Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

In hospitals, what is the top reason for workplace injuries?

1. Equipment malfunction

2. Poor communication

3. Overexertion and body reaction

4. Lack of training

The correct answer is: Overexertion and body reaction

Overexertion and body reaction is recognized as the leading cause of workplace injuries in hospitals. This category often encompasses injuries related to lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling heavy objects, which are common tasks performed by healthcare workers. Hospital staff frequently encounter situations where they need to move patients or equipment, which can lead to strains, sprains, or other musculoskeletal injuries if proper techniques are not used or if the physical demands exceed the worker's capacity. Addressing overexertion involves implementing safe lifting practices, utilizing assistive equipment, and ensuring that staff are aware of their physical limits. This focus on body mechanics and ergonomic practices helps to mitigate the risk of injury, making it crucial for healthcare facilities to prioritize training and resources that support safe handling techniques. While equipment malfunction, poor communication, and lack of training are important factors in workplace safety, they do not account for as large a percentage of injuries compared to the risk associated with overexertion in a physically demanding environment like a hospital.