Being a health care worker can be dangerous. In fact, data from the National Institute reveals that health care workers are more likely to suffer an on-the-job injury than employees in any other industry.
If you are one of the thousands of nurses and nurse aides employed in Iowa, you need to know what steps to take if you receive an injury while on the job.
Why do health care workers have so many injuries?
Health care workers are at a higher risk for injuries for several reasons. First, they are more likely to be exposed to bodily fluids and other infectious materials. This puts them at risk for diseases like hepatitis and HIV, as well as for other infections. In addition:
- They often have to lift heavy patients or equipment, leading to back injuries or other musculoskeletal problems.
- They have long hours and may be sleep-deprived, making them more accident-prone.
- They may deal with aggressive or combative patients, which can put them at risk for physical assaults.
If you’re a health care worker who is injured, what can you do?
If you are a healthcare worker and you are injured on the job, there are a few steps you should take to ensure that you receive the proper care and compensation:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible. You should go to the nearest hospital or urgent care center or call 911 if your injuries are severe.
- Once you have been seen by a medical professional, you will need to notify your employer and file a workers’ compensation claim.
Hopefully, your claim will go through with no issues, but problems can unexpectedly catch up. Workers’ compensation claims can be complex, so it is important to seek guidance if you have questions or concerns about your claim.
