Many people go into a healthcare career because they like the idea of helping others. People tend to view healthcare employment as relatively stable and as a well-compensated profession, in addition to generally being safe.
However, the idea that working in healthcare is safe isn’t entirely accurate. Statistically, workers in hospital environments are more likely than even construction workers to end up injured on the job and to miss time at work because of their injury. Almost any kind of injury is possible in a fast-paced and hectic medical environment, but the four types of injuries below are among the most common causes of lost-time incidents in hospital settings.
Overexertion, often stemming from patient care
The most commonly reported source of hospital worker injury, which is responsible for nearly half of all lost-time incidents, is overexertion or bodily reaction. Strains, sprains and repetitive stress injuries caused by heavy lifting or repeatedly performing the same job functions account for roughly 48% of all reported injuries to hospital workers in the United States in any given year.
Slips, trips and falls
Workers in any environment could potentially lose their balance or slip on something and fall. Those that have to rush around, as medical professionals frequently do, are at elevated risks of slips and falls. Workers can break bones or suffer brain injuries if they lose their balance and fall in a hospital, which is why falls are responsible for another 25% of reported hospital worker injuries.
Accidental contact with objects
There are many dangerous pieces of equipment in a hospital. From scalpels that could cut someone to artificial external defibrillation devices that could stop someone’s heart, there are many dangerous items that a hospital worker could accidentally contact while performing their job. Cuts, broken bones and severe burns are all possible injuries that people could develop because of contact with an object. Illness is also a risk of someone accidentally pokes themselves with a dirty needle or comes into contact with biohazardous materials.
Patient violence
The final risk factor for hospital workers has to do with the unpredictable behavior of patients. Those struggling with Dementia or under the influence of mind-altering drugs could become violent and unpredictable in a medical setting. Roughly one in 10 hospital worker injuries relates in some way to violence in the hospital.
Any of these situations might make a hospital worker, like a nurse, eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Getting healthcare coverage and disability benefits may help reduce the financial and treatment impacts of an on-the-job injury for a devoted medical professional.