Common Workplace Hazards in the Healthcare Industry

New York City’s healthcare system is one of the most robust in the world, with institutions like NewYork-Presbyterian, Mount Sinai, and NYU Langone Health setting standards for medical care. However, the healthcare professionals who work tirelessly in these facilities face numerous workplace hazards daily. From the bustling emergency departments near Times Square to community clinics in Queens, healthcare workers encounter risks that can lead to injuries, illnesses, and long-term health issues.

Common Workplace Hazards in the Healthcare Industry

At Katz, Leidman, Freund & Herman, we’ve represented countless healthcare workers across the five boroughs. Our experience has shown us that understanding workplace hazards in healthcare is the first step toward prevention and proper compensation when injuries occur. This comprehensive guide explores the most common hazards healthcare workers face in NYC’s medical facilities and what workers can do to protect their rights.

Biological Hazards

Bloodborne Pathogens

Healthcare workers in busy Manhattan hospitals like Bellevue or NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst frequently handle blood and bodily fluids, exposing them to pathogens such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. Despite strict protocols, needlestick injuries remain common, particularly during high-stress situations in emergency departments.

A nurse at a Brooklyn medical center recently contacted our firm after sustaining a needlestick injury while treating a patient with known Hepatitis C. The incident occurred during an understaffed night shift when proper sharps disposal procedures couldn’t be followed due to time constraints. This case highlights how workplace hazards in healthcare often intersect with staffing challenges.

Airborne Illnesses

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically highlighted the risks healthcare workers face from airborne illnesses. NYC was the epicenter of the initial outbreak in the United States, with healthcare workers at facilities like Elmhurst Hospital Center facing unprecedented exposure. Beyond COVID-19, tuberculosis, measles, and influenza present ongoing risks.

Proper respiratory protection, including N95 masks, is essential but not always consistently available. A respiratory therapist from the Bronx recently sought assistance from our workplace lawyer team after developing severe respiratory issues following repeated exposure to COVID-19 patients without adequate PPE during supply shortages.

Infectious Disease Outbreaks

Working in close proximity to sick patients, particularly in densely populated areas like NYC, increases the risk of exposure to various infectious diseases. Healthcare facilities like those along Hospital Row on the Upper East Side implement isolation protocols and infection control measures, but transmission risks remain.

The close quarters in many older NYC hospital buildings can exacerbate these risks. Some facilities in Queens and Brooklyn haven’t been significantly updated since the mid-20th century, creating challenges for modern infection control standards.

Chemical Hazards

Cleaning and Disinfecting Agents

Healthcare environments require rigorous cleaning and disinfection, especially in surgical suites at institutions like Hospital for Special Surgery or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The powerful chemicals used can cause respiratory irritation, skin burns, and allergic reactions.

Custodial staff and nurses often experience the highest exposure levels. A custodial worker at a Staten Island medical facility recently consulted with our workplace lawyer after developing chronic asthma from years of exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals in poorly ventilated areas.

Medications and Pharmaceutical Agents

Pharmacy staff and nurses regularly handle potentially harmful medications, including cytotoxic drugs used in cancer treatment at centers like Memorial Sloan Kettering. These substances can cause serious health effects if proper handling protocols aren’t followed.

The risks extend beyond cancer medications. Antibiotics, anesthetic gases used in surgical departments, and even common medications can pose hazards when regularly handled without adequate protection.

Laboratory Chemicals

Medical laboratory technicians at facilities like Northwell Health Labs or NYC Health + Hospitals laboratories work with numerous hazardous chemicals daily. These include formaldehyde, xylene, and various acids that can cause burns, respiratory problems, and long-term health effects.

A lab technician from Queens recently sought our assistance after developing severe dermatitis from chronic exposure to laboratory chemicals. Despite reporting inadequate ventilation multiple times, the facility had failed to address the issue.

Physical Hazards

Musculoskeletal Injuries

Healthcare workers frequently assist with patient mobility, especially in rehabilitation facilities like NYU Langone’s Rusk Rehabilitation or Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in White Plains. These activities often lead to strains, sprains, and more serious back and shoulder injuries.

A physical therapist assistant working at a rehabilitation center in Washington Heights suffered a severe lumbar injury while helping transfer a bariatric patient. The facility had been chronically understaffed, forcing workers to handle patients without adequate assistance. Our firm helped secure workers’ compensation benefits and additional damages for the unsafe working conditions.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Wet floors from cleaning, spills in patient rooms, and cluttered hallways in busy NYC hospitals create significant fall hazards. These risks are exacerbated in older facilities like some buildings at Bellevue Hospital or NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County, where space constraints and aging infrastructure create additional challenges.

