South Florida Hospital Workplace Accidents
People mistakenly think that hospitals are one of the safest work environments across all industries. They are, after all, places for treating injuries and illnesses. On the contrary, hospitals are among the most dangerous workplaces in the U.S. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 221,400 work-related illnesses and injuries occurred in U.S. hospitals in a recent year, which translates to approximately 5.5. illnesses and injuries for every 100 full-time hospital workers.
Unfortunately, not all hospital workers understand the real hazards that lurk in hospitals. Here’s what you need to know about South Florida hospital workplace accidents.
How Are Workers Getting Hurt in South Florida Hospital Workplace Accidents?
Hospital workers face unique dangers that are not found in other workplaces. These dangers are:
- Lifting and moving patients is the most common cause of injury for hospital workers. Failing to pay proper attention to ergonomics can lead to workers suffering strained, sprained, torn, or pulled muscles, chronic pain syndrome (CPS), and other musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Besides being immensely painful, these injuries may sometimes require extensive physical therapy and surgery.
- Needles, surgical implements, and other sharp, contaminated objects are very dangerous since they can cause severe infections if an accident occurs. These can cause puncture wounds or lacerations that can infect hospital workers.
- Being exposed to potential toxins, infectious agents, and bodily fluids can introduce foreign antibodies to workers’ immune systems. While some agents are easily cured, others are incurable and can be fatal.
- Hospital workers are usually pressured to work double shifts or extended hours. This can cause overexertion and chronic fatigue, which can be hazardous not only for workers but also for their patients.
- Being constantly on their feet place hospital workers at risk of falling and slipping.
- In some cases, patients who experience adverse reactions to certain medications become violent and physically attack hospital workers.
- While hospital worker deaths are rare, they do happen. Common causes of fatalities include transportation accidents, homicides, self-inflicted injuries, falls, and exposure to toxic substances and environments.
Hospital workers are trained to cater to their patient’s needs and usually feel compelled to place their own health and safety at risk when doing so. Without sufficient safeguards and heightened importance on patient-centered safety, hospital workers can forget to care for themselves, increasing their risk of developing injuries, illnesses, and mental health issues.
In addition, hospital tasks and duties can be unpredictable, especially in the emergency and surgery departments. Workers must be properly prepared and trained to react or respond to various situations promptly. Further, hospital workers also face various safety hazards related to cleaning, maintenance, materials handling, food services, and administrative work, among others.
Can I Get Compensation If I Get Injured in a South Florida Hospital Workplace Accident?
Filing a workers’ compensation claim for an injury or illness you suffered in a hospital workplace accident will provide financial compensation to cover your medical expenses and lost income. Depending on the specific circumstances surrounding your work-related injury, you may also be eligible to recover compensation from other parties (other than your employer) that caused or contributed to the accident. If this applies to your situation, you may file a lawsuit against the other parties to seek additional monetary compensation for non-economic losses, such as emotional distress.
Get In Touch With Our South Florida Hospital Workplace Accident Attorneys Today
Whether your injuries qualify for a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury claim against a third party, the South Florida hospital workplace accident attorneys at Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa are here to help. Reach us online or dial 561-478-2500 to arrange your free case review with our South Florida hospital workplace accident attorney today.