Company Manual

Absolute Domestics offers regular and one-off domestic cleaning services that can be booked via our website or over the phone. A regular service is an ongoing weekly or fortnightly clean and is our most popular service with Thursdays and Fridays our busiest days. A fill-in cleaner can be organised for the client if you are away sick or on holidays.

There is an additional charge to our clients if cleaning products and/or equipment are required to be provided by the cleaner. Your Team Manager will advise you of this charge of which you will keep.

A one-off service includes Spring Cleans, Move In/Move Out and End of Lease cleans. These are very detailed cleans, often required to meet real estate standards and are handled by dedicated one-off cleaning specialists.

Products and equipment are supplied by the cleaner and these jobs are typically more time consuming, sometimes lasting 1 or 2 days.

Absolute Domestics also has an affiliated company called Clean Homes that provides domestic cleaning services for the sick, injured and elderly. This is an invoiced service which means you are paid via an online invoicing facility through Clean Homes rather than directly by the client.

Clean Homes provides additional work for our registered cleaners and is a great way to supplement your income. You may be offered Clean Homes jobs from time to time by your Team Manager.

With changes in government, the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) and the aging population of the country, we are receiving more and more requests for invoiced services. The work is very rewarding because our Clean Homes clients often require help with the housework due to injury or physical limitations. The work you do is very valuable to the quality of their lives during that time.

Clean Homes jobs are typically limited to a set number of visits and the hours of cleaning booked are pre-approved by a third party provider. We receive requests for NDIS recipients, Insurance and WorkCover claimants, Aged Care and Veterans’ Affairs clients.

In some instances the job is booked on a permanent basis if the client is permanently disabled and in other situations the job may only be booked for a short time such as 6 weeks. Please ensure you pay particular attention to the details and don’t work past the end date for the booking or work more than the hours booked.

The contact details for Clean Homes are below:

• Phone: 1300 305 182
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.cleanhomes.com.au

The role of the Agency is to recruit and train cleaning contractors, attract and retain clients and provide ongoing work for our cleaning service providers.

You will be assigned a Team Manager to coordinate jobs between yourself and our clients and help you along the way. They are there to listen and support you if you have any concerns e.g. too much work, not enough work.

You will be given their direct telephone number and email address so that you can contact them for any questions you have.

From the Dashboard you will see jobs available in your area, recent notifications and upcoming cleans. To browse new jobs, click the orange jobs available button displayed or press the Browse Jobs tab on the bottom of the page. From here you will see two options – Available Jobs and Job Offers.  

Available Jobs are any new jobs in your area tht are on offer. Do not take a job unless you really want it and press back to keep browsing.

Job Offers are jobs that have been sent to you by your Team Manager that might be suitable for you. Use the same process to accept a job offer.

The client’s criteria is established by asking the following questions:

• What sort of service are they wanting?
• The frequency required e.g. weekly or fortnightly
• How many hours of cleaning would they like e.g. 3 hours
• Is there a preferred day for the service?

IMPORTANT— You absolutely do not just turn up to a job without contacting the client first.

If you don’t have the phone number, then you haven’t got the job yet!

• Ensure you factor in travel time before accepting a job.
• Please don’t accept a job until you are absolutely certain it is going to work for you, for example, you may not be familiar with the area the job is in so it is a good idea to check. Advise your Team Manager so they can make a note on the client’s file that you are checking the address and will get back to them. This is better than accepting the job, then handing it back prior to start as this does not appear professional to the client.
• Always call the client on initial contact, following up with an SMS if they do not answer within 24 - 48 hours.
• If you are unable to make contact with the client after 2 attempts, please notify your Team Manager.
• so they can follow up with the client
• Notify your Team Manager of any permanent changes to your roster.
• If a client cancels with you, let your Team Manager know.

Our clients choose to book through the Agency rather than engage a private cleaner because of the following benefits:

• Simple and effective booking process with flat hourly rates
• Cleaner works to your priorities in the time frame you allocate i.e. Client decides what day they want the cleaning, how many hours of cleaning they want and what tasks they want completed
• Having the same regular cleaner each visit who becomes familiar with what you want done and where your cleaning products and equipment are kept
• Fill-in and replacement cleaners when required
• And most importantly, cleaners that are screened for suitability, police checked, reliable, trustworthy and fully insured.

