Nurses want law to prevent on-the-job injuries
Channel: Just Ask About Patient Safety
Date: 2015-12-11

A union representing nurses says that employees are getting hurt on the job, and they want Massachusetts hospitals to do something about it.

The Massachusetts Nurses Association estimates health care workers lift about 1.8 tons during an average shift. The union claims that nurses are developing serious injuries over time, causing many RN’s to miss as many as 60 days of work each year.

Health care workers are frustrated, because they believe these injuries can be prevented. They are pressuring state lawmakers to pass a bill requiring certain health facilities buy equipment that does all the heavy lifting. Nurse Beth Piknick told 22News that she injured her back while transferring patients from room to room.

“I was out of work for two and a half years. I went through conservative treatment, worker’s compensation, many, many doctors, and many tests. I ended up having surgery,” Piknick said.