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Caregiver/Housekeeper

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What does a caregiver/housekeeper do?

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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.

What are some health and safety issues for caregivers and housekeepers?

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There are several potential health and safety hazards associated with caregiving and housekeeping duties, including:


What are some preventive measures for a caregiver or housekeeper?

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  • Know the potential hazards of your workplace and the activities you perform.
  • Learn safe lifting techniques.
  • Frequent hand washing, routine practices and other measures are extremely important for the reduction of infections. Be sure to use moisturizers and other precautions to prevent your skin from drying and dermatitis.
  • Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment for the task.
  • Wear shoes with non-skid soles.
  • Know emergency contact numbers and keep them immediately available.
  • Review your employer's violence prevention program, and if they do not have one encourage them to develop one (required in many jurisdictions).

What are some good general safe work practices?

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  • Fact sheet last revised: 2020-05-21