• Frequent turnover of service providers or constant changes to days and time of the cleans.
• Poor communication with the cleaner.
• Poor standard of cleaning.
• Dusting around items without lifting them and dusting underneath.
• Not doing enough work in the time allocated.
• Cleaners leaving the job before the allocated time or before the job is done.
• Cleaners not using their initiative to identify and complete obvious tasks.
• Not putting away cleaning products and equipment.
• Not working to the clients instructions.

• Residential cleaning, tidying, washing, ironing, anything that is deemed a domestic chore
• Work a minimum f 10 hours per week
• Have a mobile phone and message bank for communication
• Give the Agency 2 weeks notice if you are resigning or taking holidays.
• If you are sick, initially advise affected clients and ask if they require a replacement cleaner. Then notify your Team Manager
• A reliable car is preferable
• Be prepared to travel up to 30 minutes
• Maintain contact with the Agency as required
• Quote your ID (K/number) in all verbal and written communication
• Have a receipt book to leave a receipt for clients and change for cash payments
• Respect the client’s privacy
• Remit the Agency Fees at the end of each week and/or after the last service for the week
• Abide by the Agency Terms & Conditions as an independent contractor

Do:

• Meet with each new client prior to the first clean. This initial meeting gives you both the opportunity to meet each other and discuss the client’s requirements.
• Notify your Team Manager of permanent changes to your roster — if a client changes day, hours, or cancels completely.
• Notify your Team Manager if the client gives you a referral of a potential new client.
• Discuss in detail how to clean any unfamiliar surfaces, such as stainless steel, marble, granite, timber or antiques and take notes.
• Be friendly but not intrusive — communicate with the clients so you both have the same expectations as to what needs to be done.
• Sometimes the client might give you more work than you can complete. Please discuss this with the client. Call them in the evening or leave a simple note explaining that you worked as quickly as you could but could not finish all the work in the allotted time.
• Should a new client allocate too much work for the time booked, ask the client to prioritise tasks. Request more time on the first service if you think there is some catching up to do. Always ensure that the client is willing to pay for any extra work you undertake.
• Leave a message for the client if you have undertaken extra work or need to tell them something. Invite them to call you if they would like to give you any further instructions.
• If you are expected to wash clothes, you MUST ask the client to sort all clothes into different loads and give you washing instructions. Still be sure to check for sorting errors, for example a red sock in whites or a label stating dry clean only.
• Carry all cleaning products in a bucket to avoid spilling or leakage of any containers.
• Make sure you remove bathmats before using shower cleaners as the cleaning products usually contain bleach. This can damage the mats.
• Be careful when working so as not to scuff furniture, skirting boards, etc.
• Make sure you plug any appliance back in after you have unplugged it for cleaning purposes
• Lock up carefully. Check doors and windows. If you are given keys, keep them safe. Do not label keys with the client address and phone number in case they are lost.

Don’t:

• Do not take your children or any other person not registered with the Agency to the job.
• Do not take personal phone calls while you work.
• Do not smoke in the house under any circumstances.
• Do not go into personal space such as drawers unless the client asks.
• Do not turn on the TV, stereo or air conditioner unless invited to do so by the client.
• Do not drag furniture or equipment over polished floors
• NEVER use a scourer as it will scratch most surfaces, unless instructed to do so by the client, and then ONLY on the surface you have been instructed to clean.
• DO NOT clean Plasma or LCD screens, unless instructed to do so by the client.
• Bleach should be used only under instructions from the client as it can be very damaging. This also includes bleach based products like Exit Mould and Domestos.
• Do not leave early.
• Do not discuss the details of the client’s household and private lives with anyone except us, and then only to the extent that affects your working conditions. Remember you are in a position of trust.
• Do not burden the client with your personal problems.
• Do not take clients privately within 12 months of them canceling the service with the Agency (Terms & Conditions).

Handy items for you to have with you include:

• Bucket
• Gloves
• Bin liners
• Microfibre cloth
• Squeegee
• Toothbrush
• Old towel
• Morning Fresh detergent
• Deodorant and a spare shirt

• If you see ironing piling up, offer to do it for the client.
• If client is going on holiday, offer to tidy the cupboards, clean the oven or fridge while they are away.
• If the client is moving, promote our other services by suggesting a move out/end of lease clean.

