Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

Which healthcare sector reports the highest number of lost time days?

1. Outpatient care

2. Nursing and residential care

3. Emergency services

4. Pharmaceutical industry

The correct answer is: Nursing and residential care

The nursing and residential care sector reports the highest number of lost time days due to several factors inherent to the nature of the work. This sector is characterized by high levels of physical demands, often involving lifting and moving patients, which can lead to musculoskeletal injuries. Additionally, staffing shortages and high turnover rates can increase the stress on existing staff, leading to burnout and stress-related leave. In many nursing and residential care facilities, employees are exposed to infectious diseases and have to manage challenging behaviors from residents, further heightening the risk of injuries and illnesses that can result in time lost from work. Moreover, the regulatory requirements and the emotional toll of providing care for individuals with complex health issues can also contribute to high absence rates. Other sectors like outpatient care, emergency services, and the pharmaceutical industry may experience injuries or leave but typically do not reflect the same level of lost time days as seen in nursing and residential care, primarily due to different job functions and working conditions. For example, outpatient clinics may have less physically demanding roles, and while emergency services can be high-pressure and intense, their operational model often emphasizes quick responses, potentially reducing the extent of lost time.