Nurses help to form the foundation for our health care system. They play a crucial role in providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Nurses also often serve as the primary point of contact between patients and the healthcare system. Unfortunately, nurses face some serious challenges in the workplace. Nurses are injured and made ill on the job at a higher rate than the average worker. Here, our Virginia workers’ compensation attorney provides an overview of the potential for injuries and illnesses in nursing.
Know the Data: Workplace Safety for Nurses
All nurses deserve safe, fair working conditions. The unfortunate reality is that there is a significant potential for job-related injuries and illnesses in the nursing industry. Notably, approximately 30,000 nurses miss at least one day on the job for a work-related injury or illness each year (Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)). The National Institutes of Health (NIH) cites data showing that nurses suffered workplace injuries/illnesses at a rate more than ten percent above the national average.
Note: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nursing assistants are injured on the job at an even higher rate than registered nurses.
Most Common Injuries and Illnesses for Nurses in Virginia
Nurses can be hurt or made sick on the job for a wide range of different reasons. All nurses who suffer from a job-related health issue need immediate medical care. Some of the most common workplace injuries and illnesses for nurses in Virginia include:
- Overexertion and Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs): More than half of all nurse injuries are made up of sprains, strains, and other musculoskeletal injuries. These frequently occur due to lifting, pushing, pulling, or repetitive tasks.
- Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents Slippery surfaces, uneven flooring, and poor lighting are common hazards leading to falls. Falls can cause very serious injuries. Some fall-related injuries include broken bones and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Exposure to Harmful Substances: Workers in healthcare—including nurses—often face the risk of exposure to harmful substances. These can cause serious harm. In some cases, it can lead to a respiratory virus.
- Workplace Violence: Sadly, workplace violence is a serious threat—especially so for nurses and other healthcare employees. Violence may come from a number of different parties, potentially including patients and their family members.
- Needlestick Injuries: Accidental punctures from needles or other sharp medical instruments expose nurses to bloodborne pathogens, such as hepatitis B or HIV.
- Infections from Pathogens: The direct contact with sick patients puts nurses at risk of contracting infectious diseases, including influenza, tuberculosis, and COVID-19.
Contact Our Virginia Workers’ Comp Lawyer for a Free Case Review
At Injured Workers’ Law Firm, our Virginia workers’ compensation attorney is here to get to work when you cannot. If you or your family member is a nurse who has hurt on the job, we are here as a legal resource. Call us now at (804) 755-7755 or send us a message through our website for a free, fully confidential consultation. We represent injured nurses throughout Virginia.