Community Health & Safety

HEU health care workers in the community are exposed to many workplace hazards and challenges. Some of these hazards include physical conditions such as cramped work areas; exposure to environmental agents (dust, mold), biological and chemical hazards; worksite location (i.e. Vancouver’s downtown eastside) and the risk of client violence, particularly when working short-staffed or alone.

People who work primarily in clients’ homes are also exposed to health and safety risks. Poor lighting, broken stairs and unsanitary conditions are all issues that workers have the right to bring forward to their employers.

OHSAH has developed a very informative Community Health Worker Handbook which is only available online.

It includes information on emergency preparedness, first aid emergencies, musculoskeletal injury (MSI), biohazardous wastes and infection control, WHMIS and chemical hazards, violence, and policies and procedures.