unsafe, but you haven’t stopped the owner from
getting another pet to abuse, or helped turn him into a
caring, responsible owner.
Homes can expose our employees to some of the worst
hazards, and potentially harmful situations.. We must
prepare them.
Ideas
Build a solid rapport with local law enforcement, CPS and local Elder Care
organizations
Provide a procedure to get your employees out of a residence they are
uncomfortable being inside
Provide supervision back-up that allows for immediate departure of a
residence while protecting the reputation of the customer
Text message codes are a quick method to identify a problem from an
employee to their supervisor, which in turn allows a supervisor to call the
employee “back to the office” for an “emergency”
Teach your employees to pay attention to what they see and to not be afraid
to say something to their supervisor, HR, or safety representative
Marilyn Blake
301.220.1085
mab@telcominsgrp.com
Craig Rapp
903.424.7453
csr@telcominsgrp.com
Customer Homes

Customer Homes 2022.pptx

  • 1.
    Welcome to June’sRisk Management Safety Presentation.
  • 2.
  • 3.
    Yes, All ContainRisks Today We’ll Look at a Few Important Ones
  • 4.
    Unfortunately… We, in telecommunications or similarperiphery installers/service techs, might be the only ones to see or encounter certain things inside a person’s home.
  • 5.
    Common situations ouremployees may face in a customer’s home, based on reports and incidents investigated over the last 25 years of safety work in telecommunications. Filth #1 Drugs Child Abuse Elder Abuse Animal Cruelty Spousal abuse Bloodborne pathogens Dogs/other critters Drug Production COVID/Cold/Flu Prostitution Infestations Deliberate equipment Tampering Racially Charged Situation Politically Charged Situation Criminally Charged Situation Civil Disobedience
  • 6.
    "Customer's homes canbe really disgusting!" Here’s a quote –Craig Rapp
  • 7.
    You Never KnowWhat Your IR Tech May Face Every Day This is an actual picture the author of this presentation was involved with inside a customer’s home. Yes, that is animal feces ground into the carpet . Never kneel.
  • 8.
    What is thesolution to filth?
  • 9.
    What types of PPEshould we really be using in our industry while entering homes? Don’t we know the drill already? Latex/similar type gloves-then wash your hands once they’re removed Booties (shoe coverings) Respirators/masks Knee pads/trash bags, etc. Safety glasses
  • 10.
    Quick tip fornew installers Do not kneel directly on a carpet You do not know what that liquid is or from what it came out of Wear knee pads for extra protection What ever you touch, has been touched by the home- owner so sanitize your hands A change of clothes is often a good thing
  • 11.
    Things it isOK to do when the house is sketchy: Excuse yourself to get some fresh air and/or vomit Refuse to enter a home you are uncomfortable going into/ or to leave a home you become uncomfortable while inside-call your supervisor Wearing your PPE. Disinfecting yourself before you take one person’s filth into another person’s home. It’s ok to NOT pet an animal. It may be hard to not succumb to their cuteness, but you don’t have to engage.
  • 12.
    Contact Numbers Your Technicians May Need Child Abuse:See next slide for individual state cps Numbers. The National number to text or call is 1-800-422-4453 Elderly Abuse Elder Care locator: 1 800 677 1116 National Adult protective services association: 202 370 6292 National Center on Elder abuse: 855 500 3537 Animal Cruelty (49 States have laws with felony provision): contact local L.E. or humane society Drug Manufacturing/Production: Local L.E.
  • 13.
  • 14.
    Definition of childabuse https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/can/defining/ Federal legislation provides guidance to states by identifying a minimum set of acts or behaviors that define child abuse and neglect. The federal child abuse prevention and treatment act (CAPTA) (42 U.S.C.A. § 5106g), as amended by the CAPTA reauthorization act of 2010, defines child abuse and neglect as, at minimum: "Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker, which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation"; or "An act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm."
  • 15.
