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Medical professionals working in a hospital generally want job security and meaningful employment. Nurses, physicians and countless support professionals work tirelessly to help those in need of treatment.
Occasionally, the people providing care end up in need of medical support themselves because of their employment. Statistically, hospitals are more dangerous than any other place of employment. They even have a higher rate of injuries than construction sites, according to federal statistics. Lost-time incidents in hospitals can leave medical professionals in need of costly care and unable to work until they heal from their injuries.
What are the biggest safety issues that make hospitals such dangerous places to work?
1. Constant physical demands
Employees in medical settings often overexert and injure themselves while providing patient care. Lifting or restraining patients can cause serious injuries. Employees are also at risk of slipping, falling and getting hurt as a result as they rush to respond to an emergency. The ongoing demands on workers’ bodies and time can lead to strains, sprains and traumatic injuries.
2. Dangerous items and substances
Hospital workers are constantly at risk of pathogen exposure. They can inhale viruses and bacteria when patients cough. They can end up infected with bloodborne diseases after an accidental needle stick. They may work close to radioactive materials and heavy machinery. Even MRI machines and external defibrillation devices intended to help people experiencing cardiac issues can harm those working in medical facilities.
3. Violent patients
Unfortunately for medical workers, not everyone is grateful for their hard work and sacrifices. Patients who are at risk of arrest by law enforcement may hurt workers trying to flee the facility. Those going through drug withdrawal may become violent toward health care workers. Dementia and many other challenges can also lead to erratic and violent behavior that results in injuries for hospital employees.
Thankfully, workers’ compensation coverage protects medical workers, regardless of what actually caused their injuries. Medical benefits and disability pay can limit the harm medical workers endure due to an injury on the job. Partnering with a workers’ compensation attorney can be beneficial for those facing complicated claims and worried about the impact their injuries could have on their careers and their finances.