The Workplace Relations Commission ordered Carechoice to pay Vanessa Rodrigues Linhan €30,000 after finding that she was racially and sexually harassed at work. The decision was dated 25 March 2024.
Linhan worked night shifts as a health care assistant for about five months. She said one resident racially abused and intimidated her on two occasions, while another sexually harassed and cornered her. Carechoice said management addressed concerns about the first resident and disputed her account of reporting the second incident.
The officer found harassment on three occasions and held Carechoice liable because it had not shown that it took reasonably practicable steps to prevent it. The decision noted that management knew of risks posed by both residents, while night shift carers lacked clear risk guidance and immediate support. Compensation was for the effects of discrimination.