If you work in a hospital as a nurse, doctor, or in an auxiliary role, you will have seen a whole range of injuries. What you might not realize is that you are at more risk than many of those you attend to.
Looking after sick patients has one obvious danger – contracting their illness. If that was not clear to you before, it certainly is now after the past two years. Yet what about all the other daily dangers you face?
1. Drunken dangers
If you have ever worked in the emergency ward on a Saturday night, you will know how aggressive some patients and the people accompanying them can be. Many are in an unstable state of mind after drinking too much. Many hospitals have experienced a continuation of the fights that led to the injured parties being there in the first place. Many employees have been injured while trying to stop them.
2. Drugged dangers
You may also attend to people high on drugs. They can do irrational things that put you at risk. Even if they remain calm, you need to watch for used needles in their pockets. While you are moving the person or removing their clothing, an accidental needle stick could infect you with a serious illness.
3. Stresses and strains
Much hospital work includes heavy lifting and moving. Over time this can lead to long-term debilitating back pain, which can prevent you from working or even enjoying your spare time.
If you have suffered injury or illness due to your hospital job, you will need to determine if and what you can claim on your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.