Healthcare Workers Were in Danger Before COVID?
While we're in the thick of COVID-19, daily reminders at 7:00 pm ring loud for front line healthcare workers. Communities have banded together, offering immense support for the individuals putting their lives on the line. Furthermore, there has been an overwhelming response by local manufacturers to rapidly-produce PPE. Our hearts here at Authority Medical Group go out to every single front line healthcare worker, the mom and pops who are sewing masks, and the manufacturers producing PPE. Thank you.
It may come as a surprise to many, but before COVID-19, a hospital was one of the most hazardous places to work. A 2015 report by Zurich Insurance Group found that the rates of injury and illness within the hospital sector are more significant than that of construction, manufacturing, and almost double the private sector average. Let that sink in. The one place you go when you get hurt may be detrimental to the health of the people taking care of you.
In the same 2015 report from Zurich, it is noted that almost 50% of insurance claim costs "are caused by various strain accidents [...] including lifting or moving patients." The already high rate of injury in the hospital sector, combined with the impacts of COVID-19, has some industry leaders predicting an increase in insurance premiums during the second half of Q2 and Q3.
From its conception, Authority Medical Group has always positioned itself as an organization that helps the hospital sector reduce worker's compensation claims and, in turn, lower a hospital's insurance premiums. Our customers are consistently worried about back shoulder injuries, employee downtime, and the cost to the hospital. They turn to Authority Medical Group as their simple solution. With a track record of reducing back and shoulder injuries between 45% - 52% Authority Medical Group offers a product with the lowest coefficient of friction on the market that has an average compliance rate at or above 90%.
When a healthcare worker has the proper training and the appropriate equipment, whether that be PPE or a patient transfer device, injuries, downtime, and insurance premiums decrease. We know PPE is top of mind at this moment, but there are issues with our simple solutions that persisted before and are being amplified by COVID-19.
As we will inevitably crawl out of this pandemic, let's learn from this and make lasting changes that improve the lives of our healthcare workers. There are simple solutions to lessen downtime, help contain the unavoidable insurance premium hikes and minimize worker's comp claims due to injuries for nurses. As we create the future of tomorrow, let's not forget the persisting problems of the past. The SlideTube from Authority Medical is a proven simple solution and has a track record of reducing worker's compensation claims. We are here to help hospitals keep their nurses and transport team members healthy and on the job, doing what they do best…getting patients back to full strength.