According to new BLS data on nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses requiring days away from work in 2010, the incidence rate for healthcare support workers increased 6% to 283 cases per 10,000 full-time workers, almost 2.5 times the rate for all private- and public-sector workers (118 cases per 10,000 full-time workers). The rate among nursing aides, orderlies and attendants rose 7% (489 per 10,000 workers). Adding to the troubling trend, the rate of MSD cases with days away from work for this group increased 10% to a rate of 249 cases per 10,000 workers.
In response to the increase, OSHA will launch a national emphasis program (NEP) on nursing home and residential care facilities. Through the NEP, the agency will increase inspections of these facilities, focusing on back injuries from resident handling or lifting patients; exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other infectious diseases; workplace violence; and slips, trips and falls.
What do you think are some contributing factors to these increases?
A Blog From the American Society of Safety Engineers