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The healthcare industry is an essential part of the society, providing vital services to millions of people around the world. However, healthcare workers face some of the highest rates of workplace injuries and illnesses.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) data shows that more than 80% of hospital workers develop musculoskeletal disorders.
If a healthcare worker is injured, they may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits to cover medical expenses and lost wages due to missed days.
However, seeking compensation for occupational injuries can be complex and challenging, and injured healthcare workers may need an experienced attorney's help navigating the legal system.
The Most Common Work-related Injuries in Healthcare Jobs
From doctors and nurses to support staff, healthcare workers often find themselves in dangerous situations where they are at risk of injury. In fact, the healthcare industry has more cases of work-related injuries and illnesses than construction or manufacturing. Larrimer & Larrimer also has information on what the most common food service injuries are.
Bloodborne Infectious Diseases
Healthcare workers are often at risk of exposure to blood, which can cause infectious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.
Nurses and medical professionals are more prone to contracting these diseases when working in areas requiring daily exposure to bodily fluids.
Healthcare workers are also frequently exposed to hazardous chemicals such as sterilants, disinfectants, and anesthetic gases. Exposure to these can cause acute and chronic effects like respiratory problems in nurses and hospital workers.
Back Injuries
One of the most common injuries experienced by medical professionals is back injuries. The physical demands of healthcare jobs commonly cause this.
Lifting and moving patients, heavy equipment, or supplies can cause sprained or strained back muscles, herniated discs, and other painful conditions.
To prevent back injuries, healthcare employers should provide proper lifting and moving techniques, sufficient equipment, and assistive devices.
Workplace Violence
Unfortunately, healthcare workers are also at risk of workplace violence. This can include physical altercations with patients, verbal abuse from authorities, and sexual harassment from colleagues.
Workplace violence can impact the mental and physical well-being of injured healthcare workers. To prevent violence, healthcare employers should establish a zero-tolerance policy and train employees to identify and manage potentially threatening situations.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
These are also some of the most common injuries in the healthcare industry. Wet floors, cluttered spaces, and uneven surfaces can all contribute to slip, trip, and fall injuries.
Healthcare employers can prevent such unfortunate incidents by implementing safety protocols for cleaning up spills, keeping the workspace free from objects, and regularly maintaining flooring.
Radiation Exposure
Healthcare professionals, such as radiologists and imaging technicians, are at risk of exposure to dangerous radiation levels. This can increase their risk of cancer and other illnesses.
Legal Options for Healthcare Workers
Healthcare facilities can be dangerous places to work in, and the industry needs to take more safety measures to protect its workers. Larrimer & Larrimer can advise on the most common healthcare workplace injuries.
When workplace health and safety measures are not strictly implemented and enforced, nursing assistants and other workers can suffer life-changing problems due to different injuries and illnesses.
Workers' compensation benefits and legal options for injured employees can help compensate for lost wages and medical finances. According to different labor statistics, the healthcare industry is among the most essential yet dangerous sectors.
Nursing assistants are at high risk of severe injuries since they are often required to move patients manually. Workers who handle flammable, hazardous materials or diagnostic radiation may also be at risk.
Hospital employees, including doctors and receptionists, may develop certain illnesses because they are constantly exposed to sick patients.
Lawyers specializing in workers' compensation cases can help injured workers claim their benefits.
Plaintiffs may also seek legal representation in workplace violence cases if necessary. Legal representation can offer strategic guidance on getting fair compensation and holding third parties accountable.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Statistics
Healthcare jobs are challenging, with various medical professionals at risk of sustaining occupational injuries, including doctors and nurses. The healthcare sector's high pressure and long working hours make this already-risky job even more dangerous.
Various labor statistics, including OSHA, state that approximately two million registered nurses suffer from overexertion injuries. On the other hand, more than 600,000 workers lose time due to injuries in the healthcare field.
Preventing Workspace Injuries in the Healthcare Industry Sector
Employers can implement safety measures to prevent occupational injury cases in the healthcare industry.
Regular training sessions for nurses and other workers can create awareness about protective safety measures to prevent the spread of bloodborne infections.
On the other hand, employers can also implement violence-prevention programs to train registered nurses to respond to workplace abuse and protect themselves during such situations.
Seeking Maximum Compensation as a Healthcare Worker
Nursing aids and medical workers are at risk of head injuries, sprains, and other injuries due to patient-handling activities. On the other hand, those who work in residential care facilities may come into contact with harmful substances or contagious illnesses.
The healthcare sector is notorious for its many hazards, which can harm even the most experienced workers.
These hazards can also lead to repetitive stress injuries and other debilitating conditions, making it essential for injured individuals to seek maximum compensation for their sufferings.
However, navigating the legal system and battling with insurance companies can be daunting. That's why medical workers must pair with an experienced and qualified attorney who can help them fight for their rights.
A skilled attorney specializing in work-related injury cases can help plaintiffs develop a comprehensive legal strategy, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.
Final Words
From head injuries to strains and sprains, healthcare workers such as nurses and doctors face a myriad of potential injuries while performing patient-handling activities in residential care facilities and hospitals.
The healthcare field also presents risks related to disease control and harmful substances that can cause long-term damage.
Medical workers suffering physical pain due to slips, trips, and falls need to seek maximum compensation for their losses. They deserve fair reimbursement to help them recover from injuries, provide for their families, and cover the financial burdens of lost wages and medical costs. Contact Larrimer & Larrimer for questions like, "How can I prove asbestos exposure"
Larrimer & Larrimer has attorneys who are well-versed in the law surrounding workplace accidents. The qualified lawyers at this law firm know how insurance companies work and use their expertise to build a solid case on the client's behalf.