If you are a registered nurse, or worry about the safety of your loved one who is an RN, it is essential to understand the many risks that nurses face in the workplace. These accidents occur far too often in the nursing field, and they can adversely affect the lives of workers in many ways.

It is crucial to review some of the various hazards that you could encounter while working in this field, as well as statistics on nurses and occupational injuries.

Workplace hazards that nurses encounter

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics outlines some of the workplace hazards that nurses often face. According to the BLS, nurses can become injured as a result of moving or lifting patients, slipping on a slick floor and tripping. Sometimes, nurses work for extended periods of time, resulting in fatigue that increases the likelihood of falling down or suffering an injury.

Additionally, nurses sometimes become exposed to toxic substances, such as radiation, drugs, diseases and chemicals.

The prevalence of work-related injuries in nursing

Throughout 2016, more than 19,700 registered nurses suffered injuries or illnesses that caused them to miss at least one day of work. To look at this data differently, among those working in the private sector, 104.2 out of every 10,000 full-time nurses had to miss work because of a work-related injury or illness in 2016.

If you are struggling with the aftermath of an accident that occurred while working, you need to look into any resources that could help you move forward in life. Workers’ compensation can help eligible workers secure various benefits, such as assistance with medical expenses and training for work in another field.