Public safety workers such as law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics and prison guards face safety risks on a daily basis. Dealing with potential dangers such as natural disasters, illnesses and attacks from uncontrollable people are among these risks.
In any of these situations, severe and life-changing injuries are possible. Some of these injuries often are commonly overlooked by the average person. They often remain unaware of the hazards faced by this group of workers face who often risk their lives the minute they begin duties.
Heart issues and infections
Here are three commonly overlooked injuries that frequently confront public safety officers:
- Heart and respiratory problems: In working conditions that are stressful, strenuous and filled with increased physical exertion, these workers may tax their heart health. In addition, inhaling smoke that contains chemicals and other things harms the lungs and esophagus.
- Head, neck, shoulder and back injuries: The physical beating public safety workers encounter takes a toll on their bodies. Musculoskeletal injuries may arise from lifting people, falling from ladders and buildings, trauma from a car collision and altercations with an alleged criminal.
- Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other infections: Human blood, saliva and other bodily fluids may contain pathogens such as hepatitis and HIV. With the COVID-19 pandemic still going on, public safety workers also have increased chances of obtaining the virus.
Maybe the average person will better understand what public safety workers have known all along, and that is dangerous working conditions can surface at any time for them.
Getting needed guidance
A life-changing injury to public safety workers may force them to find another line of work. For years, their devotion to their jobs was a priority, now they must move on somehow. These are the times when such workers must seek the guidance of a skilled attorney to secure the compensation they need and deserve.