A:
Did you know that healthcare is one of the most hazardous industries for workers? According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there were 221,400 workplace injuries and illnesses reported in hospitals in 2019 alone. Many more health workers outside of hospital settings were also hurt on the job. In this article, our Virginia workers’ compensation attorney provides an overview of the most common types of injuries suffered by healthcare workers.
The Most Common Workplace Injuries Suffered By Healthcare Workers
Healthcare workers do so much to serve our community—especially over the last several years. Unfortunately, the very nature of the work exposes healthcare workers to a variety of different risks. Some of the most common job-related injuries and illnesses suffered by health workers include:
- Musculoskeletal Disorders: Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common job-related injuries, including in the health care industry. These injuries can be suffered due to repetitive tasks, lifting heavy objects, and even prolonged standing.
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Slips, trips, and falls are another major risk in healthcare settings Wet floors, cluttered hallways, and hurried movements can cause major accidents.
- Exposure to Diseases: Healthcare workers are at risk of contracting diseases from patients. Exposure can occur through needles, contact with bodily fluids, or airborne pathogens.
- Workplace Violence: Sadly, verbal and physical assaults from patients or visitors are increasingly common in healthcare settings. Workplace violence is an issue in health care.
- Chemical and Drug Exposure: The handling of chemicals and drugs can lead to skin rashes, respiratory issues, and other health problems.
- Stress-Related Injuries: The high-pressure environment of healthcare can lead to burnout, mental fatigue, and stress-related physical ailments such as hypertension and heart disease.
What You Should Do If You Were Hurt on the Job in Virginia
Are you a healthcare worker in Virginia who has hurt on the job? It is crucial that you take immediate action to protect your health, well-being, and your right to bring a legal claim. Here are four key steps to take after an on-the-job accident in a healthcare setting:
- Get Yourself Immediate Medical Care: Health needs always come first. Any job-related injury or illness requires the proper medical care. Healthcare professionals need to get themselves evaluated. Doing so is a required step to bring a workers’ comp claim.
- Notify Your Employer of the Incident: All worker injuries must be reported by the employer. As soon as you possibly can, be sure to inform your supervisor or a representative of the human resources department.
- File for Workers’ Comp Benefits: In Virginia, healthcare workers are covered by no-fault workers’ compensation insurance. To get benefits—including for medical care and wage replacement—you must file a claim.
- Consult With a Virginia Work Injury Attorney: You do not have to navigate a workers’ comp claim or workers’ comp appeal on your own. A Virginia work injury lawyer with experience representing healthcare workers can protect your rights.
Contact Our Virginia Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today
At Injured Workers’ Law Firm, our Virginia workers’ compensation attorney has the professional skills and legal expertise to represent all types of healthcare workers. Call us at (804) 755-7755 or contact us online for your confidential initial consultation. With an office in Richmond, we represent healthcare workers in workplace injury claims throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.