There are many risks that hospital workers face on the job in California. Day in and day out, hospital workers operate at high stress levels in an environment that subjects them to hazards such as patient violence, chemical hazards, and many others. It is no surprise that these healthcare workers often experience injuries and damages of their own. Continue reading to learn more about what some of these injuries can be.
Workplace Violence
One of the more prominent ways in which hospital workers are at risk in the workplace is because of workplace violence. This can take place in many forms. Patients can sometimes be hostile for a variety of reasons, including:
- Histories of violence. Some patients are in the hospital because they themselves were once victims of violence. This can refer to those who were exposed to domestic abuse, gang violence, and other forms of violence. In some situations, this can cause them to lash out at their healthcare providers.
- The presence of medications. Sometimes, patients require the use of certain medications that can impair their ability to reason well, which can result in them becoming violent.
- Some patients come into the hospital impaired by drugs or alcohol. The effects of these can sometimes cause them to act violently.
- Mental illness. Certain mental illnesses such as bipolar disorders, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and others can cause people to suddenly become violent beyond reasoning.
There are additional reasons why the working conditions in a hospital could put its workers at risk, including:
- Lack of security. Since hospitals are public places, it can be difficult and even impossible to monitor everyone and everything that enters. There are oftentimes no metal detectors in public hospitals, meaning that weapons can come in undetected.
- High-stress environment. Hospitals can sometimes have long wait times, especially in an emergency room. This type of environment, coupled with the stress of having an injury or a loved one needing medical attention, can lead people to become unpredictable.
Common Injuries That Healthcare Workers Face
Healthcare employees often face scenarios and situations that can be hazardous. Some injuries a healthcare worker may face include:
- Back and neck injuries. Healthcare workers often have to perform tasks such as lifting heavy objects, moving heavy objects, and standing or walking for long periods of time. Over an extended period of time, such activities can result in damage to the musculoskeletal parts of the body, such as the back and neck.
- Slip and fall accidents. There are many times in a hospital environment when the floor may be wet, or there may be objects obstructing a person’s walking path. These types of injuries can have serious effects.
- Exposure to harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Healthcare workers are sometimes responsible for treating patients who have serious illnesses, and in some cases, they may be exposed to these pathogens.
- Chemical and radiation exposure. There may be instances where a healthcare worker comes into contact with substances that can be harmful to them, such as various chemicals and even radiation.
- Patient violence. Sometimes, healthcare workers treat patients who are violent towards them. Such situations can have a variety of outcomes, putting the healthcare worker at risk of all types of injury.
FAQs
How Risky Is It to Work in a Hospital?
There are many risks that may come with working in a hospital. Hospitals are environments that contain a variety of situations and circumstances that could be harmful to someone’s health and well-being, especially employees who are there day in and day out. Some things that hospital employees may be at risk of include patient violence, overexertion, exposure to hazardous chemicals and materials, repetitive injuries, and more.
What Are the Major Health Risks Faced by Healthcare Workers Today?
Healthcare workers face an array of health risks while working in their environments. One of these is infectious agents such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites. It is not uncommon for healthcare workers to treat patients suffering from such infectious agents, and the smallest accident or oversight could put the healthcare worker at risk of being exposed to them as well. Another health risk is stress. Healthcare workers often work long hours at high stress levels.
What Are Some Examples of Unsafe Working Conditions in Hospitals?
While there are many examples of unsafe working conditions in hospitals, some are more common than others. One example of what can cause a working condition to become unsafe in a hospital is when a patient becomes violent. There are many causes that can make a patient violent, such as the effects of medication or a mental illness. Another example of an unsafe working condition would be being exposed to harmful chemicals such as disinfectants.
Do Hospital Workers Have Special Insurance?
Many healthcare workers have the option of getting their own individualized insurance plans. However, there is not necessarily anything special about these plans. The benefit to such a plan would be that a healthcare worker who has an idea of the specific dangers that may be relevant to their job can seek out specific insurance plans that may benefit them specifically. Plans vary in cost, flexibility, and coverage, among other factors.
English Lloyd & Armenta
Working in a hospital poses threats to your overall health and well-being that other employees may not experience in their workplace. It is important that you are aware of the rights that you have as an employee and that you maintain a safe workplace environment. If you believe you may be at risk or have sustained injuries while at work, you should reach out to a lawyer who can assess your case and guide you in the next steps you should take.
At English Lloyd & Armenta, we have handled many cases involving workplace risk and injury. We are prepared to take a look at your case and can answer any questions you may have. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help. With our legal team on your side, you can trust that you are getting the quality legal support you need.