According to U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, what is one of the most hazardous activities for healthcare workers?

The most hazardous activity for healthcare workers, as indicated by U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, is manual handling. This activity encompasses actions like lifting, transferring, and repositioning patients, which can lead to physical strain and injuries, particularly to the back, shoulders, and arms. Healthcare environments often require staff to lift or assist patients, sometimes without adequate equipment or support, which significantly increases the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

While administrative tasks, patient transportation, and documentation play essential roles in healthcare, they do not typically carry the same physical risk as manual handling. Administrative tasks generally involve desk work that is less physically demanding, while patient transportation, although challenging, often employs protocols and equipment designed to minimize risk when performed correctly. Documentation mainly involves writing or typing, which is not associated with the same level of physical exertion or risk for injuries. This distinction highlights why manual handling stands out as particularly hazardous in the healthcare setting.