Icy road conditions are posing a danger to home care workers

By

BURNABY (NEWS 1130) – Worries about injuries to homecare workers have increased dramatically in the past month as a result of icy road conditions.

This is causing great concern for Safecare BC.

Jennifer Lyle, executive director of the company, says the slippery roads and walkways have caused a 600 per cent spike in on-the-job injuries to their workers.

“There has been a longstanding effort to ensure that seniors have access to the care they need closer to home. That’s why we are strongly encouraging both municipalities and citizens to do their part to keep our streets and sidewalks accessible to care staff, so seniors can maintain their normal daily activities,” says Lyle.

“The winter conditions are making the sidewalks particularly treacherous. And what that’s doing is that it’s exacerbating an existing staffing shortage. We’re having to triage. That may mean that not everyone gets their appointment.”

Lyle says responsibility for clearing sidewalks falls partially on the municipalities but adds homeowners, or those living in the home, are responsible for their own properties as well.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today