A radiology technician at a busy Midtown Manhattan imaging center slipped on a recently mopped floor where no warning signs had been placed. The resulting hip fracture required surgery and months of rehabilitation. Our workplace lawyer team successfully argued that improper safety protocols constituted negligence.

Workplace Violence

Healthcare workers face a disproportionate risk of violence compared to most other professions. Emergency departments across NYC, particularly at major trauma centers like Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx or Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, see frequent incidents of patient aggression toward staff.

Psychiatric facilities, including units at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center or NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, present additional risks. A psychiatric nurse from Manhattan contacted our firm after being assaulted by a patient during an acute psychotic episode. The facility had reduced security staffing as a cost-cutting measure, leaving workers vulnerable.

Ergonomic Hazards

Repetitive Motion Injuries

Many healthcare tasks involve repetitive motions that can lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and bursitis. Surgical technicians at specialized facilities like the Hospital for Special Surgery or dental hygienists at practices throughout the city are particularly vulnerable.

An ultrasound technician from a women’s health center near Central Park developed severe carpal tunnel syndrome after years of performing multiple ultrasounds daily. Despite requesting ergonomic equipment, the facility had not made appropriate accommodations.

Prolonged Standing

Many healthcare roles require extended periods of standing, particularly for surgical teams at renowned centers like Mount Sinai or NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell. Operating room nurses and technicians often stand for 8-12 hours during complex procedures, leading to chronic leg pain, varicose veins, and foot problems.

A surgical nurse at a cardiac specialty hospital in Manhattan developed severe plantar fasciitis and venous insufficiency after years of prolonged standing on hard surfaces. The case highlighted the need for appropriate flooring, supportive footwear, and scheduled breaks to prevent these common workplace hazards in healthcare settings.

Poor Workstation Design

Administrative healthcare workers in medical offices throughout NYC often work at poorly designed computer workstations. Medical billers, schedulers, and electronic health record specialists frequently develop neck, shoulder, and back problems due to improper ergonomics.

A medical records specialist at a large primary care practice in Flushing consulted our workplace lawyer after developing chronic neck pain and headaches. The workstation design violated OSHA guidelines, but management had ignored repeated requests for adjustments.

Psychological Hazards

Stress and Burnout

Healthcare workers face immense pressure, particularly in NYC’s Level I trauma centers like Bellevue Hospital or busy emergency departments like NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Long hours, high patient volumes, and life-or-death decisions contribute to chronic stress and burnout.

The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these pressures to unprecedented levels. Healthcare workers across the city experienced trauma from high patient mortality, resource shortages, and personal risk. Many continue to struggle with the psychological aftermath.

Compassion Fatigue

Healthcare workers who routinely care for severely ill or traumatized patients can develop compassion fatigue. Oncology nurses at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, pediatric intensive care staff at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, and hospice workers throughout the city are particularly vulnerable.

This emotional exhaustion can lead to depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. While not as visible as physical workplace hazards in healthcare, these psychological impacts can be equally devastating.

Workplace Bullying and Harassment

Unfortunately, healthcare environments sometimes foster hierarchical cultures where bullying and harassment occur. Operating rooms at prestigious institutions and high-pressure specialty departments can be particularly problematic.

A resident physician at a major teaching hospital in Manhattan sought our counsel after experiencing persistent bullying from a senior surgeon that created a hostile work environment. This case exemplified how psychological workplace hazards in healthcare can be just as damaging as physical ones.

Legal Rights of Healthcare Workers in NYC

Healthcare professionals across New York City’s medical facilities face unique workplace hazards while providing essential care to our communities. At Katz, Leidman, Freund & Herman, we recognize that understanding your legal protections is the first step toward ensuring your workplace safety and well-being.

