Shifting the Safety Culture: Evaluation of a Novel Approach to Understanding and Responding to Workplace Harassment and Violence Experienced by Homecare Workers

Throughout health care, workplace violence and harassment are too often perceived as “part of the job” and not worth reporting. This pilot presents a template and tools designed to promote a culture of reporting. 

Author: Emily C. King, Janet Chan, Adam Benn, Mel B. Michener, Travis A. Van Belle, Sandra M. McKay.


Publication Date: March 1, 2024


Description: Workplace violence and harassment are commonplace for healthcare workers and most incidents are unreported. Normalization of these experiences, lack of confidence in reporting systems, and fear of the consequences of reporting contribute to the invisibility of these experiences. Challenges are exacerbated in homecare settings and for precarious workforces including Personal Support Workers (PSWs). We created, piloted, and evaluated an intervention to enhance safety culture and encourage reporting of workplace violence and harassment.


Access: Free


Keywords: workplace violence, harassment, Personal Support Workers, reporting system

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