When health care workers go to work, they face a myriad of risks and hazards that could leave them injured or sick. People who work in this field are aware of the risks they assume on the job, but they are dedicated to the needs of others and committed to providing quality care. Employers should do everything possible to make sure these individuals have reasonably safe workplaces.
If you work in the health care industry, it is in your interests to be aware of the risks you face at work. You may also find it beneficial to understand what you should do in the event that you do experience an injury or become ill. When you know these things, you will be in a better position to stay safe and shield your interests in case you ever need to file a workers’ compensation claim.
What could cause you harm?
There are various factors that could cause you harm while you are at work. Some of the most common hazards that may lead to sickness or injury for those who work in the medical field in any capacity include:
- Physical hazards: This includes injuries you can sustain when moving a patient, and you could fall transporting equipment. You may also face the threat of physical violence from patients or their family members.
- Chemical hazards: Dangerous chemicals and drugs used for the treatment of certain types of sicknesses could make you sick, especially when exposed over a long period of time.
- Infection hazards: When you work in a medical setting, you work around infectious agents that could make you ill. Even with masks and protective gear, you face the risk of getting sick.
These are not the only ways that health care workers place their own health on the line when they go to work. In the event that you become ill or suffer an injury, it is beneficial to know how to move forward with a workers’ compensation claim.
Your recovery
You could be eligible for workers’ compensation if your job made you sick or you suffered injuries in a workplace accident. When filing a claim, you want to make sure you are maximizing the benefits available to you and getting what you need for a full and fair recovery. It may help to work with an experienced Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorney from the very beginning of the claims process.