• Workers’ Compensation Benefits: Healthcare workers injured on the job at facilities from Lenox Hill Hospital to NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County are entitled to medical treatment coverage and wage replacement regardless of who was at fault for the injury.
• Protection from Retaliation: NYC healthcare workers who report workplace hazards in healthcare settings cannot legally face termination, demotion, or other adverse actions for raising safety concerns or filing workers’ compensation claims.
• Right to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Employers at institutions like NewYork-Presbyterian or Mount Sinai must provide appropriate PPE at no cost to employees, including respiratory protection, gloves, and other equipment needed to mitigate biological and chemical hazards.
• Safe Patient Handling Requirements: New York State’s Safe Patient Handling Law requires healthcare facilities to implement comprehensive programs reducing manual lifting, helping prevent the musculoskeletal injuries common among nurses and aides in rehabilitation centers throughout the five boroughs.
• Workplace Violence Prevention: Healthcare employers must implement violence prevention programs that include risk assessment, employee training, and incident reporting systems, particularly important in emergency departments and psychiatric units across NYC.
• OSHA Whistleblower Protections: Healthcare workers who report violations of OSHA standards to regulatory authorities are protected from retaliation under federal law, providing vital safeguards for those who speak up about unsafe conditions.
• Reasonable Accommodations: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act and NYC Human Rights Law, healthcare workers with disabilities resulting from workplace injuries are entitled to reasonable accommodations to perform their essential job functions.
• Infectious Disease Exposure Protocols: Healthcare facilities must maintain exposure control plans for bloodborne pathogens and airborne infectious diseases, with specific protocols for post-exposure evaluation and follow-up care.
• Hazard Communication Standards: Employers must inform healthcare workers about chemical hazards through proper labeling, safety data sheets, and training, particularly important in laboratory settings and cancer treatment centers throughout NYC.
• Right to Refuse Dangerous Work: In certain circumstances, healthcare workers can refuse tasks that present an imminent danger without fear of discipline, though specific legal standards must be met to exercise this right effectively.
• Paid Sick Leave: NYC’s Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law guarantees healthcare workers time off for illness, preventive care, or to address the effects of workplace violence, including domestic violence.
• Workplace Lawyer Consultation: Healthcare workers facing workplace hazards or injuries have the right to consult with a workplace lawyer to understand their legal options without obligation to their employer.
• Third-Party Liability Claims: When injuries result from the negligence of someone other than your employer, such as equipment manufacturers or contractors working in healthcare facilities, workers may pursue additional compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits.
• Collective Bargaining Protections: Union members at major NYC hospitals benefit from additional workplace safety provisions negotiated in collective bargaining agreements, often exceeding minimum legal requirements.
• Family and Medical Leave: Healthcare workers with serious health conditions resulting from workplace hazards in healthcare environments may qualify for job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

Healthcare professionals deserve safe working environments as they care for New York’s diverse communities. If you’ve experienced workplace injuries or safety violations while working in a healthcare setting, consulting with a workplace lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.

What To Do If Injured While Working in Healthcare

Healthcare professionals across NYC face unique workplace hazards in healthcare settings that can lead to serious injuries, from needlestick incidents at Manhattan hospitals to back injuries in Brooklyn nursing homes. Taking prompt, appropriate action after a workplace injury is crucial to protect both your health and your legal rights to compensation.

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Report to your facility’s employee health service, emergency department, or nearest urgent care center to ensure your injuries are properly documented and treated, even if they initially seem minor.
• Report the Injury to Your Supervisor: Notify your supervisor in writing about your injury as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours, as failure to provide timely notification can jeopardize your workers’ compensation claim.
• Document the Incident: Take detailed notes about how the injury occurred, including time, location, witnesses, and any workplace hazards in healthcare that contributed to the incident, such as understaffing or equipment failures.
• Photograph the Scene: If possible, take pictures of the area where your injury occurred, capturing any hazardous conditions, spills, faulty equipment, or other relevant details before they are altered or corrected.
• Identify Witnesses: Make note of colleagues, patients, or visitors who witnessed your injury, as their statements may prove valuable when establishing the circumstances of your workplace accident.
• Complete an Incident Report: Fill out your facility’s official incident report form completely and accurately, requesting a copy for your personal records before submitting it to your employer.
• File a Workers’ Compensation Claim: Submit Form C-3 to the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board within two years of your injury, though filing promptly will expedite your benefits and prevent potential claim denials.
• Follow All Medical Advice: Attend all scheduled medical appointments and follow treatment recommendations, as failure to comply with prescribed care can be used to deny or reduce your workers’ compensation benefits.
• Keep Detailed Records: Maintain a comprehensive file of all medical reports, test results, prescription information, and correspondence related to your injury and treatment for future reference.
• Track Your Expenses: Document all out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury, including transportation to medical appointments, prescription costs, and any special equipment or home modifications needed.
• Monitor Your Physical Recovery: Keep a daily journal noting your symptoms, pain levels, limitations, and how your injury affects your ability to perform work duties and daily activities.
• Be Cautious with Social Media: Avoid posting about your injury, treatment, or activities on social media platforms, as these posts can be used by insurance companies to dispute the severity of your condition.
• Consult a Workplace Lawyer: Contact a qualified workplace lawyer with experience in healthcare injury cases to ensure your rights are protected throughout the workers’ compensation process.
• Understand Your Return-to-Work Options: Discuss accommodations, light duty possibilities, or temporary reassignment with your healthcare employer and treating physician before returning to work after an injury.
• Consider Third-Party Claims: If your injury involved defective equipment or was caused by someone other than your employer or coworkers, explore potential third-party liability claims with your legal representative.
• Know Your Whistleblower Rights: Understand that reporting workplace hazards in healthcare facilities that contributed to your injury is protected activity under both New York State and federal law.

