Temporary Staffing – Common Risks for Temporary Staffing Workers in Healthcare
When a temporary worker goes to fill a role in a healthcare industry workplace like a hospital, doctor’s office, or hospice, they play an invaluable part in helping sick and injured people receive the care they need. But while working in a healthcare setting, temporary workers face their own risks. Since they may be unfamiliar with a workplace, they are at a higher risk of accidents and injuries than permanent healthcare workers, especially if they don’t receive adequate safety training or proper safety equipment.
What are Some Risks Faced by Temporary Healthcare Workers?
- Lifting Injuries: In a healthcare setting, workers might often lift patients or heavy equipment. This can lead to wear-and-tear injuries overtime, like back pain or herniated discs.
- Needlestick Injuries: Healthcare workers might often handle needles to draw blood or give medication. If needles are not handled properly, workers can be exposed to dangerous substances and illnesses, including HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
- Infectious Diseases: Similarly, healthcare workers might be exposed to a wide variety of illnesses, ranging from the common cold to more serious conditions like COVID-19. If they are not given proper personal protective equipment (PPE), like masks or gloves, their risk of exposure greatly increases.
- Slip-and-Falls: Healthcare workers may spend many hours on their feet and may often walk from place to places, like between patient’s rooms. If they encounter obstacles, like slippery floors or debris in a hallway, they might suffer from slip-and-fall injuries, which can range from minor sprains to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Violence: In some cases, healthcare workers might encounter patients or other workplace visitors who are violent or agitated. If they have a violent altercation, it can lead to a range of injuries, including severe injuries like gunshot wounds.
- Dangerous Material Exposure: Healthcare facilities may sometimes store dangerous materials, like chemicals. If a temporary healthcare worker is exposed to improperly handled or stored materials, it can lead to health risks like eye and lung irritation.
For temporary staffing workers in healthcare roles, risks like these can be intensified by a lack of training or education on safety protocols. For example, a temporary worker might not be given proper PPE, leading to an increased risk of exposure, or not be trained on how to safely store dangerous chemicals.
Solutions for Temporary Staffing Workers in Healthcare
To avoid risks like these, temporary workers in the healthcare industry need proper safety training and the right personal protection equipment. They also need strong Workers’ Compensation coverage, though the high risk of injuries and accidents can make it difficult for temporary staffing agencies to find the right coverage for their employees.
At Work Comp Business Insurance Solutions, we understand the unique challenges and risks faced by our clients in the temporary staffing industry, and specialize in helping temporary staffing clients find the help they need, even if their employees work in high-risk industries like healthcare.
To learn more about our services and how we can help your temporary staffing business, visit us online at https://www.wcbis.com.
