When does your duty of care start?

When does your duty of care start?

• A. When you clock in
• B. After you finish a shift
• C. When a complaint is filed
• D. When you commence your shift

Answer: (D)

Duty of care is the obligation to act in a way that prevents harm to others who rely on you. That obligation begins as soon as you commence your shift, because you’re now responsible for the safety of people and property during the time you’re on duty. From that moment, you should stay alert, follow procedures, assess risks, intervene to address hazards, and report issues. It isn’t about clocking in as an administrative step, and it doesn’t wait until after you finish or only after a complaint is filed—the duty is active while you are on duty. This proactive responsibility helps you act to keep people safe from the moment you start your shift.

Duty of care is the obligation to act in a way that prevents harm to others who rely on you. That obligation begins as soon as you commence your shift, because you’re now responsible for the safety of people and property during the time you’re on duty. From that moment, you should stay alert, follow procedures, assess risks, intervene to address hazards, and report issues. It isn’t about clocking in as an administrative step, and it doesn’t wait until after you finish or only after a complaint is filed—the duty is active while you are on duty. This proactive responsibility helps you act to keep people safe from the moment you start your shift.