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Health care workers and job-related illness

On Behalf of | Oct 6, 2020 | Workers' Compensation

If you are a health care worker, there are many different risks that you need to look out for while performing your job duties. Sadly, many health care workers are hurt in accidents on the job and there is also the possibility of becoming sick. As those who work in health care know, the risk of suffering from an illness due to one’s job is especially high in this field.

There are a host of illnesses that workers in this field develop, especially when it comes to contagious illnesses such as the flu and HIV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlines a number of hazards health care workers face, such as infectious diseases, job-related stress as well as physical and chemical hazards.

Reviewing health care and occupational hazards

Whether you work in a large hospital every day or a relatively small clinic, there are a lot of hazards that you have to keep an eye out for. For example, you are likely exposed to patients struggling with infections on a regular basis, some of which are very serious and could prevent you from working for an extended period of time or even threaten your life.

Many health care workers also handle blood and other biological matter that poses a threat to their safety if an accident occurs. Sometimes, those who work with certain equipment are more likely to develop cancer or suffer physical consequences (such as a repetitive strain injury).

Reviewing the consequences of workplace illnesses

Workplace illnesses not only make daily life very tough for many people, but they can also lead to the loss of life and devastating financial hardships. For example, workers who battle a serious illness often have to miss work, resulting in lost wages, and pay for costly medical expenses. It is crucial for you to look into your options, such as workers’ compensation, if you are in this position.