You are the face of Absolute Domestics, so please:

• Be punctual and reliable
• Treat the client with respect
• Be enthusiastic and flexible
• Dress and conduct yourself appropriately.

You will generate your own work with a positive and cooperative approach. Make common sense common practice — we give you the work, it’s up to you to keep it.

• Call, don’t text the client to introduce yourself and organise a time to meet prior to starting the job
• Discuss what time the cleaning will take place and confirm first clean
• Confirm how payment will be made? Cash or direct deposit?

Cleaning your own home and cleaning professionally is very different. When a client pays for your services they expect to come home and find their home spotless. It never pays to assume you know what the client needs you to clean and how they want it cleaned —  every home is different. It is essential that you always consult with the client upon arriving at their home so that you are working to their individual requirements and managing their expectations of what can be achieved in the time frame allocated.

• Take a notepad and pen, or have one handy if arranging by phone
• Wear a polo shirt / t-shirt and black shorts or trousers
• Smile, maintain eye contact and establish a rapport with the client
• Address the client by name
• Ask questions (open ended to gain as much information as possible) but don’t take longer than needed
• Prioritise jobs to be completed in the allocated timeWhen you meet the client for the first time, it is recommended that you wear the company t-shirt, introduce yourself as being registered and referred by Absolute Domestics to help them with their housework. This is because it is important that the client is confident and sure that you are registered with the Agency and comfortable with giving you access in their home and trusted with they key to the house. There is no requirement to wear the company t-shirt apart from the first time you meet a new client

• How will I get in on the day of the clean?
• What do I do with the keys when I lock up?
• Do you have an alarm system? If so can you show me how to turn it on and off?
• Do you have any pets? What are their names?
• For security reasons, I will be keeping the front door locked so please let me know if anyone else will be coming to your home for any reason.
• May I use the fan or open windows in hot weather while I clean?

• Establish where to leave written notes and payment/receipts e.g. kitchen bench
• Where do you keep your products?
• What products do you use on which surfaces?
• Where do you keep your cloths and equipment? How to use?
• Would you like to show me the rooms you want me to clean?
• Are there any no go zones?
• How would you like me to dispose of your rubbish?

• Where is the iron and ironing board and how do I use it?
• Is the ironing in priority order?
• Do you want me to hang clothes or fold them? Where do you want me to put the ironed clothes?

• Can you sort the washing into piles?
• How do I use the washing machine? What cycles do you use?
• What products should I use and where do they go? Do you want the washing hung outside or inside? Where are the laundry basket and pegs kept? Where is the washing line? Consider pets?
• How do I use the dryer?
• What should I do with the dry washing?

• Do you want the linen changed or beds made?
• If linen needs changing, can you please leave the clean linen in each room for me?
• What do you want me to do with the dirty linen?

• Am I doing cleaning only or will there be some tidying? If so, which areas?
• Do you want me to wash the dirty cloths (time permitting) or put them in the laundry?
• Remember to return products and equipment to where they belong. Leave empty products out or leave a note for the client if products need replacing.

You may be offered a job where the client has a discount. Discounts may be offered to a client because they have had a disappointing experience and has a valid and justified complaint. The Agency may have offered 1 hour free or even a free clean. 

You are required to leave a receipt every time you service the clients home unless instructed not to by the client. Not only is the receipt confirmation of a completed service, it also provides a record for your proof of earnings.

Example Receipts

Leave with client 

Keep for your records

Here’s what you need to know about Credit Card payments:

• Once each service is complete, you must go to the App and Request Payment via the App. See below.
• A notification will be sent to the client to confirm the job was done. 
• Once confirmed, the client’s credit card will automatically be charged.
• You will be paid direct into your bank in up to 5 business days. 
• You do not pay the Agency Fee on Credit Card bookings. It’s automatic. 
• To be paid, you must be registered with Stripe. 

To make sure you’re all setup and ready to accept Credit Card bookings, check your MyAbdom App dashboard and complete the onboarding and verification.

Once you’ve completed your onboarding, Stripe may require additional proof of identity for verification.

