Most Common Occupational Hazards Involving Healthcare Workers and Why Coverage is Necessary

Healthcare professionals have one of the highest rates of health problems and occupational accidents. This is owing to the type of work they undergo, with 'round-the-clock caregiving’ and a constant exposure to high-pressure situations. These environments can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, chronic illnesses and injuries. 

This article will be looking at the common occupational hazards for healthcare professionals, and why coverage is important.

Common occupational hazards for healthcare workers

1. Physical Hazards

NCBI found that working environments in medical facilities such as adequate furniture, the physical structure of the work place and the repetitiveness of tasks all play a part in physical injuries that healthcare workers are prone to. Repetitive manual tasks can also cause a strain on the extremities, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s also not unheard of for nurses to slip and fall while transporting patients or carrying heavy equipment. Chief Insurance Solutions LLC advises that workers who usually participate in heavy lifting should wear a back support in order to prevent injuries.

2. Chemical Hazards 

The Balance SMB looks at how healthcare professionals are exposed to a variety of chemicals and drugs on a daily basis. Regular exposure to these chemicals can be hazardous to workers. For example, when doctors administer gaseous anti-cancer medications and therapy, they are at risk of inhaling such chemicals. Most of these chemicals can have negative effects on people who do not have cancer. 

3. Biological Hazards

Healthcare professionals are in regular contact with patients who have contagious diseases and it’s possible for them to get infected by these diseases as well. Furthermore, workers can get exposed to disease-causing pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and fungi. 

Why coverage is important

The healthcare industry is growing, and it’s important that healthcare professionals are able to keep their jobs while being properly protected. American Nurse Today looks at the necessary role of nurse managers in addressing issues related to healthcare workers, such as coverage for occupational hazards. And with the U.S. healthcare industry stretched, as it is, the likelihood of more accidents happening is increasing. Maryville University states the that number of health service managers needed will increase by 17% by 2024 in order to keep up with the growing healthcare industry. And if the number of managers needed increases, so too will the number of doctors and nurses. In a growing field, it’s important for managers to make sure they look after their staff so that they will continue to do their job for many years. Coverage is important because it ensures that healthcare professionals are able to work without the fear that getting sick or injured will have a costly impact on their life. 

Kinds of coverage for healthcare workers

There are many different types of insurance coverage out there for medical professionals. One of them is liability coverage, which Chron calls financial protection for ‘when courts award patients financial damages in a medical malpractice lawsuit’. For the case of occupational hazards however, professionals should ensure that they have health insurance in the event of workplace injuries and illnesses. Another important type of coverage for professionals with dependents is life insurance, which ensures that your family is financially stable in the event of your death. Medical professionals may require more than one type of coverage depending on the nature of their work.
Article intended only for the use of chiefins.com
Article by: JBankes

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