NIOSH How to Prevent Unsafe Condition Exposure

A description of the hazards home healthcare workers may encounter and ways to prevent injury.

Home healthcare workers may encounter unsanitary homes, temperature extremes, homes without water that is safe to drink, or hostile pets.

EMPLOYERS SHOULD

Establish criteria for acceptable home environments, including hygiene, temperature, access to water, and pets. Train employees on the concept of acceptable home environments and what they should do if a home they visit is unsanitary.

EMPLOYEES SHOULD
Follow their employers’ guidelines for reporting of unacceptable home environments.

UNSANITARY CONDITIONS
Hygiene may be an issue of concern for home healthcare workers in some client locations. Unsanitary homes may harbor pests such as…