Caregiver/Housekeeper

Caregivers, housekeepers, domestic workers and babysitters have similar functions in the workplace. Their general tasks may include the following:

• Kitchen work, including shopping for food, cooking and meal preparation.
• House cleaning, housekeeping, and washing dishes.
• Laundry.
• Childcare, which may involve diaper changing, bathing and supervision.
• 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:

• Risk of illness or infection from changing diapers, performing first aid, etc.
• Exposure to chemicals in household cleaning products.
• Exposure to soiled linen.
• Working in awkward postures or performing repetitive tasks.
• Risk of pain or injury from lifting or carrying heavy loads.
• Slips, trips and falls.
• Working with sharp knives or other potentially hazardous tools.
• Risk of burns from ovens, deep fryers, and steam from pots.
• Stress.
• Fatigue and other health problems from shift work or long hours of work.
• Working alone.
• Workplace violence.

• Know  potential hazards of your workplace and the activities you perform.
• Learn safe lifting techniques.
• Wash your hands frequently -- an important step in preventing infection.
• Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment for the task.
• Wear shoes with non-skid soles.
• Know emergency contact numbers and keep them immediately available.

• Practice safe lifting techniques.
• Follow or establish safety procedures for working alone, or for avoiding working alone wherever possible.
• Get current training on chemical hazards, WHMIS and MSDSs.
• Know basic and emergency first aid.
• Follow company safety rules.
• Know how to report hazards.
• Practice good housekeeping procedures.