Hospitals are one of the rickiest workplaces in the institution. Thus, work-related injuries are expected to happen, in which workers have been covered with workers’ compensation. There are different hazards present in the hospitals. Philadelphia hospital workers compensation lawyer helps workers get what their workers’ compensation insurance covers.
What are hospital work-related injuries covered by compensation?
Work-related injuries in hospitals are covered under workers’ compensation insurance. Generally, workers’ compensation provides medical and financial benefits to employees injured on the job. Here are some common types of hospital work-related injuries that may be covered:
- Slip and fall injuries. Hospital employees may slip and fall on wet or uneven surfaces, leading to injuries. These injuries are generally covered if they occur while the employee is performing work-related tasks.
- Patient handling injuries. Healthcare workers often lift and move patients, which can result in musculoskeletal injuries like strains and sprains. Workers’ compensation may cover these injuries, and some states have specific guidelines for safe patient handling.
- Needlestick injuries. Healthcare workers are at risk of needlestick injuries leading to exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Workers’ compensation may cover:
- medical expenses
- testing
- treatment for such injuries
- Chemical exposure. Hospital employees may be exposed to various chemicals and hazardous substances. If an employee suffers health problems or injuries due to chemical exposure, workers’ compensation may provide coverage.
- Repetitive stress injuries. Continuous and repetitive tasks can lead to conditions, like:
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- tendonitis
Workers’ compensation may cover these injuries if they are work-related.
- Workplace violence. Hospitals can be high-stress environments. Employees may be at danger of violence from patients or visitors. Injuries resulting from workplace violence are typically covered by workers’ compensation.
- Falls from heights. Some hospital jobs involve working at heights, such as maintenance workers or window cleaners. Injuries from falls may be covered.
- Equipment and machinery accidents. Hospital employees who operate machinery or equipment may be at risk of injuries due to malfunctions or accidents involving the machinery.
- Respiratory illness. Healthcare workers may be exposed to infectious diseases or airborne contaminants. If they contract respiratory illnesses in the course of their work, workers’ compensation may provide coverage.
- Mental health injuries. In some cases, hospital employees may experience:
- work-related stress
- trauma
- psychological conditions
Some jurisdictions allow workers’ compensation for mental health injuries if they can be directly attributed to work-related stressors.
Employers are required to hold workers’ compensation insurance to provide financial protection for their employees in the event of work-related injuries.