Isn't carework a safe and healthy job?

Not necessarily. Careworkers face a number of significant workplace hazards, including:

• Back injuries from handling patients. (more on back posture)
• Stress, because employers in the carework sector may not be training and managing their staff properly. (more on stress)
• Violence and abuse, because they work with clients who may be in pain, distressed, suffering from mental illness or Alzheimer's disease, or because they work alone or in clients' homes.
• Respiratory problems, because careworkers are often exposed to clients' tobacco smoke.
• Dermatitis (a skin condition) from washing up, cleaning products etc. (more on dermatitis)
• Needlestick injuries.

Because careworkers are often agency staff, they can be put at risk if the agency does not communicate properly with the care-managing organisation. The employing agency is responsible for the health and safety of their staff.