“Let’s Be Careful Out There”…

Staying Safe in Home Care

By Kathy Clark, MSN, RN, CPNVP of Support Services, CareMed

Chicago

Hazards in the Home

Healthcare workers face the same risks as those who work in hospital, clinic, and office settings. However,

the work environment is less predictable and less controlled than in these other settings.

Hazards in the Home• Cluttered rooms• Patients in regular beds• Limited resources and equipment• Narrow stairways• Limited lighting• Small bathrooms that are often not

clean• Family pets…and family members• Dangerous neighborhoods• Bad weather conditions

HAZARD: Musculoskeletal Injuries

CAUSES

• Heavy patients in regular beds• No “lifting help”• Cluttered work setting• In and out of car,

homes

PREVENTION

• Proper body mechanics when lifting, transferring patients

• Good posture• Careful carrying of

bag, supplies

HAZARD: Slips, Trips, & Falls

CAUSES

• Wet, cluttered floors• Loose carpets or rugs• Pets and children• Electrical cords

PREVENTION

• Wear sensible shoes• Watch where you are

walking• Don’t hurry!• Keep a clear work

area

HAZARD: Infection Control & Medical Waste Handling

PROBLEMS• No PPE (“I used the last

gloves/mask,” etc.)• Unclean surroundings

(bugs!); no appropriate handwashing facilities

• Overfilled sharps containers• Leaking medication

containers (chemo)

PREVENTION• Keep bag stocked with PPE

items• Carry waterless soap, and

wash hands with “real” soap and water as soon as possible; good bag technique

• Teach patients about proper disposal

• Inspect meds, supplies

HAZARD: Personal SafetyPROBLEMS

• Dangerous neighborhoods

• Car problems• Traffic/detours• Workplace violence--

family violence• Bad weather

conditions/disasters

PREVENTION• Do not visit known

dangerous areas in the dark

• Keep car in good condition

• Have a good map; always know “another way”

• Avoid unsafe situations in the home

• Be prepared!

GENERAL HAZARDS

• Electrical--overloaded outlets, frayed cords; or, lack of power

• Fire--cluttered living areas, smoking in bed, oxygen, no fire extinguisher

• Broken/inappropriate use of equipment, lack of supplies

Staying Safe “Out There”• Know your patient--review the

information prior to the visit• Plan morning visits for the patients in

unsafe areas• Notify the office/scheduler if your schedule

changes, so someone knows where you are• Know where you are going--get directions

Staying Safe “Out There”

• Carry a cell phone, or change for a pay phone• Do not carry a purse or wear expensive jewelry;

lock purse and any valuables in the trunk• Be aware of your surroundings• Take the “beater”, not the “beamer”; keep

car in good condition, with enough gas• If you arrive at a visit, and the area appears

unsafe, drive away and call the office

Staying Safe “Out There”

• Make the patient aware that they have a responsibility to provide you with a safe work environment, just as you have a responsibility to provide quality care

Questions and Answers