EU-OSHA Aims to Improve Worker Safety in Home & Community Care

摘要

A report from European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) focuses on emerging OSH risks in the healthcare sector, with a particular emphasis on home and community care. According to the report, the healthcare sector employs nearly 10% of the EU workforce. Of that population, 77% are women. Small work spaces, lack of training and working solo with little or no supervision are just a few of the factors that contribute to the myriad hazards home healthcare workers face each day. These hazards include biological and chemical risks (such as needlestick injuries and handling hazardous substances), ergonomic risks caused by patient handling, and psychosocial risks due to long hours and potentially aggressive behavior from clients.