Most Common Dangers Of Working In A Medical Facility

Working in a medical facility should be the safest job in the world. After all, you are around medical technology and trained health professionals all day. Unfortunately, it is not. Several health factors are associated with this difficult work environment.

1. Infectious diseases are the most common hazard faced by medical facility workers. Patients, contaminated items, body secretions, tissue and bodily fluids are all potential hazards. Wearing gloves, changing gloves between tasks and wearing scrubs that are designed to be cleaned easily and bacteria resistant clothing are all helpful in preventing these diseases.

2. Back injuries are the most common injuries suffered by medical professionals. Constant bending, heavy lifting and twisting improperly all contribute to the hazard. Lifting patients is another common cause of back injuries among health workers.

3. Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) are caused by repetitive movements, forceful movements and awkward tasks. These injuries are most common in the wrist, hand, shoulder, elbow, back, knee and ankle. The symptoms of RSIs are pain, weakness, numbness and difficulty grasping objects.

4. Shift work contributes to family problems among many medical professionals, but it can also harm their health. Digestion problems, heart disease, and sleep problems are the symptoms of Shift Syndrome.

5. Chemical exposure from medicines, solutions and gasses used in hospitals also adversely affect the health of medical facility workers. Adequate ventilation, the proper use of masks and taking regular breaks can reduce the exposure, but does not eliminate it.

6. Job stress is associated with medical workers who constantly must deal with tragedy, disease, severe injuries and people in pain and need. Inadequate staffing contributes to the job stress. Many hospitals and mental health facilities rotate staff regularly off of wards that deal with chronic problems to try to reduce job stress caused by the constant care of incurable patients.

7. Radiation, electricity and lasers can cause tissue trauma in medical workers with frequent exposure. Taking all possible precautions, including wearing the proper protective gear, can reduce the chance of tissue trauma, but it is an inherent factor in many medical positions.

8. Noise is almost constant in many medical facility environments. Machines, patient noise and constant activity contribute to the problem. Wearing appropriate ear protection in noisy areas around machinery can help protect against hearing loss.

9. Extreme temperatures are a factor in many medical facilities. Appropriate clothing is available, including long sleeves under medical scrubs and lab coats. Dress for the conditions.

10. Violence is an unfortunate fact in many medical facilities. Patients and family members under stress often threaten or injure medical workers. Adequate security measures are needed to protect workers and other patients.

Talk to the safety supervisor in your workplace if you feel that more measures can be taken to make your workplace a safer, healthier place to be.