Nursing: The Most Dangerous Job in Pennsylvania
JENKINTOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS
What’s the most dangerous workplace in Pennsylvania? A mine? A factory? A construction site? No. The most dangerous workplace in our state is a hospital. According to the consumer group Public Citizen, hospitals and other medical facilities are the most frequent sites of workplace injuries.
In 2010, healthcare employers reported 653,900 workplace injuries and illnesses—more than any other industry. Among healthcare workers, nurses have the highest rate of on-the-job injury. In one survey, 35 percent of nurses reported having been injured at least once while on the job.
Injuries by Workplace
| Industry |
Number Employed |
Injuries Requiring Time Off |
| Healthcare Industry |
18.9 million |
176,380 injuries |
| Manufacturing Industry |
14.1 million |
127,140 injuries |
| Construction Industry |
9.1 million |
74,950 injuries |
In a hospital, patients come first. But, it’s important to take care of those who are caring for patients. David Michaels, the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health says, “It is unacceptable that the workers who have dedicated their lives to caring for our loved ones when they are sick are the very same workers who face the highest risk of work-related injury and illness.”
Common Nursing Injuries
- Repetitive stress injuries to the neck, shoulders, back, arms and hands
- Foot and ankle injuries
- Injuries from slips and falls
- Injuries from assaults
- Infectious disease
- Chemical exposure
While hospitals agree that nurses need better protection, there are few federal safety standards for healthcare workers. Only half of nurses surveyed felt that their work environment supported employee efforts to prevent injury. One quarter believed that their workplace needed updated furniture and equipment and 23 percent felt that their workspace needed to better-arranged to prevent on-the-job injury.
Pennsylvania nurses, who are injured on-the-job, are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. To learn more, request your free copy of Your Guide To PA Workers’ Compensation. If you have question or would like to discuss your case, please call Mednick, Mezyk & Kredo, P.C. at 888-807-WORK (9675).
For up-to-date information and helpful tips on workplace safety, follow Mednick, Mezyk & Kredo, P.C., on Facebook.
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