Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

In terms of lost time due to injury, which cause ranks highest in healthcare occupations?

1. Slips and falls

2. Overexertion

3. Violent incidents

4. Exposure to harmful substances

The correct answer is: Overexertion

In the context of healthcare occupations, overexertion is recognized as the leading cause of lost time due to injury. This encompasses a wide range of activities, including lifting, moving, or otherwise handling patients. Healthcare workers frequently engage in physically demanding tasks, which can result in strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal injuries. The prevalence of overexertion injuries can be attributed to various factors, including the high patient-to-staff ratios, the need for manual handling of patients, and the often unpredictable nature of patient care. Unlike slips and falls, which can occur in any environment, or exposure to harmful substances, which may not be as frequent, the physical demands placed on healthcare workers consistently lead to overexertion-related injuries. Understanding the significance of overexertion in the workplace can guide safety training programs and ergonomic interventions, helping to mitigate these injuries and improve overall employee health and safety in healthcare settings.