People often pursue jobs in the medical sector because they want a predictable career or because they feel strongly compelled to help others. The medical industry has long employed those who find personal fulfillment in assisting others. The healthcare sector also attracts bright young people in search of reputable and dependable sources of income.
Unfortunately, someone’s earning potential as a medical professional could disappear within moments after a serious injury on the job. There are numerous unique employment hazards in the medical sector that largely depend on someone’s exact role and areas of specialization.
Someone in a pediatric clinic has very different on-the-job hazards than someone working with adult oncology patients. That being said, statistically, there are four injuries that are responsible for a large percentage of lost-time incidents in healthcare settings.
Slips, trips and falls
People in any profession can lose their balance and fall. However, the United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics asserts that slips, trips and falls are 90% more likely for healthcare workers when compared with those in other professions. Rushing to care for workers in crowded spaces and the spills that can occur in a medical setting help contribute to this pressing risk that can leave medical workers unable to do their jobs.
Needle sticks
The second most serious job hazard for healthcare professionals is the possibility of accidentally pricking themselves with a needle or other sharp object. Any sharp tool already used on a patient could have blood on it and may therefore expose workers to dangerous pathogens. Needle sticks can lead to permanent and even deadly illnesses for healthcare workers.
Repetitive motion injuries
Also called repetitive strain injuries, repetitive motion injuries are easy to develop in a healthcare setting. Someone who spends their entire day opening and analyzing collected blood samples could develop carpal tunnel that limits their functional abilities. Many specialized healthcare professionals have to perform the same tasks repeatedly and maintain unhealthy and uncomfortable postures at work. They may then find themselves dealing with diminished strength and range of motion due to those repeated job functions.
Injuries caused by lifting patients
The final common source of on-the-job injuries in the healthcare sector relates to the difficulties of regular patient care. Helping to lift and move patients can cause either repetitive strain or immediate traumatic injuries if people overexert themselves through heavy lifting. The need to provide physical assistance to patients can lead to significant injuries for healthcare providers.
Oftentimes, injured medical employees may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Learning more about benefits and job hazards can help people reduce their risk of serious disruptions caused by on-the-job injuries.