If you experience any issues with your Stripe setup, please contact [email protected]

As an Independent Operator, we recommend that you have an ABN. If you do not already have an ABN, you can follow the link below to get one. 

https://www.abr.gov.au/business-super-funds-charities/applying-abn

You may be required to provide a Tax Invoice in situations where you are cleaning a rental property or if the householder owns a home-based business and is claiming a percentage of the payment to you as a tax deduction. If this is the case, you will need to:

• Provide a Tax Invoice quoting an ABN if you have one or,
• Provide the client with a Statement by Supplier. See details Statement by Supplier below.

As a sole trader/independent contractor, you may be deemed as carrying on an enterprise, and may be entitled to an ABN.

To determine whether an activity or series of activities amounts to a business, the activity needs to be considered against the main indicators of a business.

These include:

• An intention to engage in commercial activity.
• An intention to make a profit from the activity.
• The recurrent or regular nature of the activity.
• The activity is carried on in a similar manner to that of other businesses in the same or similar trades.
• The activity is systematic, organised and carried on in a businesslike manner and records are kept.
• The activities are of a reasonable size and scale.
• A business plan exists. 
• The entity has relevant knowledge or skill.

Not all these indicators need to be present for you to be carrying on a business, however it would be expected that your activity would meet several of these indicators. 

Important Note:

If you earn or receive other income, other than Agency work, then you will need to seek advice from an

accountant or business advisor if you are required to get an ABN.

ABN Entitlement Link

If you require more information, you can find the answer to your questions by visiting the ABN page on the Australian Business Register website.

Certain suppliers are not required to quote an ABN or do not qualify for an ABN. These suppliers can complete a Statement by a Supplier form instead of quoting an ABN.

An individual or a business that supplies goods or services can only complete a Statement by a supplier form if one or more of the following applies:

• They are not carrying on an enterprise in Australia.
• The payment does not exceed $75, excluding any GST.
• They are an individual, and a written statement is provided to the payer to the effect that the supply is either:

1. An activity done as a private recreational pursuit or hobby,
2. or wholly of a private or domestic nature.

• They are an individual or a partnership without a reasonable expectation of profit or gain.

If you require more information, you can find a printable Statement by a Supplier document on the ATO Website.

Great! You can provide a Tax Invoice with your ABN if asked for one. If you have been issued an ABN, then you don’t need to use the Statement by a Supplier form.

Most people need to lodge a tax return each year.  A sole trader usually uses their individual tax file number when lodging their income tax return. If you’re unsure whether you need to lodge, visit the ATO Website for further information and to check your individual circumstances.

Yes. To claim a work-related deduction:

• you must have spent the money yourself and weren’t reimbursed;
• it must directly relate to earning your income;
• you must have a record to prove it.

• Registration fee
• Insurance levy
• Vehicle and travel expenses
• Clothing, laundry
• Home office expenses
• Mobile phone, internet and home phone expenses
• Telephone calls, telephone rental
• Computers and software
• Self-education expenses such as training or conferences
• Tools, equipment and other equipment
• Parking fees and tolls
• Protective equipment
• Stationery
• Repairs of tools and equipment used for work
• Other work-related deductions

Remember to report all income in your tax return and remove any portion of your expense that is not work-related.

The ATO’s myDeductions App makes it easy and convenient for you to keep tax related records in one place. The record-keeping allows individuals to keep track of their general, work-related income and deductions. For more information, and to download the myDeductions app visit the ATO Website.

GST is unlikely to be applicable to you, unless you earn over $75,000 a year. The Agency pays GST on the fee component.GST is unlikely to be applicable to you unless you earn over $75,000 a year. The Agency pays GST on the fee component. 

This job is unlikely to return $75,000 but if you have any other income such as rental interest, you need to consider this. If it does exceed $75,000 because of other income, the GST is included in the hourly rate and the cleaner needs to submit it to the government when their BAS is prepared quarterly. 

Public Liability Insurance covers our clients if they are injured or their property damaged by you while you are providing a service to them. You also have protection from any claim against you for any loss you accidentally cause our clients.

Due to the number of claims caused by cleaners over a period of time exceeding the premium we pay, the cost has tripled and the excess has doubled from $500 to $1000 per claim.

However, we plan to continue providing Public Liability Insurance for our registered cleaners and limit the excess so that the cleaner’s responsibility remains at $500 for any claim.

