Some careers have an obvious connection to violence. Those working in law enforcement or private security are constantly at risk of getting hurt due to criminal activity. Realistically, any profession where people interact with members of the public can expose people to the risk of violence. Statistically, one career is much more likely than others to result in violence-related injuries on the job.
Many people feel shocked when they learn what industry puts people at the greatest risk of workplace violence, as it isn’t a career they associate with aggression.
Health care workers have the highest risk
Professionals working in hospitals, in ambulances or at private medical practices have five times the risk of workplace violence when compared with the average employee. Violence in medical settings has always been a concern, but incident rates have spiked in recent years.
People who are in state custody or at risk of getting reported to law enforcement due to a crime that caused their injuries may become violent toward health care workers. Those withdrawing from drugs or under the influence when they seek care can also become erratic and violent with little provocation. Mental health challenges, including dementia, can also lead to unexpected and sudden violence.
Medical professionals hurt by violence in the workplace may require care to recover from their injuries. They could be away from work for weeks, leaving them with lost wages to consider.
Workers’ compensation can help people hurt by violence in the workplace, regardless of what triggered the incident that led to their harm. Reporting a violent encounter and filing a workers’ compensation claim can help injured medical professionals get back to work promptly without sustaining significant economic damages.
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