Common On-The-Job Injuries For Nurses

By pcdev | September 22, 2023

In a profession dedicated to the care and well-being of others, it is an unfortunate reality that nurses often find themselves at risk. Despite not being categorized traditionally as a high-risk job, nursing demands both physical and emotional can sometimes lead to injuries. As Workers Compensation Attorneys at the Law Offices of Norman J. Homen, we understand the challenges faced by nurses and are here to guide you through the complexities of workers compensation.

Types of Injuries Commonly Suffered by Nurses

1. Musculoskeletal Injuries

The physical demands of nursing often involve lifting, moving, or supporting patients, which puts a significant strain on their bodies. This can lead to a variety of musculoskeletal injuries:

  • Strains and Sprains: Overexertion can lead to strains (tearing of a muscle) or sprains (tearing of a ligament), particularly in the back and neck.
  • Herniated Discs: Heavy lifting and frequent bending can lead to a disc in the spine slipping out of place.
  • Rotator Cuff Injuries: Repetitive movements or lifting heavy objects can injure the rotator cuff in the shoulder.

2. Needlestick Injuries

Despite precautions, accidents happen, and needlestick injuries are common in the nursing profession:

  • Transmission of Diseases: Accidental pricking can lead to the transmission of infectious diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B, and C.
  • Psychological Stress: The stress and anxiety of waiting for test results after a needlestick injury can also be significant.

3. Slip, Trip, and Fall Injuries

Various factors contribute to slips, trips, and falls in a hospital or clinic setting:

  • Wet or Uneven Surfaces: Spills, recently mopped floors, and uneven surfaces can all contribute to falls.
  • Clutter: Busy environments can lead to clutter which increases the risk of tripping.

4. Violence-Related Injuries

Nurses are sometimes subjected to physical or verbal abuse from patients or their relatives:

  • Physical Assault: This can lead to bruises, cuts, and more severe injuries.
  • Psychological Trauma: Verbal abuse and threats can lead to stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

5. Fatigue-Related Injuries

The demanding nature of nursing can lead to fatigue, which increases the risk of injuries:

  • Lack of Focus: Fatigue can lead to a lack of focus, increasing the risk of accidents like needlestick injuries or slips, trips, and falls.
  • Decreased Reaction Time: Fatigue can slow reaction times, increasing the risk of injuries like musculoskeletal injuries from lifting or moving patients.

6. Exposure to Infectious Diseases

Nurses are at an increased risk of exposure to infectious diseases, particularly during outbreaks of diseases like the flu or COVID-19.

Preventive Measures

1. Proper Training and Equipment

Ensuring that nurses are adequately trained and equipped can help prevent many injuries:

  • Lifting Techniques: Proper training in lifting and moving patients can help prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
  • Safe Needle Handling: Training on safe needle handling can help prevent needlestick injuries.

2. Adequate Staffing

Ensuring that there are enough staff on hand can help reduce the workload on individual nurses, reducing the risk of fatigue-related injuries.

3. Regular Breaks and Rest Periods

Ensuring that nurses have regular breaks and adequate rest periods between shifts can help reduce fatigue and maintain focus.

4. Encouragement to Report Any Incidents or Near Misses

Creating a culture that encourages the reporting of any incidents or near misses can help identify potential hazards and prevent future injuries:

  • Incident Reporting: Encouraging nurses to report any incidents or near misses can help identify potential hazards and prevent future injuries.
  • Feedback and Improvement: Regular feedback and continuous improvement can help create a safer work environment.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE can help prevent exposure to infectious diseases and reduce the risk of injuries like needlestick injuries or exposure to hazardous substances.

6. Violence Prevention Training

Training on how to manage aggressive behavior and de-escalate tense situations can help prevent violence-related injuries.

7. Ergonomic Assessment and Adjustments

Ensuring that the work environment is ergonomically sound can help prevent musculoskeletal injuries:

  • Ergonomic Equipment: Using equipment that is designed to reduce strain on the body can help prevent injuries.
  • Workstation Assessment: Regularly assessing workstations and making necessary adjustments can help reduce the risk of injury.

8. Regular Exercise and Physical Therapy

Encouraging regular exercise and providing access to physical therapy can help prevent musculoskeletal injuries and reduce the risk of chronic pain.

9. Mental Health Support

Providing access to mental health support can help manage the stress and anxiety associated with nursing and reduce the risk of psychological trauma from violence-related injuries.

10. Proper Footwear

Encouraging the use of non-slip, supportive footwear can help prevent slips, trips, and falls.

11. Clear and Organized Work Environment

Maintaining a clear and organized work environment can help prevent trips and falls:

  • Regular Cleaning: Regularly cleaning and removing clutter can help prevent trips and falls.
  • Proper Storage: Ensuring equipment and supplies are properly stored can help prevent accidents.

12. Infection Control Measures

Implementing infection control measures can help prevent exposure to infectious diseases:

  • Hand Hygiene: Encouraging regular hand hygiene can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
  • Vaccination: Ensuring that nurses are vaccinated against common infectious diseases can help reduce the risk of exposure.

13. Adequate Lighting

Ensuring that there is adequate lighting can help prevent slips, trips, and falls.

14. Regular Training and Refreshers

Regular training and refreshers on safety protocols and procedures can help ensure that nurses are aware of the risks and know how to prevent injuries.

Implementing these preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of common on-the-job injuries for nurses. However, despite all precautions, injuries can still occur. If you are a nurse who has been injured on the job due to improper PPE or any other reason, it is essential to understand your rights and options. The Workers comp Attorneys at the Law Offices of Norman J. Homen can help you navigate the complex process of filing a claim, and help you understand the reasons why disability claims are sometimes denied in California. 

Workers Compensation for Nurses

Workers compensation is a type of insurance that provides financial support to employees who get injured at work or develop work-related illnesses. It is essential to file a claim if you have been injured at work, as it can help cover your medical expenses and lost wages. At the Law Offices of Norman J. Homen, we can guide you through the process and help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Unfortunately, there are several reasons why disability claims are denied in California. These can include a lack of medical evidence, not meeting the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability, or earning too much income while on SSDI. It is paramount to understand the criteria and to have a knowledgeable attorney on your side to navigate the complexities of the system.

Contact an Experienced Workers Comp Attorney Today! 

If you have been injured at work, it is essential to seek compensation and legal assistance. At the Law Offices of Norman J. Homen, we are here to help you every step of the way. Reach out to us today for the support you need.

Posted in Blog