If you work within the medical industry, you deserve to have safe working conditions. The medical facility you work for should take all proper precautions and provide appropriate training to decrease the risk of accidents in the workplace.
According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, health care workers face various hazards in medical facilities.
Who faces workplace accidents in medical facilities?
All health care workers face risks of accidents in medical facilities. The majority of accidents involve medical staff, such as nurses and doctors. However, various other people work within clinics and hospitals. For example, maintenance, food service, laundry and administrative staff also require protection from the multitude of hazards within the industry. No matter your position, you should not worry about the dangers of working in a hospital. However, when hospital management becomes negligent, accidents often occur.
What are the hazards of working in medical facilities?
There are some serious health and safety risks in the medical field. When dealing with patients with various illnesses, health care workers could face exposure to biological threats such as bloodborne pathogens or drugs. Other dangers may include:
- Workplace violence
- Respiratory hazards
- Chemical exposure
- Ergonomic risks
- Slip-and-fall injuries
Health care workers are more likely to experience injuries than most industries. In fact, OSHA reports that, as of 2020, there was a 40% increase in injury and illness within the health care industry. If health care workers face hazards in the workplace, the patients may also face similar hazards. Following OSHA’s regulations can keep employees and patients safe.