Hospital workers are at constant risk of violence

Medical workers face unique hazards on the job. They could poke themselves with a used needle, exposing themselves to bloodborne pathogens. They also have routine exposure to a variety of infectious diseases as they care for sick patients.

Patient care can lead to repetitive strain injuries or traumatic injuries if people overexert themselves. Hospital work, in particular, can put professionals at elevated risk of injury. Those helping patients in a hospital environment are potentially at risk of violence-related injuries. Assaults and similar incidents in hospitals can leave medical professionals injured and possibly traumatized as well.

How common is hospital violence?

When looking at all reported lost time incidents in hospitals, violence is among the top causes of worker injuries and leave requests. Roughly 9% of all incidents that force workers to take time away from their jobs in hospitals involve a violent encounter.

There are many reasons that violence is a concern in a hospital. People learning of poor outcomes sometimes react aggressively and blame medical professionals.

Patients sometimes have poor reactions to medications that result in erratic and aggressive behavior. Others may withdraw from dangerous drugs while in the hospital and could become aggressive due to withdrawal symptoms.

Those in need of medical care during or after an arrest might attack medical workers in an attempt to flee state custody. Mental health issues and dementia could also lead to patient violence. When people injure the professionals at a hospital, the affected workers may need medical care and time off work.

Hospital workers hurt by aggressive patients may have the right to request workers’ compensation benefits. Applying for workers’ compensation benefits can help injured hospital workers pay for their treatment expenses and replace their lost wages.