Workplace accidents in health and social services: how to protect yourself

Did you know that the health and social services sector is one of the most affected by workplace accidents in Quebec? In 2023, 33.6% of all claims accepted by the CNESST came from this sector. In 2022, it was nearly 50%. Faced with these numbers, many questions arise: what are the main risks? How can we prevent them? And more importantly, what can I do right now to protect myself? That’s exactly what we’ll cover in this article—because when it comes to health, prevention is always the best medicine.

The most common injuries in health and social services

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

MSDs include a range of injuries affecting muscles, tendons, joints, and sometimes nerves (source). These injuries can appear:

• Following a traumatic event (such as a fall, catching a falling patient, a sudden movement, or impact with medical equipment);

• Or progressively (adopting a strenuous posture, performed repeatedly or held for an extended period).

Psychological stress and burnout

We often talk about physical injuries, but mental health is just as important. Chronic stress and high mental load are common in healthcare. Burnout can manifest as:

• A persistent sense of exhaustion

• A loss of motivation or effectiveness

• General discomfort at work

This stress impacts quality of life, concentration, and decision-making, and can even lead to physical injuries. Thankfully, there are tools to better manage stress, including physical activity, recovery strategies, or psychological support.

Main risk factors in care settings

Some of the key factors that increase injury risk include:

• Lack of training

• Inadequate or missing equipment to move patients safely

• Work overload, accumulated fatigue, lack of breaks

• High stress and constant pressure

• A history of musculoskeletal injuries

Having been injured in the past doesn’t mean you’ll be injured again, but it’s important to adapt your work technique, warm up if needed, and listen to your body.

How to prevent injuries

1. Adapt your work technique

• Get closer to the work area
• Use the equipment available to you
• Position yourself at the right height for the task (e.g., by adjusting the bed height)
• If needed, refresh your knowledge of the Principles for the Safe Moving of People (PSMP)

2. Manage your environment

• Keep your workspace clear to move around easily

• Avoid slippery or cluttered surfaces

• At a computer workstation, adjust your setup to avoid prolonged uncomfortable postures

3. Ask for help and collaborate

• Don’t hesitate to ask for support during care, transfers, or lifting

• Use tools at your disposal: patient lifts, transfer boards, etc.

• Watch your coworkers and offer each other posture tips. Good feedback can prevent a lot of pain!

4. Take care of yourself outside of work too

• Make time to move, walk, or enjoy an activity you love

• Talk to someone if you’re feeling exhausted or stressed

• Use available resources (employee assistance programs, local health centers, private or community support)

What to do if an accident happens? 

Even with every precaution, accidents can still happen. If one does, here’s what to do:

1. Notify your employer and report the accident
2. Stop or reduce work and difficult tasks, as needed
3. Consult a doctor to obtain a medical certificate, when necessary
4. Fill a claim with the CNESST
5. Begin any prescribed treatments (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, etc.)

Rehabilitation services are generally covered by the CNESST. Depending on the injury, you may be referred to:

• A physiotherapist or physical therapy technician
• An occupational therapist
• A psychologist or stress management professional
• An acupuncturist, in some cases
• An ergonomist, in some cases

To learn more about the steps to take, visit our Workplace Accident (CNESST) page.

In summary

If there's one thing to remember, it's that using proper work techniques is a key element in preventing workplace injuries in the health and social services sector. And above all, don't neglect yourself. Taking care of yourself, both physically and mentally, also means taking care of others. Don't hesitate to ask for help, for a transfer, a load, or even simply to ventilate.

If you have questions about workplace injury prevention, talk about it within your community. And above all, consult prevention and rehabilitation professionals. They are there to help you stay healthy, at work and in your daily life.

Have you experienced a workplace accident or want to prevent injuries before they happen? Contact us today at 1 888 951-8667. 

Article written by Rébecca Joyal, physiotherapy technologist. In collaboration with our team at Intergo.

Related article: “Regaining Confidence After a Workplace Accident.”