In their line of duty, nurses are exposed to different hazardous elements. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in the private industry experienced about 19,790 days-away-from-work injury and illness cases in 2016. Several factors may have led to these cases, including slips, trips and falls.
This guide discusses how nurses suffer slip, trip and fall injuries:
Liquid on floors
Water and fluids on the floor are among the leading factors that cause slips, trips and falls in healthcare facilities. Irregularities on carpets and mats and outdoor surface issues, such as holes or cracks on pavements, are also hazardous to nurses.
Further, to maintain a clean environment, hospital floors are usually waxed regularly. Wax is insoluble in water, which means when the floors are cleaned, water will not dry completely, or at least sooner. This can lead to a slippery floor which is dangerous for nurses and everyone in the facility.
Moving around
Nurses usually move around from one patient to another. Accordingly, they are at a high risk of bumping into objects, such as wheelchairs, open desk drawers, waste baskets and unattended equipment.
Hospital hallways should be as clear as possible to allow smooth movement of patients and workers.
Cords
Exposed cords, tubing and wires from medical equipment and other devices can also lead to slips, trips and falls.
Stairs
Cases of nurses falling on the stairs have been reported, and in most instances, they lead to serious injuries. A hospital should ensure its staircases are well-maintained and have adequate lighting.
If you are a nurse injured at work due to the above-discussed factors or more, it may be time to get legal guidance to protect your rights.