Worksite Wellness from Healthy Directions

Safe Positioning | General:

✓  Don't approach or touch the person unexpectedly.

✓  Approach within the person's vision, but not in the midline directly in front.

✓  Don't reach or lean into the midline.

✓  Use Elbow Check when appropriate.

✓  Place yourself so that your back is not turned and you can move away if you need to.

✓  Avoid blocking the only exit-especially in a small room or space.

Safe Positioning | When Sitting:

✓   If you can, sit in a chair without arms.

✓   Keep your feet on the floor.

✓   If possible, position your chair to the side of the person or on the other side of a table.

✓   If sitting beside, position your chair angled sideways away from the person.

✓   It's best not to sit on the floor.

Safe Positioning | When Kneeling:

✓ Kneel to the side of the person, outside of easy grab range, making sure you have an exit route.

✓ Half kneel with the knee closer to the person up and the other knee down. This allows you to stand and move back quickly

Dress for Safety:

✓   Follow the required dress code.

✓  Avoid items that can easily be grabbed, such as dangling jewelry, neckties, or scarves.

✓  Tie back long hair.

✓  Trim long nails.

✓  Don't wear clothing that is too loose or too tight.

✓ Wear closed toe shoes that you can walk or run safely in. Avoid sandals, flip flops, high heels, etc.

Bite Prevention Strategies:

✓ Know who has a history of biting, but also be aware that almost anyone can bite.

✓ Stay out of the bite zone near the person's mouth or where you can easily be bitten.

✓ Stay out of the midline.

✓ Use Elbow Check when appropriate.

✓ Avoid hugs or other positions in which the person's face is near your torso, shoulder, or leg.

✓ If you need to hold a person's hand or arm, do so with your hand underneath.