Common Risks for Healthcare Workers
Every profession has risks in it that pose a threat to the health and safety of employees if they are not properly mitigated. Workers in the healthcare field are no exception and there are a number of different risks that can lead to injury an illness to them. To prevent them, it is always recommended to follow all safety protocols and guidelines.
One of the most common, and obvious, risks to healthcare workers is contracting the contagious diseases of those being treated by them. Although not every disease is contagious, many are, and healthcare workers that interact directly with patients will always be at risk of catching what they have. This is why sanitation and hand washing is so important. In certain hospitals and healthcare facilities, patients may be volatile as well, which might put workers at risk from being injured by them. Although this is sometimes unpredictable, certain procedures can be undergone to help minimize this risk.
Dangerous chemical interaction is also a common risk for healthcare workers, particularly those that deal with hazardous wastes or pharmaceutical formulas. Certain chemicals can burn the skin, while others can cause respiratory illnesses if breathed in for prolonged periods of time. Knowing how to properly handle these materials will go a long way to preventing injury from them. Finally, overexertion is a major risk for healthcare workers, particularly those that try to lift heavy objects or wounded patients on their own. Muscle strains are common for this reason, but they can also be prevented with the right guidelines.
Even if all safety protocols are followed, injuries and illnesses do still sometimes occur. Thankfully, if they do, every healthcare worker has the right to receive compensation for said injuries through the workers’ compensation program. If your employer tries to deny you this right, we at the Franco Law Firm are here to help you win it back. To learn more about our services and to schedule a free consultation with us today, please call us at (813) 872-0929.
