Protecting the health of those who protect the health of others

Health care workers are some of the most underappreciated and overworked individuals in any industry. Due to the fast-paced and risky nature of their jobs, these men and women may face a higher chance of suffering injuries and facing exposure to dangerous illnesses. Fortunately, it is possible to minimize the risk of illness or injury by implementing certain safety measures.

Worker safety is a major concern for any New York hospital or health care facility. Because their jobs involve protecting the health of others and taking care of those who cannot care for themselves, health care workers often put their own well-being aside. These workers, no matter what position they hold, have the right to a reasonably safe workplace that is free from unnecessary risks and hazards.

Safety measures for health care facilities

There are ways to increase safety in hospitals and other types of inpatient or care facilities. With a concerted effort toward eliminating hazards and promoting safety, it is possible to protect those who are on the front lines of health care. Some ways to do this include the following:

• Prevent all hazards that could lead to complications with blood borne pathogens
• Have workers trained in fire safety
• Implement the use of safety equipment for safer heavy lifting and patient handling
• Increase safety training to prevent unnecessary chemical hazards
• Increasing safety measures for workers who handle sharp instruments

Every worker has the right to safety in the workplace, as well as the right to a work environment that is free from unnecessary risks, such as those faced by many health care workers every day. The risk of injury pertains to every person who works in a hospital or medical facility, from the doctors and nurses to the maintenance staff. Every single one of these employees also has the right to recovery if they suffer harm on the job.

Exercising your rights after a workplace accident

If you are a health care worker who suffered an injury in a work-related accident, you have certain rights and options. Like other types of workers, you have a right to seek workers’ compensation benefits to cover the cost of your medical treatment and other accident-related losses.

While worker safety should be a high priority in the health care industry, workers should also be fully informed of their entitlements in case they are ever hurt on the job or become ill because of dangerous on-the-job exposure.

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