Nurses and healthcare workers are the backbone of Illinois’ healthcare system. However, their essential work often comes with serious risks that can jeopardize their own health and safety.

While many might not view nursing as a dangerous profession, these professionals face significant workplace hazards that can lead to health issues. Nurses spend their days on their feet, bending, lifting, stretching, and handling chemicals—all of which can pose risks to their well-being.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), healthcare workers, especially those in hospitals, experience more work-related injuries and illnesses than workers in construction or manufacturing. Alarmingly, 24% of nurses report taking sick leave or changing shifts due to unreported injuries, and 80% say they frequently experience musculoskeletal pain as part of their routine work.

Here are the most common injuries that nurses and healthcare workers face:

Back Injuries from Patient Handling: One-third of back injuries in healthcare are linked to the demanding physical labor involved in moving and handling patients.

Repetitive Stress Injuries: Lifting and moving patients can lead to muscle strains, back pain, knee injuries, and other musculoskeletal disorders.

Infections: Exposure to infectious diseases through patient contact or medical equipment such as needles puts nurses at risk, with Hepatitis B being the most common illness contracted on the job.

Toxic Exposure: Nurses often come into contact with hazardous chemicals, including cleaning agents, organic compounds, and even radioactive materials, which can have harmful effects if exposure occurs.

Violent Attacks: Though less frequent, violent encounters with patients can result in injury. Nurses are particularly vulnerable, with incidents of workplace violence occurring at a rate three times higher than in other professions.

If you’ve been injured while working in a healthcare facility, call us at (312) 726-5567 or contact us online to get started on your case today. At Krol, Bongiorno & Given, we fight for fair and full payment for injured workers in Illinois.