Healthcare Workers Face Increased Injury Risks

by Alex A. Kecskes

As the second-fastest-growing sector of the U.S. economy, the healthcare industry employs well over 12 million workers—nearly 80 percent of whom are women.

These workers face many on-the-job hazards, including back injuries, latex allergy, violence and elevated stress. One particularly worrisome hazard is the stick/cut injury.

Healthcare workers stuck by needles, scalpels, scissors and lancets are at risk of being infected by any one of more than 60 blood borne diseases--the most worrisome being HIV and Hepatitis B and C. Hospital healthcare workers alone suffer over 385,000 stick/cut injuries annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Such injuries can occur in other healthcare settings, including physician and dentist offices, clinics, nursing homes and even private homes.

Back injuries are another common job-related health problem among healthcare workers. Those most likely to develop a back injury and/or pain are workers whose jobs require them to lift or move patients. Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants have more back injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders than any other occupation.

Healthcare employers must develop ergonomics programs with the involvement of their workers to identify and control the risks of back injuries. In addition, safety protocols and safer needles need to be implemented and used to protect healthcare workers from needle-stick injuries and infection.

For an added perspective, check out this video:

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