Keeping Community Health Care Workers Safe

Organizations have a responsibility to ensure the safety of staff who provide care in the community. In a survey conducted within a regional health authority in Newfoundland, health care providers reported feeling unsafe while conducting home visits. Safety initiatives were explored, and a safety program was implemented within this region to address safety concerns. The safety program includes three key components: a risk assessment screening tool, a sign-in/sign-out system, and a buddy system. This article describes the evaluation process and outcomes of these three components. The evaluation process and outcomes may be useful to other health care organizations interested in promoting workplace safety.