Injury Among Home Care Workers in Washington State

Abstract

Home Care Aides (HCAs) have nearly four times the rate of injury as the general U.S. work force. In 2015, the Service Employees International Union 775 Benefits Group conducted a health and safety survey with 672 HCAs in Washington State. The goal was to identify the risk factors for injury and to better assess injury rates through self-report. Quantitative analyses assessed injury prevalence and barriers in reporting injury. Overall, 13 percent responded that they had ever had an injury that required medical attention while working as an HCA. These rates are significantly higher for HCAs employed by home care agencies compared with HCAs who work independently. Over a third reported moderate to high levels of hesitancy in reporting an on-the-job injury; these rates were even higher for independent providers. Study findings suggest that HCAs are well informed about appropriate next steps following workplace injury, but strong barriers may prevent them from attempting the reporting process.

Comparison of BRFSS Data Between Home-Based Care Providers and Health Care Support Workers in Clinical Environments in Washington State

“…It has been found that despite the high prevalence of injuries, home-based care providers most often self-report their health status as good (Anderson et al, 2013; Faucett et al, 2013; Yoon, Probst, & DiStefano, 2016). Hansell, Knaster, and Phillips (2018) described that over a third of respondents of a home care survey reported moderate to high levels of hesitancy in reporting on-the-job injuries. To reduce the severity of injuries and illnesses, the barriers to reporting or seeking treatment for work-related injuries and illnesses must be identified.…”

An Examination of Washington State Workers’ Compensation Claims for Home-Based Health Care Workers, 2006 to 2016: Part 1. Description of Claims and Claimants

“…Home-based health care (HBHC) relies heavily on aides, who provide the most frequent and intensive care. 1 Given the physical demands of caring for those with functional impairments, it is not surprising that these health care support workers have been shown to suffer a high rate of work-related injury. In Washington State, between 2012 and 2016, the most common workers’ compensation claims for this occupational group were for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), falls on the same level, and being struck by or against objects, costing $86 million.…”

“…3 Wipfli et al found that home health aides suffered work-related injuries at a rate 3 times higher than the national average for all occupations. 4 The workforce of homebased health care is predominantly female 1,[5][6][7] and immigrant. 5,7 A growing number of workers are in the fifties 1,5 and have been found to be older than non-home based health care workers.…”

“…4 The workforce of homebased health care is predominantly female 1,[5][6][7] and immigrant. 5,7 A growing number of workers are in the fifties 1,5 and have been found to be older than non-home based health care workers. 6 Injury rates have been found to be higher in HBHC providers who are female, and older (50-65 years of age).…”

“…6 Injury rates have been found to be higher in HBHC providers who are female, and older (50-65 years of age). 8 An early examination of workers' compensation claims (1995)(1996) of home health care workers found an injury incidence 1 Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Tumwater, WA, USA 2 Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Olympia, WA, USA rate that fell between nursing home workers and hospitalbased workers. 9 This same examination also found that the mean number of days of lost work (44 days) was significantly more than that for nursing homes and hospitals.…”