    Definition of childabuse https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/can/defining/ This definition of child abuse and neglect refers specifically to parents and other caregivers. A "child" under this definition generally means a person who is younger than age 18 or who is not an emancipated minor. *Being an emancipated minor means that you are considered an adult before age 18 and are legally separated from your parents or legal guardians.
  • 16.
    State law definitions- https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/can/defining/ While federal legislation sets minimum standards for states that accept federal funding, each state is responsible for defining child maltreatment in state law. Definitions of child abuse and neglect are typically located in two places within each state's statutory code: Civil statutes provide definitions of child maltreatment to guide individuals who are mandated to identify, and report suspected child abuse and determine the grounds for intervention by state child protection agencies and civil courts. Locate definitions for your state by conducting a state statues search on the information gateway website. Criminal statutes define those forms of child maltreatment that can subject an offender to arrest and prosecution in criminal courts.
  • 17.
    State law continued Manystates recognize four major types of maltreatment in their definitions: 1) neglect, 2) physical abuse, 3) sexual abuse, and 4) emotional abuse or neglect.
  • 18.
    Let’s look atTexas for an example The definition of child abuse, which is part of the Texas family code, is the basis for civil actions to protect a child from an abuser (such as removal of a child from the home). The penal code provides the basis for the criminal prosecution of a person who assaults or otherwise commits a crime against a child. Chapter 261 of the family code (recodified in 1995) states that child abuse is an act or omission that endangers or impairs a child’s physical, mental or emotional health and development. Child abuse may take several different forms: Physical Emotional injury Sexual abuse Sexual exploitation Physical neglect Medical neglect Inadequate supervision.
  • 19.
    More… The law specificallyexcludes “reasonable” discipline by the child’s parent, guardian, or conservator; corporal punishment is not in itself abusive under the law. An act or omission is abusive only if “observable and material impairment” occurs as a result, or if it causes “substantial harm”, or exposes the child to risk of substantial harm.
  • 20.
    Continued… Neglect, like physicaland emotional abuse, hinges on substantial harm or observable and material impairment. The law excludes from its definition of neglect any failure to provide for the child that is due to lack of financial resources. A child living in poverty is not a victim of neglect under the Texas family code except in cases where relief has been offered and refused by the child’s parent, guardian, or conservator.
  • 21.
    Finally… Accidental injury orharm is also excluded from the definition of abuse. However, a person commits abuse if she/he places a child, or allows a child to be placed, in a situation where the child is exposed to “substantial risk” of injury or harm. The law also clearly states that a person commits abuse if she/he fails to make a reasonable effort to prevent another person from abusing a child. This provision applies to all forms of abuse, including physical and emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect.
  • 22.
    Child Abuse Hotlineand state numbers Alabama- County Specific Alaska-1 800 478 4444 Arizona- 1 888 767 2445 Arkansas- 1 800 482 5964 California- Co specific Colorado- 1 844 264 5437 Connecticut- 1 800 842 2288 Delaware- 1 800 292 9582 Florida- 1 800 962 2873 Georgia-1 855 422 4453 Hawaii- 1800 832 5300/494 3991 Idaho- 1 855 552 5437 Illinois- 1 800 252 2873 Indiana- 1 800 800 5556 Iowa- 1 800 362 2178 Kansas- 1 800 922 5330 Kentucky- 1 877 597 2331 Louisiana- 1 855 452 5437
  • 23.
    Child Abuse Hotlineand state numbers
  • 24.
    Child abuse hotlineand state numbers North Dakota- Co specific Ohio- co specific Oklahoma-1 800 522 3511 Oregon- 1 855 503 7233 (SAFE) Pennsylvania- 1 800 932 0313 Rhode Island- 1 800 742 4453 South Carolina-1 888 227 3487 South Dakota- 1 877 244 0864 Tennessee- 1 877 237 0004 Texas- 1 800 252 5400 Utah-1 855 323 3237 Vermont- 1 800 649 5285 Virginia-1 800 552 7096 Washington- 1 866 363 4276 West Virginia-1 800 352 6513 Wisconsin- co specific Wyoming- co specific
  • 25.
