Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Lawyer Blog
Believe it or not, the healthcare industry has one of the highest rates of workplace accidents and injuries. Workers face biological hazards, exposure to chemicals and drugs, and radioactive material hazards on a regular basis. In fact, more healthcare workers are injured on the job than workers in any other industry. Read on for more information about the dangers healthcare workers face and how to dramatically reduce your risk of serious injury or death if you work in this industry.
What Makes the Healthcare Industry So Dangerous?
In addition to the usual work-related injuries, such as repetitive stress injuries and those caused by slip and fall accidents, healthcare workers have a disproportionate risk of many other hazards. Some of these potentially life-threatening hazards include:
- Bloodborne pathogens and other biological hazards
- Exposure to chemicals and drugs
- Exposure to anesthetic gases
- Respiratory hazards
- Ergonomic hazards common to heavy lifting
- Laser hazards
- Laboratory hazards
- Exposure to radioactive materials
- Workplace violence
Some common, and very dangerous, chemicals that healthcare workers may be exposed to include formaldehyde, ethylene oxide, and paracetic acid. A MA work injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve following a healthcare-related work injury.
Healthcare and Social Assistance Worker Injury Statistics
In 2010, there were approximately 653,900 reported injury and illness cases in the healthcare and social assistance industry. The industry with the next highest number of injuries was manufacturing, with only 501,900. That’s a difference of 152,000 cases. So, what type of healthcare jobs have the highest risk? Nursing aides and orderlies have it the worst, with 249 out of every 10,000 workers suffering from musculoskeletal injuries. In contrast, the average for all workers (including non-healthcare) is 34 out of 10,000. The healthcare industry includes such a wide variety of jobs and tasks, from surgeons and nurses to mechanical maintenance and food service workers. And most of these jobs have a higher-than-average rate of injury. If you have been injured on the job, contact a Boston work injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Tips for Reducing Risk of Healthcare Injuries
Nearly half of all healthcare worker injuries are caused by overexertion or motions such as lifting and bending. Sprains and strains account for most of the reported injuries. By following the tips below, you can reduce your risk of serious injury on the job.
- Identification and assessment of all hazards
- Hazard prevention and control training
- Overall safety training
- Regular program evaluations
- Minimal-lift policies
- Lift-assistance equipment, which can include ceiling-mounted lifts and slide sheets that help during lateral transfers (bed to surgical table)
If you are concerned about the safety of your hospital work environment, talk to a supervisor. If the supervisor fails to respond to your concerns, you can always contact the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to investigate the situation to determine if any changes must be made.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Work Injury Lawyers With More Than 50 Years of Experience
If you have been injured in a work-related accident, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We will analyze the details of your case and position you for the best possible outcome. Our attorneys have an impressive track record of obtaining compensation for clients. Most work-related injuries are covered by workers’ compensation benefits, but the application process can be daunting and complex. Even a minor error can result in delayed or reduced benefits. With the help of a skilled attorney, you can ensure that you get the full benefits you deserve in a timely manner. If you’ve been injured, we can help. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
