Injury Risk Is High for Healthcare Workers in Kentucky

Healthcare workers face a risk of getting hurt on the job in Kentucky every day.

In 2010, nearly 654,000 healthcare workers suffered a work-related injury or illness, according to national statistics. That was far higher than any other industry. And it was 152,000 more than those injured in the manufacturing sector, which had the second-highest rate.

Here are some common hazards for men and women who work in hospitals, clinics, emergency rooms, nursing homes and laboratories:

• Bloodborne pathogens
• Biological hazards
• Exposure to toxic materials
• Exposure to anesthetic gas
• Respiratory hazards
• Ergonomic hazards from repetitive tasks
• Laser damage
• Workplace violence
• Radioactive material and x-rays
• Exposure to formaldehyde, acids and other dangerous chemicals in laboratories
• Musculoskeletal disorders from lifting and assisting patients

Healthcare Accidents and Injuries in Kentucky

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is trying to improve the safety of healthcare workers.

The agency has teamed up with The Joint Commission – which evaluates and accredits more than 20,000 health care organizations nationwide – to provide information, resources and training for those employed in the healthcare field.

“Health care workers face serious risk of work-related injury and illness,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels in a news release. “Through this alliance, we will continue to work together with TJC to provide information and education to the health care industry on preventing worker injuries and illnesses in hospitals and nursing homes.”

Healthcare workers who are injured on the job are often covered by workers’ compensation in Kentucky.

For more information, visit the OSHA-TJC Alliance web page.

Sources:

• OSHA https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=24579
• OSHA – Healthcare Facilities https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/healthcarefacilities/ccccc