Fighting for Workers Injured in Health Care Accidents

Health care workers are at risk of suffering a variety of work-related injuries due to the fast-paced and hazardous nature of their jobs. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the health care and social assistance industry has one of the highest rates of work-related injuries and illnesses.

The work injury lawyers at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. have been representing injured workers, including those in the health care industry, for more than 40 years. We fight to obtain workers’ compensation benefits to cover the cost of your medical expenses and lost wages while you recover.

Common Health Care Worker Injuries

Doctors and nurses are not the only health care workers at risk. Others include maintenance, housekeeping, food service, building and grounds maintenance, patient drivers, nursing home aids, paramedics, and administrative staff. There are many serious health and safety hazards present for all health care workers. Some of the most common causes of injuries include:

Overexertion

Overexertion can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. According to OSHA, nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants have the highest rates of musculoskeletal disorders. The incident rate for them was more than seven times the average for workers across all occupations. The health care industry is often fast-paced and demanding, which can cause workers to overexert themselves if they do not take proper precautions.

Slip and Fall

OSHA reports that slip, trip, and falls are the most common workplace accidents. Slip and falls commonly occur in the health care industry due to slippery walking surfaces. Spilled liquids and recently cleaned or waxed floors can cause workers to fall. Damaged flooring and objects such as cords, hoses, and other medical equipment left in the walkway also pose hazards to health care workers.

Patient Handling

Moving patients from one position to another can result in sprains and strains. OSHA reports that these types of injuries are the most frequently reported among health care workers. Workers may also suffer back injuries, including slipped discs from improperly handling patients. It is important to train employees on proper lifting techniques to avoid these types of injuries.

Needlesticks/Sharp-Related Injuries

Sharp-related injuries include penetrating wounds from sharp objects such as needlesticks or scalpels. These injuries can result in serious, sometimes fatal, infections, including the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. In addition to bloodborne pathogens, health care workers may also be exposed to airborne pathogens that cause infections.

Violence

Health care workers are particularly vulnerable to workplace violence. The health care industry reports, on average, four times more instances of workplace violence than any other industry, according to OSHA. They may be verbally or physically assaulted at any time by patients, distraught family members, violent criminals, intruders, and co-workers.

Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania

It is important to notify your employer of your workplace injury immediately, so the workers’ compensation process can get underway. In Pennsylvania, you are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits to cover your medical expenses and lost wages due to the injury or illness, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

It is also imperative to seek medical attention for your injuries immediately and inform the doctor that your accident occurred at work. Finally, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can explain all your legal options and help you obtain the benefits you deserve.