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It's high time healthcare workers got some protections and benefits [1]
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Date: 2023-08-07
When a police officer goes to work, they are always in danger of injury or death. The same applies to a fireman, a high rise construction worker or an underwater oil rig welder. All of these are dangerous jobs that pay out hazard pay, some qualifying for early retirement with full benefits. However, there is a job in the US that is more dangerous than all of these according to new research -- a health care worker.
AP News - Attacks at US medical centers show why health care is one of the nation’s most violent fields
“Health care workers don’t even think about that when they decide they want to be a nurse or a doctor. But as far as actual violence goes, statistically, health care is four or five times more dangerous than any other profession,” said Michael D’Angelo, a former police officer who focuses on health care and workplace violence as a security consultant in Florida.
Research shows that health care workers are now exposed to more workplace violence and are more likely to be injured than any of the other dangerous jobs. Of all the non-violent workplace injuries in the US, the healthcare workers sustain nearly three quarters of all, accounting for 73% of total injuries. On top of that, as we've seen during the pandemic, they are also highly susceptible to injury or death from infection, be it bacterial or viral. And depending on their field, they may also be exposed to radiation, chemicals or vapor that can cause instant injury, or gradual deterioration. This is all in addition to the rising violence in the workplace, and the very real harm that comes to them from physical assault.
So, my diary is really all about one question: What are we doing about this?
What are the unions doing to actually represent these workers and get the help they need. What are we, the rest of us? Where is the hazard pay for doing one of the most hazardous jobs in the nation? What about the early retirement, as other professions are afforded in similar predicaments?
And if we can’t protect them from the violence and other dangers, should we not all push to get them the compensation and the federal protections they deserve? How many will stick around if we don’t help them? Who takes care of us if they don’t stick around?
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https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/8/7/2185817/-It-s-high-time-healthcare-workers-got-some-protections-and-benefits
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