When we think of workplace injuries, we typically think of construction workers or Hollywood stunt men. It seldom occurs to most of us that professionals who work indoors – doctors, lawyers, nurses – also suffer on-the-job injuries. But according to a surprising new report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses, nursing aides, orderlies, and hospital attendants are the victims of more musculoskeletal injuries than people in any other profession. Despite the laudable efforts of the American Nurses Association (ANA) to establish nationwide safety standards for nurses, little is being done.
Injuries and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common among nurses and are usually caused by manually lifting and moving patients. These injuries are more than sprains and strains; they’re often life-changing and career-ending. Despite the ANA’s decade-long “Handle With Care” campaign, only eleven states have enacted “safe patient-handling” laws, and only nine require healthcare facilities to establish formal safety policies, guidelines, and safety training programs. California adopted safe patient-handling legislation in 2011, but nurses have testified that those safety practices have yet to be implemented in many California hospitals. Healthcare employers are required by the law to provide the safety devices and safeguards reasonably necessary to protect workers, including a safe patient-handling policy and the use of lifting devices and “lift teams.”
Your Rights and Options After a Job-Related Injury
Workplace injuries can happen in any profession, but healthcare workers, especially nurses and hospital staff, often face higher risks due to the physical and demanding nature of their jobs. Despite these risks, every worker in California has the right to a safe working environment.
If you are a healthcare worker who has suffered a job-related injury that prevents you from continuing to work, it’s important to seek legal guidance right away. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, including coverage for medical expenses and lost wages.
An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate the claims process, and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve. Whether you work in healthcare or another field, if you’ve been injured on the job in California, contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible.