Attorney David J. King

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Health care workers are vulnerable to injuries from a multitude of sources

On Behalf of | Jun 2, 2021 | Worker's Compensation

Data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that health care workers face the most significant risk for on-the-job injuries of all workers. This profession exceeds injury rates for both manufacturing and construction workers.

Certain job-related activities are more apt to leave health care workers injured than those in other workplace settings.

What are some of the most common health care worker injuries?

Health care workers are vulnerable to suffering overexertion injuries. Data compiled by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) shows that health care workers are seven times more vulnerable to suffering overexertion or repetitive stress injuries than other workers. These can cause ligament, tendon, blood vessel, nerve, ligament, disc and muscle injuries. That same data also shows that health care workers are vulnerable to suffering injuries like sprains and strains when transporting or moving patients.

A third type of injury that health care workers must worry about are slips, trips and falls. There are various cords, liquids, surgical debris and equipment that health care providers must navigate around. They often must move fast, giving them less time to anticipate and avoid obstacles in their paths,

Sharp instrument injuries, patient violence and understaffing also put the safety of health care workers at risk.

Are you entitled to workers’ compensation coverage?

South Dakota law only gives workers three days to report their injuries and worker compensation claim to their employer. After that, they may be able to deny your claim. Not every employer must carry workers comp coverage, nor will every employee qualify for benefits. An attorney can advise you of whether you qualify for workers’ comp and what steps to take if you do.

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