Nursing home and hospital workers run highest risk for injuries

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has listed the jobs with the highest rates of non-fatal injuries, and as you might expect, construction was up near the top; it came in third. However, it turns out that working in a nursing home and working in a hospital are the two most dangerous occupations for injuries in the U.S. Perhaps you are a nurse or other medical provider who was injured in Minnesota. You will want to know more.

Advanced age is one factor

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average nurse is over 50 years old. Naturally, those of an advanced age are more prone to sickness and physical injury. Stress and fatigue, which will make anyone inattentive and lose focus, can wreak more havoc on older workers. There is also the unique working environment that many nurses face, particularly those who provide home health care.

The most common types of injuries

The next concern is how health care workers are being injured. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry has some intriguing data in this regard. Analyzing all the worker injuries that arose in Minnesota hospitals in 2016, researchers found that nearly 60% were connected to overexertion on the part of the victims. For example, nurses may injure their back when lifting a heavy patient.

Slips, trips and falls accounted for 20% of the injuries. This makes sense when one considers the various hazards, such as wet floors, cables and loose railings, that workers may encounter. About 10% of injuries were due to patients’ violent actions whether intentional or unintentional. Strains, sprains, fractures, bruising and cuts were among the most widely reported injuries.

Workers’ compensation benefits for victims

If you were injured on the job, you be reimbursed for your medical bills and for a portion of your lost wages. Workers’ comp benefits are not guaranteed, though, because employers have the right to deny payment under certain circumstances. To learn more about the process of filing a claim and filing an appeal, you may want to see a lawyer.