Media outlets have long been referring to the construction industry as the most dangerous industry that someone can work in for years. Data published by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) in 2018 shows that injuries are now highest among health care workers, though. Individuals who work in nursing homes and hospitals have a higher injury risk than logging, manufacturing and construction workers.
How high are health care worker injury rates?
Nursing home attendants have the highest rate of all employees, followed by hospital, construction, logging and manufacturing workers.
DLI data shows that overexertion leads to an estimated 60% of health care workers’ injuries. Another 20% of these workers’ injuries are attributable to slips, trips and falls. An additional 10% of health care workers’ injuries result from on-the-job violence.
That same DLI data reveals how at least 50% of health care workers’ injuries result in sprains or strains. Most of these occur when these nurses or nursing home aides are manually transferring or lifting patients.
How a worker’s age impacts their injury risk
A health care worker’s age does impact their injury rate. DLI data shows that the average age of nurses is currently at or above 50-years-old. Their injury risk increases as they age.
That same data also reveals how health care workers over the age of 40 are 76% more likely to take off work for a prolonged period to recover from their injury than younger workers. It also captures how older workers may experience reduced strength and muscle mass, making them prone to more severe injuries and lengthier recovery times. DLI data shows that older workers have 2.5 the claims’ cost of their younger colleagues.
What to do if you suffered injuries on the job
Nursing homes and health care facilities are supposed to have safety measures in place to minimize the chances of their workers getting hurt. Many employers try to cut corners in hopes that nothing catastrophic happens, though.
An attorney will want to learn more about your Harrisburg incident before advising you whether you may qualify to receive compensated medical care and lost wages under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation laws.
