Here are some of the common threats that home health care workers face.
The home healthcare industry is one of the fastest growing segments in the United States. Home healthcare workers include professionals that provide skilled nursing care, personal care, companion services, physical and occupational therapy, and other support services in a home setting. The individuals who perform these services are subject to inherent health and safety risks. While having the right workers compensation for home health care is a great way to protect these workers, this isn’t the only way to reduce their risk of injury, illness, or other risks. Here are some of the major risks that home healthcare professionals need to be wary about and what they can do to reduce these risks.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders encompass any injuries to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, cartilage, bones, or blood vessels. In a workers comp sense, these injuries occur when work activities such as lifting, pushing, or pulling negatively affect the state of the body. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these types of injuries are among the most common issues that result in missed work time. The best way for home health care workers to avoid these types of injuries is by receiving proper safety training and knowing which assistive devices they need to perform their duties with minimal strain on themselves. For instance, healthcare professionals should know when to utilize draw sheets, slide boards, rollers, slings, belts, and mechanical hoists, and should also know how to safely use this equipment.
Occupational Stress
Those who work in home health care are subject to different types of stress than someone working in a regulated office environment. For instance, home healthcare professionals are unable to control their work environments and their day-to-day workloads. Additionally, they also have the added stress that comes with working with individuals who are in pain or dying and who are often irritable and aggressive. This high level of stress can increase a worker’s chances of becoming ill or making a mistake that results in them injuring themselves. To reduce the amount of stress that home healthcare workers experience, you should offer your staff quality supervision and support. This might including holding regular meetings where staff members can voice their concerns or complaints and offering solutions to help workers better manage their stress. Employers can also offer their employees access to professional counseling support for further stress management assistance.
These are some of the most serious risks that that home healthcare professionals face and what you can do to reduce this risk. Remember, having the right workers compensation for home healthcare is another great way to protect your staff members. For assistance with all your workers compensation insurance needs, contact the experts at PMC Insurance Group. We are ready to get you the coverage that you need today.
