Workers in almost any profession could develop repetitive strain injuries because of their job responsibilities. People tend to think of factory workers or office-based professionals when they contemplate repetitive strain injuries.
However, most jobs require that workers repeatedly perform the same tasks. Those who stay in the same position for years are particularly vulnerable. Nurses and others providing patient care in a hospital setting are among those who are at risk of repetitive strain injuries.
How does patient care cause repetitive stress for health care professionals?
Workers use their bodies to provide support
When patients at a health care facility need assistance getting out of bed, the workers employed there have to physically support them. While hospitals may have Hoyer lifts and similar machines that can help limit heavy lifting, using such devices every time a patient needs to get out of bed or requires help getting off the toilet is impractical, to say the least.
Frequently, health care workers push themselves as far as they reasonably can to meet the needs of their patients. They may end up sustaining injuries as a result of their efforts. Patient care is one of the leading causes of preventable injuries in hospital settings.
Regularly needing to lift and support patients can damage the joints of health care professionals. They are at risk of not just sudden injury caused by overexertion but also debilitating conditions related to the repetitive strain of providing patient care for eight or 12 hours every shift.
Thankfully, health care professionals may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if they develop medical challenges because of their job responsibilities. Establishing a connection between patient care and repetitive strain injury symptoms may help hospital workers pursue the benefits they need.