Healthcare continues as one of the most in-demand careers you can pursue. As the pressure on workers increases, so do the rates of injury across the board.
Hospitals and care facilities may carry an inherent risk for incidents among workers. While some accidents are just that, others may prove preventable with the proper instruction and safety measures. Discover more about the injuries that remain common for healthcare workers.
Are you lifting patients?
Nurses and staff who need to help move patients in one way or another are at risk for soft tissue injuries. Since lifting patients may require you to twist, you may sprain your lower back. If a patient is heavy, you may strain your shoulders and neck. You may also sustain arm injuries from holding patients up or keeping them from falling.
Do you need to handle bodily fluid?
Part of your job may hinge on keeping patients tidy or interacting with bodily fluids in one way or the other. Close interaction such as this may lead to the infection of viruses diseases. Healthcare workers are prone to needle sticks, sometimes due to another’s mishandling. If the facility where you work does not train employees on proper methods, you may become a victim.
Does your schedule require overtime?
Healthcare is a demanding profession that may require overtime, especially in hospitals. Your schedule may demand that you work well over 40 hours a week, and some days, you may have to stay past a reasonable time. Fatigue and exhaustion may lead to injuries, such as:
- Slips and falls
- Emotional breakdowns
- Car crashes
Exhaustion may also lead you to make a mistake that hurts a patient.
While healthcare is a rewarding profession, it is also a dangerous one. Ensure you engage with proper safety protocols and ask for help when overwhelmed to keep yourself safe.