Working in a hospital as a nurse may not seem like a dangerous profession. However, job injury statistics make it clear that nurses are at elevated risk of getting hurt due to their employment when compared with most other professionals.
There are more hospital workers injured each year than construction workers based on injuries reported per 100,000 full-time workers according to federal statistics. Nurses who sustain injuries while providing medical support for others may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. They may receive medical care for their injuries at no cost and may also be eligible for disability benefits if they cannot work until they recover.
What are the most common reasons that nurses require workers’ compensation benefits?
1. Overexertion and bodily reaction
Many nurses get injured by providing patient care. The need to physically support people can put a lot of strain on a nurse’s body.
In some cases, nurses suffer immediate traumatic injuries when lifting or assisting a patient. Other times, they may develop repetitive strain injuries that limit their strength and cause painful symptoms.
2. Exposure to dangerous equipment and substances
Another leading cause of lost-time incidents in hospital settings is exposure to dangerous substances or accidental contact with equipment. Workers can end up sickened due to exposure to pathogens and bodily fluids.
They can also be vulnerable due to exposure to radioactive materials in some cases. The equipment used to provide patient care can also be dangerous. Artificial external defibrillation devices, hoyers and even syringes can lead to nurse injuries.
3. Slips trips and falls
Nurses often need to rush to take care of their patients. Doing so might lead to a nurse falling and getting hurt. A slip-and-fall can lead to a brain injury or broken bones that force a nurse to take an extended leave of absence from work.
Violence is also a noteworthy job hazard for those in the medical sector. Patients may come into the hospital while in state custody. They may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Even older dementia patients can react aggressively in some cases.
Nurses hurt while on the job may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Learning more about job hazards and benefits can help those in dangerous careers assert themselves after an injury.
