What are the Most Common Causes of Injury Among Healthcare Workers?
By Darwin F. Johnson on September 1st, 2017 in Atlanta Workers Comp, Macon Workers Comp, Savannah Worker's Comp, work injuries, work injury, Workers Compensation, workplace injuries, workplace injury
Some of the most important jobs in our society involve those working in healthcare. Doctors, nurses, surgeons, lab technicians and everyone else who works in a healthcare setting is crucial to making sure that the world we live in is safe when an accident or injury occurs. But what happens when a healthcare worker is hurt on the job?
Unfortunately, healthcare workers are also at risk for a number of injuries and illnesses that aren’t as regular in many other industries. If you or a loved one has been injured on-the-job and suffered one of these common healthcare-related industries, be sure to call a workers’ compensation lawyer in Atlanta to discuss your options and decide what to do next.
- Overexertion and injuries related to repetitive stress. According to a report by OSHA, healthcare workers are more than seven times more likely to develop musculoskeletal disorders resulting from lifting objects that are too heavy or performing the same action over and over again. Nurses aides and orderlies show the highest risk for these problems.
- Slips and falls. Water or cleaning solutions left on the floor are a common cause of slip and fall accidents in healthcare settings, which are estimated to be higher than the general population. The most at-risk workers are those who are employed in nursing homes. If you or someone you know has been injured in a slip and fall accident, workers’ compensation lawyers in Atlanta can help you decide your next steps.
- Needle pricks. Healthcare workers often need to use intravenous, hypodermic and other types of needles to draw blood and deliver medicine. These sharp objects can cause more harm than a simple stick or cut. Improperly disposed of needles and other types of sharp instruments can cause exposure to blood borne illnesses if they are able to puncture the skin.
If you are in need of a workers compensation lawyer, contact our legal team today at the Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson today!