If you work as a Health Care Assistant “HCA” you will know that the role can be a hugely rewarding. However tasks associated with the job role can be mentally and physically demanding. From working within residential settings, to caring for clients in their own home, some of the activities you may assist residents/clients with are:

• Prompting or administering medication

• Assisting with personal care such as washing, bathing, or dressing

• Preparing food and drink

• Transfers using moving and handling equipment or techniques

• Taking residents/clients out into the community for medical appointments or social activities

Unfortunately, the physical nature of the job role means that workplace accidents are more likely than in sedentary job roles, with the most common injuries to carers recorded as back injuries, closely followed by other soft tissue injuries, and repetitive strain injuries.

The Health and Safety Executive states that the most common hazards that result in harm to health care employees are as follows:

• Moving and handling

• Slips and trips

• Violence, aggression, or challenging behaviour

It is an employer’s duty to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. As a HCA, the cause of a workplace accident can vary and whilst each case is unique, certain factors may indicate that your employer is at fault.  An example of this would be where carers have received limited or inadequate training in moving and handling. Other examples could include:

• Failing to complete correct risk assessments and update risk assessments regularly

• Failing to provide correct PPE

• Low staffing levels resulting in residents/clients managed incorrectly

• Providing incorrect moving and handling equipment

• Failing to maintain moving and handling equipment

• Failing to update staff training

Depending on whether you work within a residential home or domiciliary setting, your employer will have different policies and procedures to follow. Certain injuries and accidents must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive under Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations “RIDDOR”.

In the event you are in an accident whilst working as an HCA, your priority should be to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Once you are able to you should then:

• Report the incident to your manager

• Ensure the incident is documented in the company’s accident book

• Report to your trade union representative for additional support and guidance (only relevant if you are a member of a trade union)

• Note details of any witnesses

By having records of your accident this will assist greatly in providing evidence when pursuing your personal injury claim.  

If you are a  Health Care Assistant who has been injured at work, we may be able to help you make a personal injury claim. Contact Richard Harriman by email or on 01494 521301.