People don’t usually think of the medical field as a dangerous line of work. However, workers in hospitals have a significantly elevated risk of sustaining major injuries on the job. There are many hazards present in hospitals that can sicken or injure workers.
They may require medical treatment and time off from their jobs. Workers’ compensation can cover the expenses associated with a workplace illness or injury. Of course, most people prefer to avoid injuries and illnesses if possible instead of seeking benefits after the fact.
What job hazards are the most serious safety concerns for hospital employees?
1. Overexertion, possibly due to patient care
When looking at lost-time incidents at hospitals, overexertion or bodily reaction injuries are the most common. Roughly 48% of lost-time incidents involve people straining, spraining or otherwise injuring a body part.
Frequently, lifting and other forms of patient care are responsible for these injuries. Particularly in emergency scenarios, workers may sacrifice their own health and safety to take prompt action on behalf of patients. They may then face a lengthy leave of absence while they recover.
2. Slips, trips and falls
Hospitals use several different systems to communicate emergency medical scenarios to employees. There are call lights that patients can illuminate if something happens in their rooms when no one is present. Many hospitals have sound systems to alert everyone in a specific part of the facility.
Those rushing to provide patient care could easily trip or slip and end up injured as a result. Other times, professionals talking to one another or focusing on their review of medical records may fail to notice spills or tripping hazards left on a dress in the hospital hallways. When people slip and fall, they can break bones, acquire soft tissue injuries or even hurt their brains.
3. Contact with dangerous objects
There are many dangerous items in hospitals. From external artificial defibrillation devices and used syringes to radioactive materials and pathogens, there are numerous items that can cause illness and injury to healthcare professionals. The consequences of accidental contact can range from death in extreme cases to infection and serious injuries and others.
Health care professionals injured or sickened on the job have the same right to workers’ compensation as any other employee. Avoiding job hazards is ideal, but responding appropriately after an injury is also important. Hospital workers may need help pursuing a workers’ compensation claim after an on-the-job injury, and that’s okay.