In hospitals and clinics, the men and women caring for the sick face work hard daily. Orderlies, doctors, nurses and other medical professionals all play important roles.
However, their work often exposes them to a variety of hazards and injuries.
Heavy lifting and manual handling
One reason medical professionals are at risk for injuries is the frequent need to lift and move patients. Whether they are helping someone out of bed or transferring them to a wheelchair, workers may strain to complete this task.
Even repositioning a person during treatment is tough. Attempting to move patients alone can result in serious musculoskeletal injuries.
Exposure to diseases
Medical professionals often work closely with patients with contagious illnesses. Despite precautions such as wearing gloves and masks, the risk of exposure remains high.
Contact with bodily fluids or dirty surfaces can lead to the transmission of pathogens. This puts healthcare workers at risk of getting severe illnesses like tuberculosis or hepatitis.
Workplace violence
In some healthcare settings, medical professionals also face the threat of workplace violence. Patients and their families may become agitated or aggressive due to stress, fear or mental health issues. This leads to physical confrontations. Frontline staff members are particularly vulnerable to these incidents, which can result in serious injuries.
Long hours and fatigue
Healthcare often requires medical professionals to work long hours. This fatigue can harm judgment and reaction times. It also increases the risk of accidents and injuries. Whether it is a nurse giving medications during a late-night shift or a surgeon performing a complex procedure after hours, exhaustion can pose risks.
Injured medical professionals may want to explore ways of seeking fair compensation. Healthcare facilities should prioritize the safety and well-being of their staff at all times. By addressing these risks, those in charge can help ensure that people who devote their lives to healing others can do so safely.