People who work in the healthcare business are generally motivated to serve others. Whether they are doctors and nurses who have spent years obtaining advanced education or aides who provide much-needed care for the elderly and infirm residents of long-term care facilities, these hard working professionals work long hours providing critical but often underappreciated services.
Few people consider the numerous dangers that healthcare personnel endure. From slip and fall incidents that can occur in any workplace to exposure to dangerous infections, healthcare personnel frequently jeopardize their health in the service of others. At Pacific Workers, we are skilled workers' compensation experts that can assist employees in obtaining the compensation they deserve when they are injured on the job.
The following are the most common forms of injuries among healthcare workers:
• Fractures
The nature of work in any healthcare setting involves lifting and moving patients and equipment, which sometimes can lead to back injuries and sustained trauma. Healthcare professionals suffer from fractures such as sprains and dislocations, often from lifting and moving patients.
• Infectious Diseases
Healthcare workers often deal with the after-effects of illness or accidents and may be exposed to potentially infectious diseases, including HIV, Hepatitis C, and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
• Violence
While every business has to deal with the occasional angry customer, healthcare workers are almost always at risk of unwanted contact. Caring for people is a noble profession, and healthcare workers are often the first to receive a patient's ire when a medical error is made. The consequences of this contact can range from verbal abuse to actual physical violence.
• Slip and fall accidents
Slip and fall accidents are among the most common injuries suffered by workers in all employment settings. Healthcare workers often work in locations with slippery surfaces or places with a high risk of being bumped into or tripping on debris.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repetitive stress injuries occur when a worker is required to perform an activity or task that causes an injury to a repetitive motion such as lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, balancing, walking, and standing. Specific medical procedures also create a repetitive motion risk. Healthcare workers may suffer from repetitive motion stress injuries to their wrists, arms, hands, fingers, and shoulders.
• Burns
The nature of some healthcare jobs requires workers to handle sterile materials, operate electrical and mechanical tools, or work with chemicals and hot water. These activities can lead to scalding, electrical shock, or third-degree burns.
Conclusion
The variety of hazards posed by work in healthcare settings is alarming. Healthcare workers are exposed to a wide range of hazards resulting in the loss of life, extreme pain and suffering, and long-term medical bills.
Fortunately, healthcare workers receive workers' compensation benefits and have the opportunity to have their injuries and illnesses adequately treated. If a worker suffers a work-related injury, they should meet with a workers' comp consultant to learn about the legal options for receiving appropriate compensation and benefits.
At Pacific Workers, the Lawyers for Injured Workers, we are always rooting for you. Our team of California workers' compensation attorneys is dedicated to fighting for your right to the compensation you deserve. Contact us at 888-740-6434 for a free consultation.