  • 26.
    Elder abuse. A sad reality. Abusecan happen to anyone — no matter the person's age, sex, race, religion, or ethnic or cultural background. Hundreds of thousands of adults over the age of 60 are abused, neglected, or financially exploited annually. Abuse can happen in many places, including the older person's home, a family member's house, an assisted living facility, or a nursing home. The mistreatment of older adults can be by family members, strangers, health care providers, caregivers, or friends.
  • 27.
  • 28.
    Who are being abusedin this older community? Most victims of abuse are women, but some are men. Likely targets are older adults who have no family or friends nearby and people with disabilities, memory problems, or dementia. Abuse can happen to any older adult, but often affects those who depend on others for help with activities of everyday life — including bathing, dressing, and taking medicine. People who are frail may appear to be easy victims.
  • 29.
    Common signs ofelder abuse, but not all inclusive Stops taking part in activities he or she enjoys Looks messy, with unwashed hair or dirty clothes Has trouble sleeping Loses weight for no reason Becomes withdrawn or acts agitated or violent Displays signs of trauma, like rocking back and forth
  • 30.
    Common signs-not allinclusive Has unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or scars Has broken eyeglasses/frames, or physical signs of punishment or being restrained Develops bed sores or other preventable conditions Lacks medical aids (glasses, walker, dentures, hearing aid, medications) Has an eviction notice for unpaid rent, notice of late mortgage, or home eviction Has hazardous, unsafe, or unclean living conditions Displays signs of insufficient care or unpaid bills despite adequate financial resources
  • 31.
  • 32.
    Contacts Elderly Abuse Elder Carelocator: 1 800 677 1116 National Adult protective services association: 1 202 370 6292 National Center on Elder abuse: 1 855 500 3537
  • 33.
  • 34.
    Is it animalabuse/neglect? From https://americanhumane.org Maybe it only looks like neglect. Look more closely at different times of day. Maybe the food and water bowls are kept inside, away from bugs and freezing temperatures. Maybe your neighbor goes to work at 3 a.m. And feeds the dog then. Maybe there’s a dog door you can’t see.
  • 35.
    Some Sure signsof animal neglect NO SHELTER: animals need protection from the elements while outdoors to ensure their welfare and well-being. Collar too tight: not increasing the size of a collar as an animal grows causes injury, strangulation and death. Lack of grooming: without regular grooming, a pet, especially a long-haired one, can get massive matting and sores. Mange: mange, caused by tiny parasites, leads to itching, loss of hair and sores from scratching and biting to relieve the irritation. Mange is easily treated with medicated baths. Starvation: starvation is caused not only by lack of food, but also by improper food, untreated disease and parasites (like worms). https://www.americanhumane.org
  • 36.
    What can youdo? If you witness animal abuse or neglect, report it to your local animal control, law enforcement or humane organization. If these authorities agree that there’s the possibility of neglect or abuse, they will investigate and decide how to help the animal. Don’t try to rescue a pet from a potentially abusive or neglectful environment yourself. Not only is this illegal and potentially unsafe, but you haven’t stopped the owner from getting another pet to abuse, or helped turn him into a caring, responsible owner.
  • 37.
    Homes can exposeour employees to some of the worst hazards, and potentially harmful situations.. We must prepare them.
  • 38.
    Ideas Build a solidrapport with local law enforcement, CPS and local Elder Care organizations Provide a procedure to get your employees out of a residence they are uncomfortable being inside Provide supervision back-up that allows for immediate departure of a residence while protecting the reputation of the customer Text message codes are a quick method to identify a problem from an employee to their supervisor, which in turn allows a supervisor to call the employee “back to the office” for an “emergency” Teach your employees to pay attention to what they see and to not be afraid to say something to their supervisor, HR, or safety representative
  • 39.