Common Injuries Faced by Nursing Home Employees
Working in a nursing home can be a rewarding experience. Nursing home employees have the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of residents. Nursing home employees provide physical care to nursing home residents. They also provide emotional support and companionship. However, nursing home employees face several hazards that can result in injuries. Nursing home employees sustain among the highest rates of workplace injuries in the United States. Understanding the common injuries faced by nursing home employees is vital for prevention and ensuring a safe work environment. Below, we discuss some of the most common injuries faced by nursing home employees;
Musculoskeletal Injuries
The most prevalent injuries among nursing home employees are musculoskeletal injuries. These injuries affect the muscles, nerves, ligaments, tendons, and joints. Musculoskeletal injuries among nursing home employees are caused by the physical demands of the job. Frequent lifting, transferring, and repositioning of residents can strain muscles, ligaments, and joints, resulting in injuries. Repetitive motions can also cause musculoskeletal injuries. Back injuries are particularly common among nursing home residents. Lifting, moving, and repositioning residents without proper technique or equipment can lead to significant back strain.
Slip, Trip, and Fall Injuries
There are many risks of slipping, tripping, and falling in nursing homes. Slip, trip, and fall accidents in nursing homes can be caused by several hazards, including wet floors, cluttered walkways, improper footwear, poor lighting, and uneven surfaces. The necessity to respond fast to residents increases the likelihood of slip, trip, and fall accidents among nursing home employees. Slip, trip, and fall accidents can cause several injuries, including fractures, head injuries, sprains and strains, back injuries, and shoulder injuries.
Injuries Caused by Workplace Violence
Nursing home residents suffer from disorders that can affect their moods and ability to regulate their emotions. Unfortunately, because of this, nursing home employees may face violent or aggressive behavior from residents. Other times, nursing home employees face violent or aggressive behavior from the families of residents. When nursing home residents or their families are aggressive or violent towards workers, it can result in severe physical injuries.
Needlestick Injuries
Needlestick injuries occur when a used needle accidentally punctures the skin. Nursing home employees can suffer needlestick injuries when administering injections, drawing blood, or disposing of medical waste. Being punctured by a used needle poses significant risks. Blood-borne diseases can be transmitted when someone punctures their skin with a used needle. Some of the transmittable blood-borne diseases include HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Workers’ Compensation for Nursing Home Employees
When nursing home employees suffer injuries while on the job, they can recover financial compensation by filing a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and disability. To claim workers’ compensation, an employee must report their injury immediately or as soon as possible, seek prompt medical attention, and file a claim with their employer’s workers’ compensation insurer. Employees can file their claims without legal representation, but it is best to work with a qualified workers’ compensation attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process, protect your rights, and negotiate settlements.
Contact a Vermont Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you have suffered an injury as a nursing home employee while on the job, contact our Vermont workers’ compensation attorney at Sluka Law PLC for legal help. We can help you recover the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.