Absolute Domestics Public Liability Insurance provides for:

“All sums which the insured shall become legally liable to pay Third Parties in respect of personal injury and/or damage to property as a result of an occurrence and happening in connection with the business of the insured”

This cover applies to the business of Absolute Domestics Pty Ltd as a Cleaning Agency and/or Contracted Cleaners of Absolute Domestics while cleaning for clients of Absolute Domestics.

Business of the Insured Cleaning Agency

Geographical Limit

• Anywhere in Australia

Limit of Liability

• $20,000,000 any one occurrence in respect of Public Liability
• $5,000,000 any one occurrence in respect of Product Liability

Deductible or Excess

• $1,000 property damage ($500 paid by Cleaner)

While this is not an exhaustive list, the major exclusions include:

• Cleaners working for anyone that is not a Client of Absolute Domestics
• Exclusions as per policy

• You must notify Absolute Domestics immediately if at any time an incident occurs which could possibly result in a future claim against you
• Failure to do this could result in a rejection of the claim by the insurer
• Any evidence which may prove useful in defending any action should be preserved wherever possible
• You must take reasonable care and comply with all statutory obligation, by-laws or regulations concerning safety to persons or property
• Advise the client and your Team Manager if anything is damaged in a clients home

• Clean according to client instructions
• Only use cleaning products provided by the client, read labels
• Only use bleach if instructed to do so by the client
• NEVER use a scourer as it will scratch most surfaces, unless instructed to do so by the client, and then ONLY on the surface you have been instructed to clean
• Take care when handling fragile objects
• Put away all items such as brooms, cords, vacuum cleaner hoses etc.
• Make sure all doors and windows are locked and secure at all times
• Take ABSOLUTELY every care with clients keys and security codes
• Do not label keys with client details such as name and address which could be used to identify the client if the keys are lost

Adding to our Public Liability Insurance concerns have been recent changes to the way legislation looks at domestic workers claims for injury while they are at work. It is no longer clear if you will be deemed a domestic worker or a contractor should you injure yourself while working as a domestic cleaner.

This means if you are injured while working and you are assessed as a private contractor, it is likely you will not be covered.

Absolute Domestics has arranged Personal Accident cover for you if you are injured working for our clients. You will be covered for 85% of your income up to $700 per week, with a fourteen day wait period from the date of the accident.

You will also be covered for $50,000 Accidental Death or Total & Permanent Disability should this occur during the course of working for our clients.

You are covered traveling from home, working for our clients, traveling between client’s homes and traveling home, all while you are working for a client of Absolute Domestics.

If you do domestic cleaning as a contractor for anyone other than clients of Absolute Domestics, you would be responsible for your own Public Liability Insurance and Personal Accident Cover. This would likely cost you well over $1,000 each year plus the cover of any excess.

We understand this may be a lot of money for some and we want to help everyone with the cost of insurance cover. After substantial consultation with our accountants and insurance representatives, we have developed a very fair and accurate method to continue insurance coverage for you.

To cover the cost of providing you with Public Liability Insurance, Personal Accident cover and to keep your excess to $500 we have introduced a compulsory $2.00 levy per service that all cleaners registered with Absolute Domestics must pay.

This means you pay the $2.00 Insurance Levy per service. The client does not pay the Insurance Levy. If a service doesn’t happen for any reason, there is nothing to pay. If the service is a free clean, the Agency pays the levy on your behalf so you remain covered for insurance.

The levy is paid on each of our services – regular, catch-up, one off and fill-in jobs. It is a condition of the Insurer that all registered Absolute Domestic Cleaners must participate in the scheme therefore it is compulsory.

The Insurance Levy is your part of the funds necessary to offset, to some degree, the cost of providing Public Liability Insurance for you, limiting your Public Liability excess to $500 and providing Personal Accident cover for you.

The insurance package protects you against claims made against you for damage you may cause to a Clients home or contents or injury to a Client as a result of you working in their home and personal injury to yourself while working for our Clients.

No. Absolute Domestics has no obligation to provide you with insurance cover. You are responsible for your own insurance cover while working for our Clients as an independent operator.

Insurance can be costly on an individual basis. Absolute Domestics has arranged this cover to make sure both you and our Clients are protected while you are working for our Clients.

No. The Insurance Levy applies only when you have worked for an Absolute Domestics Client and sent in an Agency Placement Fee.

Yes.

