Many skilled, educated and dedicated professionals work in modern hospitals. Nurses, physicians and various professionals help provide medical support to those in difficult situations. For many people, working in medicine is a calling, and they feel strongly about doing the best job possible. They commit to working long hours and make other personal sacrifices in pursuit of their careers.
Unfortunately, working in a hospital is also relatively dangerous. There are numerous safety hazards that could result in serious injuries. Healthcare professionals and support staff members in hospitals are vulnerable to a number of serious injuries. The following are some of the most pressing safety concerns in a medical environment.
Contact with dangerous objects
There are many dangerous types of equipment in a medical setting that could cause injury. Someone nicked by a scalpel or pierced by a needle during a medical procedure sustains an injury and simultaneously experiences potential exposure to dangerous pathogens. Artificial external defibrillation devices, radioactive materials and numerous other hazardous items can cause worker injuries and illnesses in hospital settings. In some cases, those injuries may require a lengthy leave of absence.
Issues related to patient care
The top cause of injuries in hospitals is overexertion. People who try to lift heavy patients alone or who repeatedly perform demanding job tasks could sustain traumatic injuries. They could also develop repetitive strain injuries. Rushing to care for a patient who needs help can also lead to injury. Slips, trips and falls are a common source of hospital worker injury that frequently correlate to high-demand patient care scenarios.
Violent encounters
While most people respect health care professionals, some patients and visitors to hospitals become erratic and violent towards them. Factors ranging from dementia caused by advanced age to chemical intoxication and mental health issues could result in patients becoming violent toward hospital employees. They could potentially cause career-ending injuries for hospital employees due to confusion or anger.
Like most other professionals, hospital support staff and medical professionals are often eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if they end up hurt because of their jobs. Filing a workers’ compensation benefits claim can help injured hospital employees pay for their treatment and replace their income as they heal.
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