Hazardous Conditions for Healthcare Workers on the Job

Hazardous Conditions for Healthcare Workers on the Job

Healthcare is one of the fastest growing industries in America. There are more than 18 million healthcare workers in the US, making up more than 1/6 of our overall economy. This industry is expected to see significant growth in the coming years as more baby boomers retire, which will create the need for millions of additional workers.

While there are numerous job opportunities in the healthcare industry, there are also a lot of hazards for those who work in it. More than 300,000 healthcare workers are injured on the job each year, which is more on the job injuries than any other occupation. Unfortunately, the situation became far worse in 2020 with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last November, CNN reported that hospitals had become so overwhelmed that some were running out of workers. Record numbers of hospitalizations have put enormous strain on these facilities, causing widespread worker shortages to the point where some hospitals were allowing doctors and nurses with COVID-19 to continue working.

One very unfortunate side effect that this situation caused was that patients could not receive elective procedures during the early weeks of the outbreak. And even several months after it all started, many hospitals still had to postpone elective procedures that required an overnight stay.

Common Hazards that Lead to Healthcare Workplace Injuries

Healthcare workers encounter a wide range of dangerous conditions on the job, and they can be divided into four general categories:

Biological Hazards

One of the first areas of danger that often comes to mind with healthcare workers is exposure to contagious diseases. This has been of particular concern during the COVID-19 pandemic as brave front-line workers put themselves on the line to care for patients who were dealing with this deadly contagion. Proper handwashing, clean glove usage, and the use of masks, face shields, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) is more important now than ever before for healthcare workers as our nation continues to combat this global pandemic.

Chemical Hazards

In all healthcare facilities, cleanliness is of the utmost importance. Surfaces are continually sanitized, and all areas of the facility are cleaned regularly. Chemicals that are used to clean hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other facilities are extremely potent and toxic, and they can be harmful to healthcare workers who are repeatedly exposed to them. Some of the drugs used to treat patients can also be toxic to workers, particularly those that are administered as gases, liquids, or aerosols.

Environmental Hazards

There are a number of inherent dangers within a healthcare facility that can cause workplace injuries from slips, trips, and falls. First of all, workers are always in a fast-paced environment even during normal times. When patients’ lives and well-being are on the line, every second counts, and there is little time to waste. Under such conditions, hazards like slippery surfaces, improperly laid floor mats, cables and power cords that are left where they should not be, poor lighting, and narrow and uneven walking surfaces can heighten the risk of a slip and fall accident.

Physical Hazards

The incredible amount of stress that healthcare workers are continually under increases the risk of suffering a physical injury. Many of these workers are asked to put in countless hours of overtime with barely any time to sleep. This can lead to repetitive stress injuries such as musculoskeletal conditions that result from lifting or moving patients and other tasks that are physically taxing. Some workers know that they should ask for help with these tasks, but they are hesitant to do so because of worker shortages that are all too common in so many facilities. Some of the other physical hazards that healthcare workers regularly encounter include radioactive materials, lasers, x-rays, and workplace violence (e.g., workers being assaulted by a confused and/or disoriented patient).

Injured in a Workplace Accident in Pennsylvania? Contact our Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

Workplace injuries and illnesses can result in lost time from work and high medical bills, which adds even more stress for injured healthcare workers and their families. And because the workers’ compensation claims process is more complex and confusing than it should be, many claimants do not end up receiving the level of benefits that they are entitled to.

If you or a loved one got injured on the job, a seasoned workers’ compensation lawyer can help get you the benefits you deserve. If the injury occurred in Pittsburgh or anywhere in Pennsylvania, Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman is here to help. Message us online or call our office today at 412-567-1232 or toll-free at 866-466-5789 to schedule a free consultation and case assessment with one of our attorneys. We look forward to serving you!