When you take up a career in the healthcare industry, you do so because you are passionate about helping people in their low moments. But just as with any occupation, healthcare workers like nurses face a wide range of risks and hazards while at work.
Nurses who sustain injuries while at work may be eligible for workers’ compensation claims to help offset the treatment costs as well as other damages. Here are some of the injuries nurses and other healthcare workers are likely to sustain while on duty:
Musculoskeletal injuries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overexertion accounts for nearly 50% of nonfatal injuries in the healthcare industry. Nurses suffer strains, sprains and back injuries while lifting and transferring patients, performing tasks that require bending, pushing gurneys and wheelchairs and bending over patients.
Sharp object injuries
Injuries caused by sharp objects like needles and scalpels can be very devastating. In fact, improper handling of needles and other sharp objects can expose healthcare workers to infections such as Hepatitis B and C, HIV and other blood-borne diseases.
Chemical injuries
Improper exposure to substances like chemotherapy drugs can result in serious health complications. The same applies to exposure to drugs like anticonvulsants, antivirals and estrogens among others. Adverse effects of exposure to these hazardous substances may include allergic reactions, infertility, fetal loss and congenital malformations.
Trips, slips and falls
Trips, slips and falls are another leading cause of injury among healthcare workers. Most of these injuries are attributable to avoidable hazards like wet floors, loose cords and torn carpets.
Healthcare professionals face a wide range of risks and hazards at work. Find out how you can pursue a workers’ compensation claim if you sustain an injury or develop health complications that are work-related.