No, the Insurance Levy applies to all cleaning jobs. This includes regular, catchup, one off and fill-in jobs.

If no Placement Fee is paid for a particular job, no Insurance Levy is due.

The Insurance Levy remains at $2 per service regardless of whether one or more people provided the service. This is because the risk remains the same whether one person conducts a 3 hour clean or two people conduct the same clean in 1.5 hours.

You are responsible for paying up to $500 to repair or replace the damaged item. Everything over and above this cost will be covered by Absolute Domestics.

There are a number of ways this can be paid without the need to pay in one lump sum such as a payment plan spread over a number of payments. Also, you might do additional work to generate more income.

We expect that every person is careful. We hope you never cause any damage. However, all the damage that has been caused in the past happened while people were being careful. Accidents do happen despite your best efforts. That is why you need insurance cover.

Paying the Insurance Levy simply means you have both protection for yourself and our Clients should anything go wrong and promotes peace of mind for all concerned knowing that all legitimate claims will be covered.

No.

No, the excess does not apply to the Personal Accident Cover.

There is no age limit for the Public Liability cover. For the Personal Accident cover, there is no minimum age however the maximum age limit is 75 years of age. Anyone over 75 is unable to be covered and will be exempt from paying this portion of the Levy.

Contact your Team Manager.

Absolute Domestics takes great pride in finding domestic cleaning work in homes throughout Australia and New Zealand, helping busy professional couples, time poor families and the elderly with their housework.

It is recommended that an initial meet and greet is organised between the client and the cleaner to run through what is required and to provide an opportunity to become familiar with the home environment.

You should always feel safe from harm or concern while in a client’s home so if you ever come across a situation where you feel unsafe, uncomfortable or the conditions are unhygienic, please leave the client’s house and call your Team Manager at the Agency to report the incident to them.

Please be as informative as possible to enable your Team Manager to assess the situation and deal with it accordingly.

Health and Safety is an important consideration to be taken when performing work to ensure illness and injury does not occur. It should not be an add-on consideration to the work being done. It should be incorporated in the way work is carried out.

The Work Health and Safety Act 2011, the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, the Electrical Safety Act 2002 and the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 place obligations on persons conducting a business or undertaking with respect to ensuring health and safety in a workplace.

As a service provider, you too have obligations under this Legislation. The Legislation covers many aspects and has many regulated requirements to address health and safety issues in all industries. However, in general terms and in medium to low risk industries, an understanding of the management of risk is essential and sufficient.

Therefore, to comply with the Legislation, generally a Risk Management approach is to be adopted. This involves identifying hazards in the work environment, assessing the level of risk those hazards present to those in the work environment and then taking the most appropriate action that will eliminate or minimise the risks.

What is a hazard?

A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm or injury in the workplace (example – slippery floor, hazardous chemical, heavy object).

What is a risk?

A risk is the likelihood of the hazard to cause injury or harm to persons in the workplace (example – a person could slip on the slippery floor, the outcome of this could result in serious injury).

How do I control risk?

As hazards in the work environment may change from visit to visit, a fresh assessment of the workplace needs to be undertaken at each visit and not just rely on the assessment undertaken at the initial visit. This will ensure all risks are being managed.

The most important step to take in managing risks is to eliminate them as much as reasonably practicable and when elimination is not achievable, minimise them as much as reasonably practicable.

Your own experience will help you decide on what is the most effective, practical and efficient controls to use and when you’re not sure, seek the assistance of your Team Manager. Remember, don’t introduce a risk while trying to eliminate one.

Example of steps to eliminate or minimise risk (Slippery floor example)

• Short term (minimise risk): Make anyone who is in the work environment aware that the floor is wet or slippery and guide persons away from it (Example: Advise persons in the house and put a chair/s over it or around it)
• Longer term (eliminate risk): Clean it up

The most important point to remember in Risk Management is to remain alert by identifying the hazards before you become involved with them and they become a risk to you.

The following table gives some examples of how to apply the Risk Management Process. It is not an exhaustive list of hazards, but it provides the necessary information to apply the process. Personal experience and knowledge will assist in most circumstances.

View Hazard/Risk Table

Click on the below for examples pictures of the safety equipment.

