Caregivers, housekeepers, domestic workers and babysitters have similar functions in the workplace. Their general tasks may include the following:
duty Kitchen work, including shopping for food, cooking and meal preparation.
duty House cleaning, housekeeping, and washing dishes.
duty Laundry.
duty Childcare, which may involve diaper changing, bathing and supervision.
duty Elder care, which may involve bathing, companionship, and assistance with doctor visits.
There are several potential health and safety hazards associated with caregiving and housekeeping duties, including:
biological Risk of illness or infection due to exposure to blood or bodily fluids when changing diapers, performing first aid, etc.
biological Risk of exposure to infectious diseases if working in close contact with infected individuals or in areas where infected individuals live or visit.
chemical Exposure to chemicals in household cleaning products.
general Exposure to soiled linen.
ergonomic Working in awkward postures or performing repetitive tasks.
ergonomic Risk of pain or injury from lifting or carrying heavy loads.
safety Slips, trips and falls.
safety Working with sharp knives or other potentially hazardous tools.
general Risk of burns from ovens, deep fryers, and steam from pots.
psychosocial Stress.
psychosocial Fatigue and other health problems due to shift work or long hours of work.
psychosocial Working alone.
psychosocial Workplace violence.
requirement Know the potential hazards of your workplace and the activities you perform.
requirement Learn safe lifting techniques.
requirement Frequent hand washing, routine practices and other measures are extremely important for the reduction of infections. Be sure to use moisturizers and other precautions to prevent your skin from drying and dermatitis.
ppe Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment for the task.
requirement Wear shoes with non-skid soles.
requirement Know emergency contact numbers and keep them immediately available.
requirement Review your employer's violence prevention program, and if they do not have one encourage them to develop one (required in many jurisdictions).
requirement Practice safe lifting techniques.
administrative Follow or establish safety procedures for working alone, working alone with patients, or for avoiding working alone wherever possible.
administrative Get current training on chemical hazards, WHMIS and SDSs.
requirement Know basic and emergency first aid.
requirement Follow company safety rules.
administrative Know how to report hazards.
administrative Practice good housekeeping procedures.
requirement Practice safe patient handling.
requirement Understand the risks associated with blood-borne diseases (e.g., hepatitis B).