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Domestic Service Employees are Vulnerable to Workplace Safety Hazards

Domestic Service Employees are Vulnerable to Workplace Safety Hazards
Domestic service employees who are actively involved in performing tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for children or the elderly are also exposed to a number of occupational health hazards, including musculoskeletal injuries, exposure to harsh chemicals, physical and verbal abuse, and injuries that are caused due to lifting or moving heavy objects etc.

And although the federal OSH Act does regulate worker health and safety in the United States, it however does not protect domestic workers who come under the self-employed category or who may be employed by a private client. The OSH Act also offers very limited protection to those domestic workers who are employed by public or third party agencies such as a cleaning agency.

Since domestic workers tend to work in private homes, we usually assume that they are in a safe working environment and don’t require protection. However, the home as a safe haven is a myth, as the home setting can pose several really serious dangers.

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