As each workplace is unique, there is no single training resource that will address all the hazards that may occur in daily work. This booklet will provide you with:
Community and home care workers will often drive, or take transit, to a client’s home as part of their job. This means that if you are driving, your car is your mobile workplace while you are visiting clients. Being on the road can be dangerous if you are not prepared.
When working alone you may face a risk of violence, as the care you are providing may cause a client to feel nervous or agitated. Being exposed to violent or aggressive behavior is not part of your job.
Do the following before arriving at the client’s home:
Once inside the client’s home
Before entering the client’s home
Manual client handling and other physical tasks can cause overexertion of your muscles to cause injury. Musculoskeletal injuries are sprains and strains to the muscles and surrounding tissues, which can have life-long impact These are the leading type of injury for home and community care workers.
If you have an injury caused by overexertion or repetitive movement, you may see redness or swelling, feel a dull or aching pain, or experience weakness.
Violence refers to physical force that causes injury to a worker and includes any threatening statement or that gives you reasonable cause to believe that you are in danger.
Working closely with clients and their families and friends, often under difficult circumstances and sometimes in isolated locations, can put you at risk of violence. Violence and aggressive behavior is not part of your job.
Preventing violence in the workplace
behaviour to help you to decide how to respond safely
violence you should be aware of:
an information assessment to make sure it is safe to start or
continue
mitigate the risk
Are you prepared
I have followed my organization’s check-in procedure
I have my mobile phone on me to call for help if needed
I have read my client’s care plan
I am aware of how to detect and address early signs of escalating
I have a clear exit path, so I can leave quickly if I need to
I know that I do not have to tolerate bullying, harassment or violence
I know I can leave if I feel threatened
I know to contact my supervisor immediately if it is unsafe for me to proceed
Unrestrained animals, either on approach to a home or inside the home, have the potential to create an unsafe work environment.
Threat of injury from an animal is not part of your job. Animals may be territorial and perceive you to be a threat to person or property. When animals perceive a threat they typically:
Slips, trips and falls are the second most common injury for home and community health workers. There may be uneven or slippery surfaces outside, and as you enter a client’s home. Weather and outside environment, as well as clutter inside the home may result in tripping hazards.
Exposure to hazardous drugs and infectious diseases pose a health risk. Hazardous drugs include antineoplastics and cytotoxic drugs, certain hormone therapies, antiviral drugs, antibiotics, and synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl and carfentanyl.
Infectious diseases may be airborne, bloodborne contact or zoonotic, and exposure may be either direct or indirect.
The air quality in a client’s home plays an important role in your health. Air quality can be affected by gases, smoke, mold, bacteria, temperature and humidity. In some cases, poor air quality may lead to allergic reactions or irritation to the eyes, nose and throat.
Public transportation refers to buses, trains, ferries, and taxi services.
Be prepared for the unexpected and make sure you are prepared with the following:
Give your vehicle a winter check up and make sure you are prepared with the following:
To reduce the risk of roadside breakdowns, keep your vehicle well maintained: