If you are a nurse, you have a higher likelihood of on-the-job injury than people in many other Illinois professions. From heavy lifting to dealing with patients who may turn violent and more, there are a number of hazards that you face that could lead to an injury. However, there are also steps you can take to be safer.
Safety on the job
Many nursing injuries occur while lifting patients or heavy objects. This can be because a nurse underestimates a patient’s weight or is so busy they feel they do not have the time to use a lift device. Unfortunately, it can be very easy to injure yourself while lifting, so you should always use whatever equipment is available. In addition, you should try to keep an eye out for hazards that could cause someone to trip and fall and make an effort to practice good ergonomic. If another nurse is available to help you with lifting or dealing with a potentially violent patient, you should not hesitate to ask.
Reducing injuries with self-care
Taking care of yourself can also make an injury less likely. For example, if you are well-rested, you may not be as prone to make mistakes, so you should try to get enough sleep and lead a healthy lifestyle. You should also take precautions to avoid becoming sick on the job. This might include wearing the necessary personal protective equipment, getting immunizations and practicing needle safety.
Workers’ compensation will generally cover your expenses if you are injured at work or become sick because of exposure to something at work. However, you may want to review procedures for claiming workers’ compensation so that if you are injured or you are with a colleague when they are injured, you know how to proceed. This can make the process of filling out workers’ compensation paperwork less difficult if you do not have to do the research amid the stress of an injury or serious illness.