Back Injury To Health Care Workers In California The Health Care Industry is facing a big challenge. Nationally, total lost workday injury and illness incidence rates for Hospitals (4.1) are greater than those for Private Industry (3.6). The rates for Home Health Care (5.0) and Nursing and Personal Care Facilities (8.8) are similar to or greater than more typically hazardous industries, such as construction (4.9). Nursing aides, orderlies and attendants have a risk of lost workday injuries and illnesses about 3.5 times that of the average private industry worker. Their rate is similar to that for construction laborers (Reuser, Report on the American Workforce, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1994). Other health care providers are also getting hurt often. Nursing aides, orderlies and attendants have a risk of lost workday injuries and illnesses about 3.5 times that of the average private industry worker. Their rate is similar to that for construction laborers (Reuser, Report on the American Workforce, Bureau ofLabor Statistics, 1994). Other health care providers are also getting hurt often. One study found that only one-third of nurses reported work-related back injuries. (The Magnitude of Low-Back Problems in Nursing, Owen, B.,West. J. Nurs.Res., Vol. 11, pp. 234-242 (April 1989) Health care workers are hurting their backs while lifting, transferring and otherwise moving patients or residents. The costs are enormous. The direct costs in workers’ compensation, medical treatment and vocational rehabilitation are very high. In California, back injuries account for the largest proportion of incurred losses in the workers’ compensation system. Claims involving back strain can cost about $4,000. The average back injury case costs $25,000. More serious cases requiring surgery can cost $85,000 (State Compensation Insurance Fund). Based on the average cost stated above, nationally, the approximately 67,000 back injuries among health care workers could total $1.7 billion in workers’ compensation. Additionally, indirect costs such as lost production, retraining and sick or administrative time can be at least four times the direct costs. An indirect cost of particular concern is the disruption of the professional integrity of services provided. Injured health care workers cannot work up to their full potential or may even leave the profession due to back injuries. Lastly, there is the toll on their personal lives. Contact our local chiropractor to help relieve your chronic back pain