Working in the healthcare sector is dangerous in the best of circumstances. Medical professionals, especially those working in busy New York hospitals, often see people at their worst. They face exposure to pathogens and dangerous substances. They work in close proximity to heavy equipment that can cause injuries and sharp objects that can transmit diseases. They often work long hours and they push their bodies to the breaking point to provide patient care.
A lack of adequate staff at a medical facility can increase the risks faced by health care professionals. Strikes that have pulled roughly 15,000 nurses from private hospital floors across the state have only worsened the situation. What impact can understaffing have on hospital workers?
Inadequate physical support
Workers who do not have enough teammates on the schedule may have to handle dangerous tasks alone. They may try to lift the patient without support, increasing their risk of an overexertion injury. They may need to be alone in a room with a patient dealing with drug withdrawal symptoms or dementia who could become violent. Without other people on hand to be physically present while providing patient care, there are more opportunities for injuries.
Increased stress and demands
Workers trying to make up for understaffing may rush themselves from room to room or task to task, increasing their chances of a serious slip-and-fall incident. They may also make mistakes due to rushing, such as slipping and accidentally poking themselves with a used syringe.
They are also at increased risk of mental fatigue, which can lead to decision-making errors that can injure them or their patients. The less time that workers have to rest, the more that stress and mental fatigue may compromise their health, safety and job performance.
Thankfully, workers’ compensation protects healthcare employees. Injured medical professionals may be eligible for medical coverage for their care costs, as well as disability benefits to replace a portion of their lost wages after an injury on the job. They can even rely on workers’ compensation to provide them with rehabilitation services so that they can return to work.
Injured medical professionals may need help filing a workers’ compensation claim and ensuring that they receive the benefits they deserve. Hospital employees and other medical workers may need support from a legal professional. Contacting Eric M. Nass, Attorney at Law, PLLC by clicking here or calling 212-300-9880 can help injured medical professionals learn more.