Common Workplace Injuries for Nurses

Healthcare workers consistently rank at the top of the list of professionals with the most challenging and risky jobs. Despite this fact, nurses continue to provide vital services to sick and injured patients regardless of the wide range of threats to their health.

Currently, nurses are on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19; putting themselves in harms way every day to protect the health of our communities. However, there are many other dangers that nurses face in their daily work routine. According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nurses are exposed to the highest number of non-fatal occupational injury risks than workers in other industries.

Here are some of the most common injuries among nurses:

Sprains and strains

OSHA data shows that sprains and strains are the most frequently reported injury among healthcare workers. Most strains and sprains affect the shoulders and the lower back.

Slipped discs

Body mechanics when transferring or lifting patients can damage the discs (the fleshy tissue that cushions your spinal bones).

Blood-borne infectious diseases

The CDC indicates that needle sticks significantly increase the risk of spreading bloodborne diseases such as HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis B or C.

Infections 

These infections can occur as a result of airborne pathogens or exposure to mucus and bodily waste. COVID-19 exposure is currently the most common infection risk for nurses.

Repetitive strain and overexertion injuries

Nurses suffer from these types of injuries at a higher rate than individuals in the construction industry do. Repetitive strain injuries can be caused by lifting and transferring patients, bending over patients, pushing wheelchairs and gurneys, and performing various procedures.

Head injuries

These may occur due to slip-and-falls or as a result of workplace violence.

Options Available for Injured Nurses

If you are a nurse who suffered a serious injury while performing work-related duties, you can file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can be used to cover your medical expenses and recover lost wages. They may also be eligible for disability benefits if your injury has left you unable to work. You do not not need to show negligence by your employer or anyone else in order to recover benefits.

Our team of Certified Workers’ Compensation specialists have extensive experience representing healthcare providers. We can help you to understand the options available to you for seeking compensation if you have been injured on the job.

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Cole, Fisher, Cole, O’Keefe + Mahoney is Central California’s leading workers’ compensation and social security disability law firm. With over 30 years of successful experience, we are committed to securing maximum benefits for our clients in the Fresno, California area. Schedule a free consultation today.