Healthcare workers in Pennsylvania and throughout the country are some of the most hard-working people in the world. They work hard to provide medical care to individuals in all types of settings, including hospitals, birthing centers, nursing homes, dental offices, and outpatient surgery centers. Because healthcare employees work so hard, they are often at a higher risk for illnesses and accidents.
What factors make working in healthcare dangerous?
Because healthcare workers work with many people who are sick with viral and bacterial illnesses, they’re at a higher risk of exposure. Although the workers are usually covered in PPE and follow strict health and safety guidelines, the fact remains that they could still become sick. In addition to blood-borne pathogens and other hazards, healthcare workers are also exposed to things like respiratory hazards, hazards associated with science and medical labs, needle sticks, chemical exposures, injuries from lifting and moving patients, and a host of other issues.
Do a lot of people get injured?
The reality is that workers in the healthcare industry suffer more injuries and illnesses than workers in any other industry. There were nearly 600,000 cases of illness or injury in healthcare in 2017. To put it into perspective, the next closest industry was the manufacturing sector, and that had nearly 154,000 fewer injuries and illnesses.
Nursing assistants had the largest number of musculoskeletal injuries out of all industries in 2017. This makes sense because they’re constantly lifting patients. What many people don’t realize is that in addition to doctors, nurses, and other healthcare industry professionals, there are a host of other tradespeople and workers who are also exposed to a higher chance of injury and illness by working in the healthcare industry. This list of people includes housekeepers, maintenance people, and administrative staff.
How can people get help with things like workplace injuries and illnesses?
People dealing with workers’ compensation issues and other subjects related to workplace injuries and illnesses in Pennsylvania will benefit by working with a certified specialist workers’ compensation attorney who can help them navigate their claims from start to finish. From filing the initial claim to getting treatment, pursuing appeals, and settlements, having an expert on your side will make the process much smoother, and will provide peace of mind that everything is happening the way it should.