Work Should Not Hurt

Work Should Not Hurt by Kimberly Ruch-Alegant, Esq., Alegant Law, P.C.

Nurses are injured on the job more than any other profession. Besides the obvious lifting heavy patients and dealing with the public, why is that? Could one of the reasons be because nurses can be reluctant to cause a fuss by reporting problems on the job? Maybe people who report problems are branded as trouble makers. That could dissuade a person from reporting problems. Look at what is happening at Temple, where the nurses are standing up for themselves!

But reporting issues does not have to lead to a strike, of course. Reporting issues is important for several reasons. When you report issues, preferably in writing and with a suggest solution, you are notifying your employer that there is a problem. The employer then has to make a decision about how to address the issue. One form of “addressing” it could be doing nothing. But at least they have been put on notice that there is an issue, and cannot blame you if you are subsequently injured because of the issue you reported. Related to that, you are entitled to workers’ compensation even if you are injured doing something that is your own fault. Fault does not come into play with workers’ compensation.

Nursing jobs are very repetitive, which can lead to repetitive stress injuries. These are work injuries. An injury does not have to be from a traumatic event. A work related injury can be as a result of repetition, and such injuries are compensable. Don’t assume that just because repetition “comes with the territory” that means that you are not entitled to receive workers’ compensation. To avoid these injuries, vary the method you use to do your tasks as much as possible, and practice proper body mechanics.

Finally, to avoid injury, pay close attention to what your body is telling you. Avoid taking pain killers to mask symptoms and using other drugs like caffeine and nicotine to keep you going when your batteries have run out. As you are well aware, the lives of your patients are in your hands. You need to take care of yourself and be functioning at your best when you are at work. Make sure you have had enough sleep when you arrive at work. Listen to what your body is telling you throughout your shift. Take short breaks to rest when necessary. A short break will make you more productive and safety conscious over the course of the day as opposed to constantly running when you are already exhausted, and making mistakes resulting in injuries to yourself or your patients.

Healer, heal thyself! (or better yet, take care of thyself)

If you or anyone you know is suffering as a result of a repetitive stress work injury, please email or call me at 215-354-0057 for a free consultation.  Representing injured workers in the greater Philadelphia area.