• Household installed safety switch
• Safety Gloves
• Face mask — respirator
• Safe step ladder
• Safety glasses
• Hand Trolley

• Faulty equipment — vacuum cleaners, irons, washing machines, dishwashers, etc.
• Broken or faulty electrical outlets or switches
• Frayed or damaged cords — broken or damaged plug tops
• Moisture around electrical equipment (electricity and moisture do not go together)
• Exposed wires hanging out of walls
• Electrical appliances with uncovered connection block
• Electrical appliances getting unduly hot
• Broken light fittings

Things to ask the homeowner

• Is the house fitted with a safety switch? If not, consider having your own
• Are electrical checks carried out periodically on appliances, power leads and the safety switch?
• How electrical appliances operate
• Is there anything I should be particularly aware of?

• Restricted room around work areas
• Bending, twisting and over reaching
• Work at height
• The need to bend or reach for extended periods of time
• Working environment (floor, lighting, temperature)
• Lifting & putting down (vacuum cleaner, bucket/mop, laundry basket, chairs)
• Carrying (as above, plus iron & ironing board, bed clothes, ladder, rubbish)

Things to ask the homeowner

• Where to store objects causing clutter/restricted room.
• Do they have a ladder?
• Correction of work environment issues
• Location of appliances to be used
• Rubbish disposal location

Points to remember

Carrying the load:

• Test the load before picking up. Ensure it’s within your lifting capacity and if packaged, ensure the package is secure
• Plan the path you are to take. Ensure it’s free of obstacles
• Change direction by turning your feet, not your back
• Your nose and your toes should always be pointing in the same direction. Any sudden twisting can result in back injury
• Rest if you are fatigued. Set the load down and rest for a few minutes

Picking up and setting down loads:

• Bend your knees to pick up and put down the load. Squat down and let your legs do the work. Keep your back straight/chin in. Remember not to twist your body and keep the load close to your body. Try not to lean out with the load when picking up and putting down
• Plan your release. Once the load is where you want it and on secure footing, release your grip. Never release your grip unless the load is secure

• Be aware of emergency procedures in case of accidental use or spillage of substance
• Are containers clearly labelled and in their original containers – is there a safer product to use?
• Are substances stored appropriately and out of reach of children?
• Is appropriate personal protective equipment available?
• Do you experience any ill effects from particular substances?
• Ensure adequate ventilation is provided when using substances
• Be aware of precautions to take when using toxic chemicals for example oven cleaners and grease removers
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions/specifications if there is a need to dilute chemicals
• Be aware of fumes from chemicals and do not inhale

Things to consider asking the homeowner:

• Are they prepared to purchase safer products
• Have they mixed any chemicals — precautions to take, has it been properly labelled (risk statements and controls should be on mixed or decanted chemicals)
• Are they prepared to relocate storage point of chemicals to safer location with spill tray if necessary

Points to remember

• Be sure to follow manufacturer’s instructions
• Be sure to use personal protective equipment as required — safety glasses, gloves, respirator, apron
• Know what to do if feeling ill effects or contact is made with chemicals
• Provide as much ventilation as possible when using chemicals

Most common injuries sustained in Queensland annually are caused by manual tasks:

• Strains and sprains (legs, arms, trunk, back)
• (Lifting/carrying heavy loads, reaching/bending/twisting, repetitive movement, slipping/tripping and falling)

Prevention is the key.

• The Risk Management Process: Identify,  Assess, Control.
• Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if no other control is available (Gloves, safety glasses, respirator, plastic apron, appropriate footwear).
• Suitable enclosed, non-slip footwear is recommended.
• Move trip hazards — don’t try stepping over them.
• Use mechanical aids to reduce over-exertion.
• Use a ladder not a chair — be aware of falls.
• Stay alert not fatigued —hydrate regularly, rest if necessary and try not to rush (this is often when accidents occur).
• Plan your work to become effective and efficient.
• Remember you are the person responsible for your health, safety and wellbeing.

Reporting incidents is an important part of a good workplace health and safety system. These reports can often be used to flag circumstances not previously addressed and provide the opportunity to become more health and safety aware.

All incidents should be reported to the client and the agency, and recorded. This includes:

• Injuries sustained by clients or workers.
• Emergency situations, near-miss incidents where no injury has been sustained but requires positive preventative action.

Report concerns by phoning your Team Manager so this can be documented.