Safety concerns for hospice and home-based healthcare workers are a significant issue in the industry. Transcend Strategy Group conducted a survey of 400 workers in the industry. More than half of the respondents reported that they’ve either witnessed or experienced harassment or violence while they were working.
The survey participants were a diverse group that included people working in many home-based healthcare verticals across the country. Around 30% of them noted that they didn’t feel their employer placed a priority on worker safety; however, 48% stated they felt they could walk away from an unsafe situation without worrying about retaliation from their employer.
Safety is difficult in home healthcare
Home healthcare agencies typically screen patients as a preventative measure for their employees. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to accurately gauge how mental health, grief and similar factors will affect employee safety. It’s critical for home healthcare agencies to establish clear protocols for employees to follow.
All home healthcare agencies should ensure they have clear protocols to follow when an employee feels unsafe while they’re working. This is one way that the employer can hedge off claims of retaliation, harassment or any other legal matters as a result of an employee walking away from a dangerous client.
Home healthcare agencies should ensure all policies meet applicable legal standards. It may behoove them to have someone review their policies. This may also be beneficial for them to have someone who can stand for the company if there are claims made against it.