title: A safe and healthy work environment.
abstract: Home health and hospice employers must be continually diligent in their efforts to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses. They have a legal and professional responsibility to provide employees with a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that cause or are likely to cause serious physical injury or death, and to maintain working conditions that are safe and healthful for their employees. This article reviews laws that affect work-related safety and illness. It provides guidelines for agency prevention programs regarding employee protection against workplace violence and infectious disease. A safe and healthy workplace is essential for home health and hospice employees to provide quality client care and for agencies to be protected from potential liability.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Thobaben
mesh_terms: D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014754:Violence; D017132:Workplace