If you work in the medical field, you might know that there are some common injuries for healthcare workers to watch out for. Those in the medical field work long hours, have tough physical demands and deal with a lot of emotional stress. To make your job safer, follow the advice below to avoid common injuries. Repetitive motion injuries happen from repeating the same motion time and time. Back injuries are also quite common for medical workers. So it’s important to learn how to lift things properly. Exposure to dangerous materials like chemicals as well as communicable viruses is also a concern. And finally, needle sticks are also a risk that healthcare workers need to be aware of. By following procedures and protecting yourself, you can make your workplace safer for everybody.
Common Injuries for Healthcare Workers: Avoiding Accidents
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Repetitive motion issues are common injuries for healthcare workers. Because their jobs are so demanding physically, it’s common to experience things like carpel tunnel and arthritis. Healthcare workers have to lift heavy weights, including people. They also have to spend hours typing up information which can lead to muscle strain. It’s important to stretch properly and do physical therapy. In addition, it can help to move around and find supportive positions to sit in.
Back Injuries
Back strain is also one of the most common injuries for healthcare workers. They often have to lift heavy equipment, or even move people around. This can cause a lot of strain and potential injury to the spine and neck. It’s important to learn how to
lift properly. Bend your legs, get as close to an object as possible, and use your legs to lift. Then, again, bend your legs when setting the object down. Stretching and strengthening exercises can also protect your back from injury.
Exposure to Dangerous Materials
Healthcare workers can sometimes be exposed to harmful chemicals as well as germs in the workplace. They have to handle different medicines and chemicals throughout their work. In addition, viral infections can spread easily from person to person. Therefore, dealing with sick patients means that some common injuries for healthcare workers are very concerning. The best way to prevent exposure is to wear the correct personal protective equipment or PPE. In some instances, this just means gowns and gloves, while in others it might be surgical masking and protective clothing.
Needle Sticks
Finally, one of the injuries for healthcare workers that is fairly unique to their line of work is
needle sticks. Because healthcare workers deal with illnesses that can be transmitted through blood, needle sticks need to be taken very seriously. To avoid these, always follow proper safety procedures. In addition, if you do experience a needle stick, clean it immediately and seek medical attention. Injuries for healthcare workers are quite common, and unfortunately, can be dangerous. Healthcare workers are often working long hours without much time for rest or stretching. In addition, they come into contact with harmful substances, chemicals, and germs. To prevent injuries, follow safety procedures for wearing protective equipment as well as handling any needle sticks. When lifting heavy weights or doing repetitive motions, make sure to take time to stretch properly and switch positions. Hopefully, you can follow these tips to keep yourself safer in the workplace.
