work problem-supervisors wont listen...what to do?

Question

i work for an agency that cares for the elderly in their homes. 2 wks ago i started w/ a new consumer (btw ive worked for this company over 2 yrs) he is a very old mean man. he has no illnesses where he should be so mean. he cussed me out told me i was stupid (multiple times) and was just very vulgar and fowl. he also has a little dog that is trained to attack. when i got too close to the man the dog tried to attack me but luckily the man got him before the dog got me. i had to stand completely still until he got the dog preoccupied which took about 10 mins. on the first day of his services his dog bit one of r girls. i have expressed to my supervisorS that this concerns me and i feel it is a bad environment to work in and i refuse to work w/ him. i only work w/ him on sat.s they keep tellin me that if i dont go i lose my job. for over a wk i have been tryin to plea my case and b taken out yet again (after i was suppose to b out of there) i am told to go or else...should i go or just

skip it? skippin it would prove my point, however this man has services for a reason and if i do not show up he will be alone until his wife gets home. (he is capable of doing most things for himself we r just there to mainly supervise) btw i am a good employee and have an excellent track record w/ the co. i dont understand y my request to not work w/ him is so difficult. i have worked w/ some of the most difficult of r consumers with no problems!! this is the first.
if i do go in and the dog would bite me (which is extremely viable) i am thinking of seeking legal action. would that b too extreme?

plz no stupid answers like u shouldve have furthered ur education and done better w/ ur life. im only 21 and im enrolled in psu's nursing program. but living costs money as does school.

Answer 1

I know you need a job and you really seem to care about both the clients and your job, but this is over the top. You may need to go over your supervisors head and talk to his/her boss instead. I sure wouldn't stay where I am being verbally abused by ANYONE or my safety was being compromised by an attack from a dog. If nothing is done immediately about this problem, please, go find another job. Your self worth as well as your safety are much more important than a job with a company that does not value such a fine employee, as you.

Answer 2

If you have already talked to the TOP guy, then your next step is to call the Labor and Licensing Board in your state/county/city and tell them what you said on here. If there is someone above the person you have spoken to at work, then u talk to them first.... if that doesnt work, call Labor Division that can help you and see what they say... the typical rules are: if you feel you are in ANY kind of danger, then u have a right legally to put it in writing that that persons home is not where you will go and list your reasons and incidents that have happened... make copies for everyone in the office that needs it, and keep your own.. and let your letter be there polite notice that you feel there is a danger is doing services for this particular gentleman and you will not be returning to this man's home and need to be reassigned. Make it precise, detailed with the list, and to the point politely so they have no excuse for making YOU should irate or irrational. Good Luck! This should do the trick for you!!

Answer 3

I have worked in the field off and on for the last 20 years and my advice to you is to find another line of work. This is a low paying job for what you have to put up with and its not worth it. I was hurt by a client, a back injury and I was treated like dirt from the company I worked for and the work comp system. I now work in a pharmacy and I LOVE IT. I would Never go back to that kind of work unless some drastic changes were made. lease take my advice, and best of luck to you.

Answer 4

videotape the dog, man and situation.
or record it.
show it to your supervisor. it might help
wear clothes that protect you from teh dog, or secure the dog first thing when you get there. now the meanness of the guy is just something people in your job have to put up with.
secure him so that he does not injure you.
good luck.