Working in healthcare comes with multiple job injury risks

Before a pandemic ravaged throughout the United States in 2020, you might not have thought much about job-related hazards you face working in healthcare. However, in 2017, more than 580,000 healthcare works suffered a job-related injury or illness, according to the Occupational Health Safety Administration (OSHA).

Common workplace injuries in healthcare

Some of the most common workplace injuries for healthcare workers include the following:

• Musculoskeletal disorders, including strains and sprains, especially for workers who are handling patients every day or pushing heavy equipment to exam rooms
• Chemical burns or skin irritations due to chemical exposure
• Injuries sustained in workplace violence. For those who work in emergency rooms or hospitals, they may become victims of a mentally unstable patient’s assault. Unfortunately, 75% of workplace violence happens healthcare settings.

Illness risks in healthcare

Healthcare workers also face increased risks of illness because of their work. Some of these increased illness risks include the following:

• Increased risk of contracting an infection or viral illness from treating sick patients
• Increased risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis due to needle pricks or exposure to an open wound
• Increased risk of cancer due to repeated X-ray exposure
• Increased risk of developing a latex allergy

If you are a healthcare worker and suffer a workplace injury or illness, you can receive worker’s compensation. You need to report your work-related injury or illness to your employer right away and file a workers’ compensation claim. You also need to seek immediate medical treatment.

In addition, you may need an attorney’s help if you face any problems receiving compensation for your medical costs or lost wages because of a workplace injury or illness. You want to ensure you receive proper workers’ compensation, so you can focus on your recovery and getting back to work as soon as you can.

Category:

• WORKERS' COMPENSATION