Common Injuries Suffered by Alabama Healthcare Workers

Healthcare is one of the most essential industries in the United States. As the elderly population continues to grow, the need for skilled healthcare providers will only continue to increase. However, this industry is also full of dangers. Those who work in this field have a higher-than-average injury rate, and those injuries can be enough to take you out of the workforce entirely. While the average injury rate across all industries is 3.0 per 100 full-time workers, the injury rate in healthcare is 4.5 per 100. It’s important to understand your rights after a workplace injury and know how to assert them. 

The team at Thiry & Caddell is here to help you after a workplace injury. Call us at 251-478-8880 to set up a consultation with our team now to find out if you’re entitled to workers’ compensation. 

Lifting and Transferring Injuries 

Injuries from lifting and transferring patients are, sadly, very common in healthcare. Patients who are completely immobilized or unable to move on their own may need to be lifted by healthcare providers. Even with the help of devices like hoyer lifts and EZ-Stand machines, it takes a substantial amount of force and effort to transfer a patient safely. One wrong move or posture can cause muscle strains, muscle sprains, or herniated discs. Even when a caretaker is careful to lift appropriately, constant lifting can lead to overexertion and chronic back pain. 

Slip and Fall Injuries 

Alabama healthcare workers also face a significant risk of slip and fall injuries. Hospitals and healthcare facilities are incredibly busy, and spills, cluttered hallways, and leaks are unfortunately common. It’s all too easy for a busy healthcare worker rushing from one room to the next to slip and fall on an unseen obstacle. These accidents can lead to broken bones, severe bruising, traumatic brain injuries, and muscle sprains and strains. Not only are these injuries very painful, but they can also limit your ability to do your daily work, limiting your career options. 

Assault Injuries 

Few people outside this field realize that healthcare workers are at constant risk of physical assault. Patients have a tendency to forget that healthcare workers are human beings just like them, and when they lash out, they aim their anger at the nearest caretaker or nurse. The risk is greater in certain specialties than others; for example, those working in emergent psychiatric care settings or substance abuse treatment centers are at greater risk than those who work in pediatrics or surgery. To make matters worse, many healthcare facilities encourage healthcare workers not to report these attacks to the police in order to protect patients—ignoring the fact that they have an obligation to protect their workers. 

Illnesses 

Working in healthcare inevitably puts professionals at greater risk of catching contagious illnesses. When it’s a cold or stomach bug, the fallout is minimal; but when a healthcare worker catches an illness that leaves them chronically ill or with a permanently weakened immune system, the damage is permanent. It’s important for facilities to implement infection control procedures and ensure that healthcare workers have the personal protective equipment they need to work safely with sick patients. 

Mental Health Concerns 

Healthcare work can take a toll on a worker’s mental health. Being verbally abused by patients, watching patients pass away, or working extremely long hours day in and day out can all put healthcare professionals at risk for mental health diagnoses. 

Chemical Exposures 

Chemicals used for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing equipment are necessary in healthcare. However, when professionals are exposed, they are at risk of chemical burns, allergic reactions, and respiratory problems. Professionals are entitled to proper training on the handling of these materials to avoid unintentional illness or injury. Furthermore, whenever possible, only highly-trained cleaning professionals should even have access to these chemicals. Those without training in proper chemical handling should not ever have direct contact. 

Injured at Work? Contact Thiry & Caddell Now 

If you’ve been injured at work, you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation. If your employer is pushing back or making it hard for you to access the benefits you’re entitled to, it’s time to talk to our team of Mobile workers’ compensation lawyers. Call us at 251-478-8880 or get in touch with us online to set up a consultation now.