Common Occupational Injuries For Nurses In The Workplace

There are workplace hazards in many commercial workplaces, but the nursing fraternity are exposed to a great deal of them, due to the nature of their jobs. Nurses are at a much higher risk than those working in more sedentary environments where physical movement and strength are not part of their remit. Whilst certain steps can be taken to prevent some injuries, it is inevitable that they will occur, and to a certain extent, potentially more long term, and debilitating. According to Workplace Injury Statistics UK, upwards of 86,000 non-fatal injuries occurred in the past year. It is sad to hear that nurses ranked second in this list, with the wholesale and retail trade in top position.

Common injuries experienced by nurses

The following are potential risks that nurses face:

• Falls, trips and slipping over (particularly common in nurses over 50). Refer here to find advice and more information https://activeseniorsclub.co.uk/principles-for-safe-moving-and-handling/
• Over-exertion – with the physicality of a nurse’s daily work, there is a tendency to overdo certain activities, i.e. lifting patients or turning them over, bathing patients or moving equipment, especially in a hurry. The result is usual muscle or potential ligament tears, sprains, and strains (particularly around the spine and back). It is stated that 40% of nursing injuries fall into this category. Depending on the severity, this type of injury can be more long term than expected.
• Less regularly, there are instances of aggression or violence from patients. Fortunately, this is not a high percentage, but must be included.
• Low on the scale is potential exposure to harmful substances or pathogens, but it does happen.

Burns, dislocation and cuts and other minor injuries are recorded at 14% or under.

Source: Workplace Injury Statistics UK 2021 (NimbleFins, 2021)

Health and Safety Policy within Healthcare Facilities

Every organization be it surgeries, hospitals, or independent healthcare facilities must have a clearly defined policy, which should be available for all to see. The organization must have a health and safety policy which clearly identifies responsibilities for health and safety management and reporting mechanisms. The policy is communicated to all staff in order for them to know which steps to take in case of injury.

Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the healthcare facility to identify, assess and put control measures in place for any/and all health and safety risks to nursing staff. Within these identified areas, also included but not limited to the above:

• Work related mental health issues
• Third party harassment problems
• Lone working
• Any environmental issues (including temperature, ventilation)
• In the interest of other nursing problems, the Royal College for Nursing state that protected characteristics including (but not limited to) age, gender, ethnicity, and disability should also be tactfully considered. This includes the interface between the menopause and work; domestic abuse; reasonable adjustments; age related risks to workers’ health and safety and third-party harassment.

As you can see, the RCN is the voice for nurses and exceptionally protective towards nursing staff and their physical and mental wellbeing.

Workplace Health and Safety Tips for Nurses

We know that ‘accidents will happen’ but there are certain measures that can be taken to try to avoid them. It is exceptionally important to create a culture wherein safety is paramount. This will also create a united team of professionals who are patient centric. This will also emphasize healthcare workplaces’ accountability to the care of not just patients, but staff as well.

To protect yourself, you need to take heed of safety issues (the majority of these will be obvious to you).

• Beware of sharp objects such as needles when administering injections etc.
• Watch where you tread. Look out for wet floors and signs for ‘no entry’ or ‘hazard’. If you see a wet area, refer it to maintenance immediately.
• When lifting or turning patients, ensure you have the correct grip and stance when doing so, and if possible, always get other colleagues to help. If the patient is too heavy, use lifting equipment or seek other professional help. https://activeseniorsclub.co.uk/principles-for-safe-moving-and-handling/
• Gloves – an essential nurse’s tool to prevent transferable diseases. Gloves always consist of latex, so if you have an allergy or likely to flare up with dermatitis or similar, wear cotton gloves underneath.

What to do if you are injured at work

If you do experience injuries (or other reportable issues) there should be an injury log on every ward or within a practice etc. It is important that you report it to the Health and Safety Office or whoever is charged with the equivalent position, so that it is logged immediately. Depending on the severity of the injury, the HSO will take the responsibility of rectifying the issue and most importantly, make sure you receive whatever treatment is necessary.

Claims for Injury

If you have the misfortune of being injured at work and need to make a claim against it, you can refer to the NHS Injury Benefits Scheme. This covers both temporary absence from work or a more serious case, when you are no longer able to work at all. https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/about-injury-benefits-scheme

Should you have an issue that you feel your employer is responsible for, by all means reach out to your consultant at AppLocum, who will try to help you with the problem.