Australian Catholic University NRSG 140 Workplace-Health-and-Safety-in-the-Home-and-Community-Care-Sector FINAL Nov2019. - Workplace Health and Safety in the Home and Community Care

Executive Summary
This literature review was prepared for the Home and Community Care Association. The aim of the
literature review is to understand the causes and drivers of workplace injury in home-based health
and disability support services. The literature review was based on international academic research,
government generated research and reports, reputable consultancy organisations and other
organisations such as unions. The time period focused on was 2008 to 2018 ensuring a reasonable
scope while focusing on more recent developments (where insufficient research was published within
that timeframe the search widened).
Home and community care is unique to other healthcare settings because it takes place outside of
institutional settings such as hospitals. The care is also usually carried out by a non-registered health
care assistant (HCA) or support worker who operates at a physical distance from the administrative
and head office. The HCA works in isolation without immediate back up, in private residences out of
sight and distanced from immediate assistance or support (Ayalon, 2012).
Five key issues for health and safety in home and community based care are identified in
international research. These are:
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Environmental exposure
• Emotional stress, fatigue
• Unsafe client homes and neighbourhoods
• Workplace violence
Research indicates that a holistic approach to health and safety culture will be most effective in
mitigating these risks. Recommendations to address these risks include aspects such as:
• The physical environment of the client’s home and neighbourhood
• The conditions of work
• Provision of cleaning materials and protective gear
• Training in workplace violence, medication and safe use and disposal of sharps
• Systems to provide immediate back up for HCAs should it be required
• Peer support and counselling available
• HCA and client participation in risk assessment and site specific training.
It is noted that in order to provide a positive WHS within home and community based care the way
in which care is funded must be considered from a holistic perspective which acknowledges and fully
funds organisations to provide supportive and positive environments that protect the health and
safety for their employees and clients.
Te Pae Mahutonga framework may provide a useful holistic framework for health and safety that is
appropriate for the New Zealand home and community care context.