Because of the nature of the medical field, healthcare workers face exposure to a variety of hazards in the workplace on a regular basis. Though many of these hazards are part of the job, injuries sustained while at work can have a significant impact on one’s quality of life or ability to function.
The medical field employs a large number of workers tasked who must complete their jobs while facing different dangers, some of which can have notable consequences if left unaddressed.
Common workplace injuries for healthcare workers
Depending on the job, medical professionals are subject to injury risks big and small. Some common workplace injury risks include:
- Joint and muscle strain
- Exposure to harmful or abrasive chemicals
- Patient violence
- Needle pricks
- Slips or falls
- Overexertion due to understaffing
- Stress due to long hours or intense responsibility
- Exposure to illness or disease
- Latex allergies
Healthcare workers are often responsible for heavy lifting, patient handling, managing stressful situations and performing tasks that put them at risk for the development of cuts, punctures, illnesses and chronic disorders.
Options for injured medical professionals
Injuries may not be fatal or life-threatening, but their consequences are often serious. Healthcare workers may have to miss work, resulting in lost wages, or may develop a chronic issue that requires ongoing medical care.
If an injury occurs while on the job, it is important for medical professionals to seek proper compensation. Workplace injuries should prompt a healthcare worker to file a claim for worker’s compensation in order to obtain the care and benefits he or she will need while in recovery and beyond.