If you work in the health care industry, you know that your job comes with certain risks. While rewarding, health care work is a physically demanding job, and you could be facing the risk of enduring certain injuries while on the clock. If you do experience some type of injury while at work, you have the right to know how to recoup any financial losses you experienced and seek a full and fair recovery.
Health care can take a physical and emotional toll on workers, including nurses, doctors, support staff, medical assistants and others. If you suffered an injury at work or you became ill as a result of your job requirements, you will benefit from knowing how to seek a workers’ compensation claim. You may need different types of support and assistance as you try to get better and move forward.
The dangers of health care work
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, health care workers have more injuries and experience more instances of illness than workers in other industries. This includes construction and industrial industries. As someone who works in health care in Minnesota, you may not see all of the risks to which you face exposure during your shift. Some of the most common injuries suffered by health care workers include:
- Slipped discs and other back injuries
- Punctures and cuts
- Head trauma
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says that health care workers are seven times more likely to experience injuries related to repetitive stress and overexertion. This includes tendons, muscles, ligaments, discs and nerves. This is due to the high amount of patient handling these workers do, including transferring patients, moving beds, transferring equipment and more. Patient violence, spills, tripping hazards and understaffing are also common reasons for injuries in the health care industry.
Support for injured health care workers
If you suffered an injury at work, there are options available to you through which you can secure necessary financial support. Workers’ compensation insurance carried by your employer provides you with the option to file a claim that may help you recover losses associated with medical bills, missed wages from work and assistance you may need with returning to work. The claims process can be difficult, and you may benefit from seeking an understanding of what to expect at each step.