NEFTALY THERAPEUTIC PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT PROGRAMME
SAFETY MEASURES MANUAL
1. PURPOSE OF THE MANUAL
The purpose of this Safety Measures Manual is to ensure:
- Protection of clients, staff, and visitors
- Safe therapeutic service delivery environments
- Prevention of harm, abuse, or incidents
- Preparedness for emergencies and crises
- Compliance with occupational health and safety standards
This manual guides all personnel implementing the Neftaly Therapeutic Psychosocial Support Programme.
2. SAFETY PRINCIPLES
The programme commits to:
✅ Duty of Care
✅ Prevention Before Response
✅ Confidential and Safe Spaces
✅ Trauma-Informed Safety
✅ Risk Awareness and Management
✅ Continuous Monitoring and Improvement
3. SCOPE OF APPLICATION
Applies to:
- Programme Offices
- Counselling Rooms
- Community Outreach Sites
- Home Visits
- Group Therapy Venues
- Training Facilities
4. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Programme Manager
- Overall safety oversight
- Ensure safety policies implementation
- Incident reporting supervision
Safety Officer
- Conduct safety inspections
- Maintain safety registers
- Coordinate emergency responses
Staff Members
- Follow safety procedures
- Report hazards immediately
- Protect client wellbeing
Clients & Visitors
- Follow safety instructions
- Respect programme rules
5. FACILITY SAFETY MEASURES
Physical Environment
- Clean and hazard-free premises
- Adequate lighting
- Ventilated counselling rooms
- Clearly marked exits
- Secure doors and windows
Safety Equipment
- Fire extinguishers
- First aid kit
- Emergency contact list
- Incident reporting forms
6. CLIENT SAFETY PROCEDURES
Staff must:
- Conduct risk assessment during intake
- Identify vulnerable or high-risk clients
- Ensure private counselling spaces
- Avoid unsafe one-on-one isolated environments
- Maintain professional boundaries
High-risk clients must receive immediate supervision or referral.
7. STAFF SAFETY DURING SERVICE DELIVERY
Office-Based Services
- Maintain visible reception areas
- Panic or emergency contact access
- Avoid working alone after hours
Community Outreach & Home Visits
- Inform supervisor before visit
- Record visit location and time
- Conduct visits during daylight where possible
- Avoid unsafe areas without support
8. CHILD AND VULNERABLE PERSON PROTECTION
Personnel must:
- Prevent abuse or exploitation
- Report suspected abuse immediately
- Never remain alone with a child in unsafe settings
- Follow safeguarding protocols
Mandatory reporting applies where risk is identified.
9. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES
Fire Emergency
- Raise alarm.
- Evacuate immediately.
- Use nearest exit.
- Assemble at designated point.
- Contact emergency services.
Medical Emergency
- Provide first aid.
- Call emergency services.
- Notify supervisor.
- Record incident.
Violent or Aggressive Behaviour
- Remain calm.
- Maintain safe distance.
- Exit area if necessary.
- Request assistance.
- Report incident immediately.
10. INCIDENT REPORTING PROCEDURE
All incidents must be recorded within 24 hours.
Examples:
- Injury
- Threats or violence
- Confidentiality breach
- Property damage
- Client crisis
Incident reports submitted to Programme Manager.
11. PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY
The programme promotes:
- Respectful communication
- Non-discrimination
- Emotional safety
- Trauma-sensitive engagement
Staff must avoid re-traumatization practices.
12. HEALTH & HYGIENE MEASURES
- Clean counselling spaces daily
- Hand hygiene practices
- Safe waste disposal
- Infection prevention measures
- Sick staff or clients advised to reschedule
13. CONFIDENTIALITY & INFORMATION SAFETY
- Lock physical files
- Password-protect digital data
- Restrict access to authorised staff
- Follow POPIA requirements
14. SAFETY TRAINING
All staff must receive training on:
- Emergency response
- First aid awareness
- Safeguarding
- Crisis intervention
- Workplace safety
Training conducted annually.
15. RISK ASSESSMENT
Regular assessments must identify:
| Risk Area | Control Measure |
|---|---|
| Facility hazards | Inspection |
| Client violence | Risk screening |
| Staff burnout | Supervision |
| Data breach | Secure systems |
16. SAFETY MONITORING & REVIEW
Safety reviews conducted:
- Monthly facility inspections
- Quarterly safety audits
- Annual policy review
17. SAFETY DECLARATION
All staff agree to comply with the safety procedures outlined in this manual.
Staff Name: __________________________
Position: ____________________________
Signature: ___________________________
Date: _______________________________
18. APPROVAL
Approved for implementation under:
Neftaly Therapeutic Psychosocial Support Programme
Programme Manager: ______________________
Signature: ______________________________
Date: __________________________________
✅ Recommended Safety File Structure
Safety Measures Manual
│
├── Safety Policy
├── Emergency Procedures
├── Incident Reports
├── Risk Assessments
├── Inspection Records
└── Training Records