The success of changes in healthcare delivery has allowed people in BC with acute, chronic, palliative or rehabilitative healthcare needs to live in their own homes longer. These people rely on home support services from community health care workers, to maintain their independence and self-sufficiency. Based on a pre-determined care plan, these workers provide personal assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility, and meal preparation, as well as light household tasks that help to maintain a safe and supportive home (BC Ministry of Health Services 2004). Home support services complement and supplement care from friends and family, and are offered throughout British Columbia.

Providing assistance with activities of daily living within a person's home presents special health and safety challenges for CHWs. Since the workplace of the CHW is primarily the clients’ homes, imposing occupational health and safety measures to eliminate or reduce worker exposure to these hazards becomes more challenging.

• The physical or environmental conditions - for example poor lighting, broken stairs, location of worksite, or small work spaces.
• Exposure to biological and chemical hazards.
• Exposure to environmental hazards.
• The potential for violence from clients and others.