Nursing is one of the most important fields. According to data from the Virginia Nurses Association, there are more than 110,000 licensed nurses working to provide services to patients in our state. Unfortunately, nurses face some significant workplace safety risks. Alarmingly, a study found that nurses have the “highest injury incidence” of any health care profession. In this article, our Virginia workers’ comp lawyer discusses the most common work accidents and work injuries in nursing.
The Most Common Workplace Accidents Involving Nurses
Accidents in the workplace can happen in a wide range of different ways in Virginia. Some of the most common accidents involving nursing staff include:
- Lifting Accidents: Lifting is a big issue for many nurses. Nurses often face injuries from lifting patients or heavy equipment, which can strain muscles and cause bad back problems.
- Fall Accidents: Falls are another serious concern. Slippery floors and cluttered hallways in hospitals and clinics are common causes of falls for nurses.
- Equipment Accidents: Nurses can get hurt by medical equipment, either from malfunctioning devices or accidental mishandling, causing cuts, burns, or other injuries.
- Workplace Violence: Workplace violence is one of the most underappreciated threats facing nurses in Virginia. Violence from patients, families, and others is a major concern.
- Disease Exposure: Being on the frontline, nurses are at a high risk of exposure to infectious diseases. An exposure to a disease needs to be handled properly.
- Repetitive Strain Injuries: Finally, repetitive nature of certain nursing tasks, like typing or prolonged standing, can lead to chronic injuries.
The Most Common Work Injuries Sustained By Nurses
Nurses in Virginia can suffer many different types of injuries while on the job. Some of the most common workplace injuries for nursing staff include:
- Cuts/Lacerations: Nurses frequently sustain cuts or lacerations, often from sharp instruments like needles or scalpels. In some cases, stitches may be required.
- Sprains and Strains: Due to the physical demands of their job, such as lifting or moving patients, nurses in Virginia often suffer from sprains and strains.
- Back Injuries: Back injuries are a prevalent area of concern among nurses. These injuries can result from repetitive tasks like bending, lifting, or long hours of standing or sitting.
- Broken Bones: Nurses can suffer broken bones from falls, whether caused by slippery floors, tripping over equipment, or during the physical handling of patients.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): TBIs are another serious issue facing nurses in Virginia. All suspected brain injuries require immediate medical attention.
- Occupational Illness: Occupational illnesses can lead to conditions like respiratory infections, stress-related disorders, or long-term immune system impairments.
Contact Our Virginia Workers’ Compensation Attorney for Nurses Today
At Injured Workers’ Law Firm, our Virginia workers’ comp lawyer has the professional skills and legal experience that injured nurses can trust when it matters most. Get in touch with us by phone (804) 755-7755 or connect with us online to set up your fully private, no commitment consultation. From our Richmond office, we represent nurses injured at work across Virginia.