A 2024 analysis by Texas Mutual Insurance Company concluded that “healthcare workers are 10 times more likely to be victims of workplace violence.” OSHA similarly noted that “healthcare accounts for nearly as many serious violent injuries as all other industries combined.” And according to a 2018 study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare workers accounted for 73% of all nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses caused by violence.

Workplace Violence in the Healthcare Field

When physicians, nurses, and CNAs (certified nursing assistants) are attacked at work, it can take many forms. Physical violence includes the likes of shoving, kicking, slapping, using a weapon, and so on. There are many factors that contribute to agitation and violent behavior for patients in hospitals, emergency departments, and other healthcare facilities. Along with the pain inherent to injuries and illnesses, patients can face anxiety from their unfamiliar surroundings or desperation from an unfavorable prognosis. Medication and drugs may also affect a patient’s mind or mood in unpredictable and sometimes adverse ways.

Healthcare workers not only have to work with patients in such conditions, but also with friends and family members of the patients. These visitors bring a wide variety of expectations and attitudes with them, and certain stresses tied to a patient’s situation can lead to raised tensions. Stress points may include staff shortages, poor communication, overcrowding, strict visiting hours, long waiting times, and language barriers. Other discomforts could include temperature, noise level, or food quality.

Methods to Help Avoid Workplace Violence

There are ways healthcare workers can set boundaries with aggressive patients or visitors:

• Effective communication — keep calm and use clear phrasing, maintain safe distance
• Setting expectations — firmly state what is or isn’t acceptable behavior, enforce consequences
• Health management system — refer to support documentation and safety guidelines
• Workplace violence prevention — assist in training, hazard identification, program evaluation, worksite analysis
• Keep records — document incidents, use flagging systems, alert staff, report to supervisors

What to Do If You Are a Healthcare Worker Hurt on the Job

Get the medical care you need and report your injury to your supervisor, the sooner the better. And remember that what appears to be a minor injury can turn into something worse, so don’t wait to report it even if it seems like a minor event. Document the incident in detail, fill out the workers’ compensation forms necessary, and keep any records that are applicable to your situation. Witness statements, emails or texts related to the incident or injury, medical records, and photographs of the injury or location of the incident may all be helpful for your case.

Then in the event your claim is denied or underpaid, consult with an attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation. At Rose Legal, workers’ compensation is all we do. Our attorneys are experienced in representing injured healthcare workers, helping them get the benefits they are entitled to. For a free consultation, email legal@workcomputah.com or call 801-810-7673.

Opioids as Treatment for Workers’ Comp Injuries

Medical care for workers’ comp cases can include drugs such as opioids to help manage the pain of injuries and surgeries. Over the years, doctors have prescribed opioid analgesics to millions of injured workers for pain relief. These drugs act as painkillers when used medically, and may include codeine, morphine, fentanyle, or oxycodone. They can provide short-term or long-term relief, effectively easing the pain of chronic ailments or surgeries. Opioids should only be taken under the supervision of a physician though, as there are potential side effects to watch for.

Concerns Over Opioid Addiction Following Work Injuries

Unfortunately the misuse of prescription opioids can lead to physical and psychological dependence—and even death from overdose. Those who take higher doses of opioids are also likely to miss more days of work, resulting in higher claim costs for employers. Then when back on the job, such workers may be less alert and slower to react, potentially threatening work safety.

The workers’ comp industry has made efforts in recent years to lower the use of opioids. Thanks to prescribing guidelines, dispensing limits, and raising awareness, claims prescribing opioids have declined. The more physicians go over the matter with injured workers, the less risk they have of dependency. Continuous monitoring throughout the entire recovery period is key to avoiding the misuse of and addiction to opioids. It is also worth looking into alternatives such as physical therapy, acupuncture, and other methods to combat the pain of an illness or injury.

Journavx, an Alternative Non-Opioid Drug for Injured Workers?

The FDA has recently approved Journavx, a non-opioid drug, for the treatment of moderate and severe acute pain. This new pain-management medicine may soon become a viable alternative to opioids, avoiding the risk of addiction and overdosing. As described on the Journavx website, it works to “reduce pain signals before they reach the brain,” and “doesn’t affect other tissues in your body outside of your peripheral nervous system.” The site recommends asking your doctor about how Journavx works, how long you should take it, and what safety precautions you should keep in mind while taking it.

Journavx may be available as soon as March in major national and select regional retail pharmacies. In the meantime, a workers’ comp attorney can assist you with other concerns you might have related to your work injury or illness. Rose Legal will be able to ensure your claim is handled smoothly and fairly while you make your full recovery. Email us at legal@workcomputah.com or call 801-810-ROSE(7673) today.

Toxic Substances

The toxicity of a substance depends on its chemical composition, how much it is absorbed by the body, and how well the body can detoxify or eliminate the substance. The greater the amount of a toxic substance that enters your body, the worse its negative effects. Likewise, the longer you are exposed to such chemicals, the more likely you are to be at risk. Depending on the chemical, the effects may appear immediately after exposure, or hours later, or even days later. In turn, those who work with chemicals regularly (with minimal exposure, but repetitive doses) may also be at risk of chronic diseases that develop gradually over months or years. Chemicals can also affect different people in different ways. Some may have allergic reactions to certain substances, for example.

Detecting Symptoms

Symptoms of chemical exposure can include the following:

• dizziness
• headaches
• skin irritation
• eye irritation
• burning pain in throat or nose
• nausea
• coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath

However, such symptoms may take time to manifest, or be subtle enough to be written off as “not that serious.” That is why it is important to see a doctor after any chemical-related incident. A healthcare professional can conduct an assessment of the exposure and perform tests to identify any hidden ill effects. Conditions may include chemical burns, respiratory problems, neurological disorders, and cancer. The sooner such a condition is detected, the more likely you can minimize its progression and damage.

Avoiding Hazards

There are many steps employers and employees can take to minimize the risk of chemical exposure in the workplace. When working with chemicals, workers should wear the appropriate protective clothing, gloves, goggles, and respirators. The most common way toxic chemicals enter the body is from breathing in contaminated air, so respiratory protection is crucial. Employers should provide the safest chemicals possible, and prescribe a process that minimizes contact with them (such as rotating job assignments). Areas clearly designated for work with hazardous materials should be isolated and enclosed, and have the proper ventilation.

Workers’ Compensation

If exposed to toxic chemicals at work, getting medical care is not only important for your health. It’s also a primary method to support a workers’ comp claim. Healthcare providers can provide documentation of the chemical exposure and the specific ways it has negatively affected you. Such details would back up a claim to receive financial assistance for your medical expenses and lost wages. This in turn will provide you peace of mind while you make a full recovery. If you have experienced a chemical-related incident or any other type of injury at work, call or text Rose Legal at 801-810-7673 to get a free workers’ comp consultation.