Every workplace safety term, acronym, and concept you'll encounter in the caregiving industry — clearly defined.
A setting where something about the location, people, or circumstances increases the chance of violence. For example, working alone in an unfamiliar neighborhood, entering a home with broken locks, or caring for someone with known behavioral issues.
The agency’s plan for how you check in, call for help, or report issues—especially if you’re working alone. Knowing who to contact (and how) during a crisis is part of every workplace violence prevention plan.
When workplace violence is documented, the incident log cannot include personal names or private medical details. This ensures your story is recorded without putting your privacy at risk. You can still ask to review the log, and your identity will be protected.
Repeated behavior that targets you in a way that feels hostile, insulting, or uncomfortable. In caregiving, this could come from a co-worker, client, or family member. It might look like unwanted comments, gestures, or threats—none of it is okay.
When someone tries to scare or pressure you—using words, looks, gestures, or actions. It might not include yelling or hitting, but if it makes you feel unsafe, it counts as workplace violence.
If you ever kneel to assist a client—during dressing, toileting, or transfers—remember your own safety. Use knee pads if needed, avoid twisting, and rise slowly. Supporting others starts with protecting your own body. Self-care is part of quality care.
A federal agency that sets rules to keep workers safe. OSHA says all workers—including caregivers—deserve a workplace free from violence, threats, and fear.
When someone from your personal life—like an ex-partner—shows up at your job and causes trouble. If it happens while you’re working, it’s still considered workplace violence.
Your right to get a copy of your workplace violence prevention plan. You don’t need to ask twice or give a reason—your agency must provide it for free.
When incidents keep happening in similar ways—like always during the night shift, or always with the same client’s family. Agencies should use patterns in the violent incident log to prevent future harm.
Violence from someone with no connection to the job—like a stranger walking into a client’s home and being aggressive. Also called “criminal intent” violence.
Violence from a client, patient, or their family. This is the most common type in home care. It includes verbal abuse, aggression, or threatening behavior.
Violence between co-workers, supervisors, or staff. In caregiving, this could be bullying, harassment, or fighting between team members.
Violence related to personal relationships, like a spouse or ex-partner confronting you at work. If it affects you while on the job, it’s workplace violence.
A formal workplace record used to document reported incidents involving threats, aggression, or violence in the caregiving environment. These records help agencies identify patterns, improve prevention strategies, and maintain safer work environments for all staff. Caregivers have the right to know this log exists and to request access to it.
Caregiving happens in homes, but that doesn’t mean you skip safety. You watch for wet floors, use proper lifting techniques, and report hazards. Your health matters, too. Safe caregiving includes taking care of yourself so you can keep showing up for others.
Any act or threat—physical, verbal, emotional, or psychological—that happens while you’re working and makes you feel unsafe. It can come from clients, families, strangers, or coworkers. If it causes fear, it’s violence.
The document your agency must have in place that explains how they will prevent, respond to, and learn from workplace violence. You should know how to get a copy and understand what it includes.
