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Health care workers more likely to experience workplace injury

On Behalf of | Apr 14, 2021 | Firm News

Health care professionals are supposed to take care of those who are sick or injured. However, it turns out that health care staffers in California and other states may also need some care of their own. A study has recently revealed that health care staffers have an increased chance of experiencing workplace injury when compared to other professions.

The report, which was released by the U.S. Labor Department, shows that workplace injuries declined slightly in 2013 when compared to 2012. However, it also showed that health care staffers in general, as well as nurses’ assistants, experience injuries at work more often than most other occupations. State health care and social assistance workers experience 146 workplace injuries for every 10,000 workers in the United States.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are the most common injuries sustained by health care workers. This can result from physical overexertion from pushing or lifting heavy objects. Repetitive motions can also cause MSD due to pinched nerves, carpal tunnel syndrome, herniated discs, and sprains and strains. Nurses’ assistants have the highest rate of MSD in the nation. Registered nurses are also among the top six occupations for MSD rates.

The report also revealed a trend in workplace violence experienced by health care workers. The violence generally stems from patients, as well as family members of patients. Violence in the workplace is the third most common type of workplace injury experienced by health care workers. The second most common cause of injury is falls.

Although it is unfortunate when health care workers are injured in California or any other state, there are remedies available to help workers in coping with their injuries. One option is to file for benefits via workers’ compensation insurance. This can help pay for medical treatment made necessary by an unexpected workplace injury.

Source: philly.com, “Study: Health-care staffers rank high for workplace injuries“, Jane M. Von Bergen, Dec. 18, 2014