Nurses and health care workers play an important and needed role in society. They constantly care for patients, often in challenging environments.
However, their jobs come with significant risks and injuries. Understanding why nurses and healthcare workers are so prone to injuries is important.
Physically demanding work
Nurses and health care workers often perform physically demanding tasks. They lift and move patients who cannot do so themselves. This constant lifting and transferring may strain muscles and joints, which can lead to serious back injuries.
Nurses often need to help patients get out of bed, move to a chair or turn over. Without proper assistance, these tasks can lead to serious injuries.
Long hours and fatigue
Healthcare workers typically work long shifts, sometimes 12 hours or more. These long hours can lead to fatigue. Tired workers are more likely to make mistakes that can result in injuries.
Fast-paced environment
Healthcare settings can be fast-paced and stressful. Nurses need to respond quickly to emergencies. In these situations, they might not have time to think about their own safety.
Rushing can lead to accidents, such as slips, trips and falls. The high-stress environment also means that healthcare workers might not always have time to take breaks and rest, which can increase the risk of injuries.
Exposure to hazardous materials
Nurses and healthcare workers frequently handle hazardous materials. They come into contact with blood, bodily fluids and sharp objects like needles on a daily basis. Needlestick injuries often expose them to dangerous infections, and these injuries can happen if their bosses pressure them to work faster.
Lack of proper equipment
In some healthcare settings, there is not enough proper equipment to ensure safety. For instance, mechanical lifts can help move patients safely. When these are not available, nurses must lift patients themselves, which increases the risk of injury.
Learning about these factors is the first step in creating a safer working environment for nurses and healthcare workers. Anyone facing an injury at work may want to seek fair compensation.