Question

common work related illness in the US.

Answer 1

Answer: Work related illness occurs in many professions, but in nursing the probability is highest. This is because, hospital is the most hazardous place to work. There is both physical and mental illness. There are occupational diseases and accidents. Severe backpain and musculoskeletal injuries are observed. Nurses are exposed to many harmful (even carcinogenic) chemicals and radiations. These are harmful mostly to the skin and there is chance of dermatitis. Many time accidents occur by sharp-edged materials. Many bloodborne diseases occurs in work.    

There are many common work-related illnesses in US. These are sprains and strains, bloodborne infectious disease, slipped discs, and airborne infections. Sprains and strains affect the shoulders ad the lower back. Bloodborne infectious diseases are caused by infectious needlesticks. Slipped discs are caused when transferring or lifting patients. Airborne infections are caused by many microorganisms from infected individuals.

In 2011, US hospitals recorded work-related illness (58,860 in number) in full-time employees at the rate 6.8 per 100 individuals. This is considered as twice the rate of work-related for private industries. Interestingly, it has been figured out that it is more dangerous to work in hospital than in construction or manufacturing industries, where we generally think that work-related illness is more. As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics data, highest illness (48%) is caused by over-exertion or bodily reaction. Out of the total work-related injuries, 54% are sprains and strains. There are 16,680 cases of musculoskeletal injury in nurses. To recover from the unreported injury, 24% nurses have changed their shifts or took sick leave. As per the Survey of Occupational Injuries and illnesses, in 2017, there are 582.800 cases of injury and illness. That is, compared to that of industries and manufacturing sectors, there are 153,900 more cases. Nursing is among the highest rate of musculoskeletal disorder occurring occupations.