Characterizing hazards and injuries among home care workers

Home Healthc Nurse. 2012 Jul-Aug;30(7):387-93. doi: 10.1097/NHH.0b013e31825b10ee.

Abstract

This project extends research on hazardous exposures and injuries among home care workers. Historical data from Oregon home care workers were analyzed to identify the most common lost time injuries and contributing factors, and 7 focus groups were conducted with workers (n = 53) to gather data on demographics, health, and perceptions of occupational hazards. Results indicate that workers are at particular risk for back, knee, and shoulder injuries during client and material moving tasks and that workers' self-reported task exposures and risk perceptions are highly aligned with injury data.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Home Health Aides / statistics & numerical data
  • Home Nursing* / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Injuries / epidemiology*
  • Occupational Injuries / etiology
  • Oregon / epidemiology
  • Sick Leave / statistics & numerical data