Home service professionals deliver care where patients are most comfortable, in their homes. While this setting supports patient-centered care, it also presents unique and often unseen safety risks for clinicians and caregivers. Workplace violence is not rare in home-based care, and it is frequently underreported. Research shows that up to 65 percent of home health…
Home service professionals deliver care where patients are most comfortable, in their homes. While this setting supports patient-centered care, it also presents unique and often unseen safety risks for clinicians and caregivers.
Workplace violence is not rare in home-based care, and it is frequently underreported.
Research shows that up to 65 percent of home health workers experience emotional or verbal abuse, while 27 to 41 percent report physical or sexual violence during home visits. Patients, family members, and others present in the home are the most common sources of aggression. Many incidents go unreported because workers feel the behavior is simply part of the job or believe that reporting will not lead to meaningful change.
These risks exist within a broader healthcare context. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare and social assistance workers experience the highest rate of nonfatal workplace violence injuries of any private industry, at 14.2 cases per 10,000 workers. This rate is nearly five times higher than the overall private industry average.
Workplace violence laws are evolving rapidly, with many states now requiring formal prevention plans, risk assessments, staff training, incident reporting, and protective technologies. This shift reflects growing recognition that violence in healthcare settings is increasing in both frequency and severity.
Federal agencies such as OSHA and NIOSH have long identified home healthcare as a high-risk environment. Contributing factors include clinicians working alone, entering uncontrolled environments, and caring for patients experiencing cognitive impairment, mental health conditions, or high levels of stress.
Why this matters
Workplace violence impacts more than physical safety. It affects staff retention, morale, mental health, and the quality of patient care. Creating a culture where safety concerns are taken seriously, training is routine, and reporting is encouraged is not just about compliance. It represents a commitment to the people who care for others every day.
References
CDC / NIOSH – Workplace Violence in Home Healthcare
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blogs/2021/hhc-violence.html
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Workplace Violence 2021–2022
https://www.bls.gov/iif/factsheets/workplace-violence-2021-2022.htm
