What Do We Owe Health Workers Earning Low Wages Who Are at Risk of Harm?

Psychiatric aides and psychiatric technicians are part of direct care workforces in psychiatric inpatient units. They experience high rates of violence, but, compared to other members of treatment teams-including physicians, nurses, and social workers-they receive low wages. This commentary on a case considers the nature and scope of the ethical obligations of clinicians of higher social status (eg, physicians and nurses) and organizations to workers whose safety is at risk for little compensation.