Staff in care homes across New Jersey do vital work in ensuring that residents are properly looked after. This type of work can be extremely rewarding but it is certainly far from easy.
Staff tend to offer service with a smile, placing the needs of others before their own. However, this can take its toll on the body and injuries among care home staff are not uncommon. Outlined below are some of the more common injuries suffered among caregivers.
Musculoskeletal disorders
During their daily employment activities, care workers are expected to carry out a number of manual tasks. Residents often have limited mobility, meaning that staff has to help them get from A to B, with washing and getting dressed. These duties can be strenuous on the body and without adequate rest breaks care home staff place themselves at significant risk of injury.
Slips and trips
The workload of care home staff can be hectic, meaning that they have to move at a fast pace. Cleanliness and hygiene are always a top priority in any healthcare facility, meaning that the floors are regularly swept and mopped. If slippery substances have not adequately been removed from floor surfaces, or if adequate signage has not been displayed, staff face a serious risk of falling over. Injuries from slip and fall accidents can be extremely painful and may result in the injured party having to take extended time off to recover.
Workers in the care industry dedicate their time to helping others, and in return, employers should provide a safe working environment. If you have been injured in the workplace, there may be legal options in terms of seeking compensation for the harm you have suffered.