When To Contact a Workplace Lawyer

Healthcare professionals across New York City may encounter situations where workplace hazards in healthcare settings lead to injuries, illnesses, or disputes that require legal guidance. At Katz, Leidman, Freund & Herman, we recommend consulting with a workplace lawyer in the following circumstances.

• Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied: If your employer’s insurance carrier rejects your claim after a workplace injury at a Manhattan hospital or Bronx medical center, a workplace lawyer can help appeal the decision and gather supporting evidence.
• You Experience Retaliation: Contact legal representation immediately if you’ve been demoted, transferred, had hours reduced, or faced termination after reporting workplace hazards in healthcare facilities or filing a workers’ compensation claim.
• Your Benefits Are Insufficient: When your workers’ compensation benefits don’t adequately cover your medical expenses or lost wages after a serious injury in a Brooklyn nursing home or Queens clinic, an attorney can fight for appropriate compensation.
• You’ve Suffered a Permanent Disability: Workplace injuries resulting in permanent limitations, especially those affecting your ability to continue working in healthcare, require legal assistance to secure maximum long-term disability benefits.
• You’re Offered a Settlement: Before accepting any lump-sum settlement for a workplace injury, consult with a workplace lawyer who can evaluate whether the offer fairly compensates you for current and future medical needs and lost earnings.
• Third-Party Liability Exists: If your injury involved defective medical equipment, a negligent contractor working on-site at an NYC hospital, or other third parties, additional compensation beyond workers’ compensation may be available.
• Your Employer Lacks Insurance: When your healthcare employer has failed to maintain required workers’ compensation insurance, a workplace lawyer can help pursue alternative means of recovering damages through the Uninsured Employers’ Fund.
• You Face Complex Paperwork: The workers’ compensation system involves challenging deadlines, forms, and procedures that a workplace lawyer can navigate efficiently, preventing costly mistakes that could jeopardize your benefits.
• Your Condition Worsens: If your work-related medical condition deteriorates after your claim has been approved or settled, legal counsel can help reopen your case or pursue additional benefits.
• You Need Accommodation: When your employer refuses reasonable workplace accommodations following an injury, a workplace lawyer can advocate for your rights under disability protection laws.
• Your Benefits Are Delayed: Unreasonable delays in receiving medical treatment authorization or wage replacement benefits after an injury from workplace hazards in healthcare merit immediate legal intervention.
• Multiple Benefit Programs Apply: Coordination between workers’ compensation, Social Security Disability, private disability insurance, and other benefit programs requires legal guidance to maximize your total compensation without disqualifying you from any program.
• You’re Misclassified as an Independent Contractor: Healthcare facilities sometimes incorrectly classify employees as contractors to avoid providing workers’ compensation coverage; a workplace lawyer can challenge this misclassification.
• Your Employer Disputes Your Injury’s Cause: When your employer claims your injury is pre-existing or not work-related despite clear evidence linking it to workplace hazards in healthcare settings, legal representation becomes essential.
• You’ve Been Exposed to Hazardous Substances: Toxic exposure cases involving chemicals, radiation, or biological agents in healthcare facilities present complex causation issues that require legal and medical evidence to establish liability.

Protect Your Future, Secure Your Rights

Navigating workplace injuries while focusing on your recovery shouldn’t be a burden you face alone. Our workplace lawyers are ready to evaluate your situation, explain your options, and advocate for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.