CNAs face unique injury sources in the workplace

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) and aides experience the greatest injury rates among any job or industry. A CNA or nursing injury and medical staff injuries primarily result in back pain from lifting patients without the proper equipment or assistance. The danger of these injuries occurs most often in nursing homes or residential care facilities, but hospital staff also suffer these types of injuries in California.

Nursing injury and medical staff injuries include illnesses like influenza and other airborne diseases associated with close patient contact. CNAs get trained to assess vital signs, assist with the activities of daily living and, in many cases, perform blood draws. Accidental needle sticks present an increased risk for blood-borne diseases or injuries.

Personal injury to healthcare workers

CNAs and medical staff are frequent victims of patients biting, hitting and spewing bodily fluids. Patients resistant to medical procedures become combative, risking further injury to medical staff and themselves.

Musculoskeletal injuries are the most common injuries to nursing staff. Chronic neck, back and shoulder pain from lifting patients from their beds, wheelchairs or toilet presents the nursing staff’s most significant personal injury complaint.

Home healthcare employees, including experienced nurses, CNAs, physical therapists, social workers and other care providers, run a higher risk of injury than those employed in professional care facilities since many homes lack lifting devices or additional assistants. Although the nursing home and home health care industry anticipate job increases, the likelihood of injuries to nursing staff continues to rise.

Mental injuries to healthcare workers

Many healthcare workers accept personal injury at work as par for the course. Many injury incidents are underreported and under-treated, resulting in increased mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression. Long hours and overwhelming responsibilities increase the risk of long-term chronic pain conditions.