Disability care workers fear a lack of support for the sector means they could be hit hard by a coronavirus outbreak. This is the outcome of a new research report titled “The disability workforce and COVID-19: initial experiences of the outbreak” which provides analysis of data collected.
Dr Cortis, from the Social Policy Research Centre, says the report shows the very high risks experienced among disability support workers in the early stages of the pandemic.
“The survey picked up extreme anxiety among workers about their safety in the workplace and the safety of their clients,” Dr Cortis says.
“Many described working with very little support, and a lack of personal protective equipment. They also felt stretched, as they lacked access to the additional resources needed to properly support people with disabilities adjust to safe distancing measures.”
“Disability workplaces are not prepared for a health crisis of this scale and some have been very slow to respond”, said Dr Georgia van Toorn.
“Some employers are refusing to set foot into workplaces, where they are still insisting that workers carry on as usual, without adequate PPE,” Dr van Toorn says.
“Since the arrival of COVID-19, every time I head to work it feels like Russian Roulette. Knowing that we have not been supplied with basic safety equipment, for example: hand sanitiser, anti-bacterial hand wash, masks, shoe covers etc, does not make me feel safe.”
“My organisation is completely unprepared for an outbreak with no clear contingency plans, lack of PPE and inadequate training. The General Manager displays a lack of leadership and decision-making capabilities, referring to the pandemic as “just the flu” and suggesting people are panicking. The inaction and attitude thus far could lead to loss of lives among our vulnerable client group and older staff.”
“Due to lack of staffing we have one staff to five residents. And with the general workload, and extra workload because of the virus, we don’t have time to also do extra activities and keep their spirits up with being shut in the house.”
Dr Cortis says the disability sector has been overlooked in the national response to COVID-19.
“Disability workers are essential workers. They provide critical services to the most vulnerable people in our community and deserve the additional support,” said Dr. Cortis.
