Transferring patients, lifting equipment and moving materials in a hospital are just a few of the physically demanding activities performed by Illinois nurses every day. They, and clinicians in our hospitals, are among the most likely to be injured while on the job. This is according to a recent report that our readers may find interesting. Some of these people may find that they need the help of the workers’ compensation program.
Thirty-five percent of the nurses and clinicians reported to researchers that they had been injured while at work. In addition, another 24 percent said that they had missed a shift due to being injured while on the job. This happens most often when physically lifting patients to transfer them. The most common injuries were to the backs and necks of medical care providers.
When nurses are injured while on the job and become unable to work, they may find it difficult to pay for their basic needs and required medical care. This is where the Illinois workers’ compensation program can step in to help. A claim can be made which, once processed, can allow payments to be made to the injured worker.
If a worker is able to recover from their injury and return to their former work, they can request to be paid by the workers’ compensation insurance program during their recovery. In some cases, the injury is so severe that a return to employment is impossible. In these cases, payments may be available to be extended. Because the process can be confusing and intimidating, many find it helpful to seek information before making a claim to the insurance program.
Source: TheGazette.com, Survey: Nurses, clinicians prone to work injuries, No author, Nov. 20, 2013