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Hospital staff have a heightened risk of succumbing to musculoskeletal injuries, developing workplace stress and being exposed to pathogens. Some of these workers can develop physical or mental health conditions that make returning to work impossible. Fortunately, hospital injuries are preventable.
Organizations like the Center for Work, Health and Wellbeing (CWHW) at Harvard University are looking for ways to reduce workplace injuries among hospital workers.
Can These Harvard Researchers Reduce Hospital Injuries?
Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health recently published an article on how CWHW hopes to improve workplace safety in hospitals.
A major focus for CWHW’s is to help hospitals improve workplace health and safety by reducing stressful conditions. For example, long hours and no support from administrators can cause several psychological and physical problems for workers. Heart disease, depression and musculoskeletal injuries are all possible risks.
Workplace safety programs developed by these researchers are comprehensive. All staff members have roles in improving work place safety, including administrators, janitors, doctors, nurses and the people doing laundry.
Researchers with CWHW have worked with hospitals implement these changes. Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston is one example. CWHW helped developed a program that made mechanical lifts and slings mandatory at the hospital. Staff members at this hospital were also given time for training, and resources to reach out to mentors when needed.
According to researchers at Harvard’s T.H. Chan school, the program was responsible for a reduction in neck and shoulder injuries among staff. In addition, workers reported less pain and inflammation.
Can Injured Healthcare Workers Receive Workers Compensation?
Healthcare workers who are injured on the job may take advantage of workers compensation or disability benefits. Options may exist outside of workers compensation.
The Ohio workers compensation attorneys at Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC can help injured healthcare workers explore what options are available.