As with most people, you expect health care professionals to know and do what is best for you. Yet, the reality is that they can make mistakes that result in serious health complications or endanger the lives of patients. Trusting your doctor is still important, but vigilance is essential, especially when taking multiple medications. How medication errors happen Medication error typically occurs when a patient takes the incorrect drug or dosage, causing them serious harm. Many events can lead to medication errors, such as: Unclear or illegible handwritten prescriptions Medications that have si ..read more

There’s a saying that goes, “No matter the job, do it well.” This is especially true for people who work in nursing homes. These individuals look after those who can’t fully care for themselves, like your loved one. Every aspect of their care should be handled with respect and diligence. So what if they experience mistreatment but are too scared to say anything? This fear, known as fear of retaliation, is a serious issue that needs addressing. Staff members may abuse their authority In a nursing home, staff members have considerable authority over residents. They assist residents with meals, p ..read more

Power adapters are invaluable pieces of equipment. They help convert AC voltage to a single, specific DC voltage for a given device such as a computer. Yet like any electrical component, a defect can turn power adapters into dangerous electrical hazards. Yamaha Corporation of America recently issued a recall for about 34,500 of its power adapters. The company reasoned that the adapters have a potential electrical hazard. Cracks can form on the affected adapters, causing the casing of the adapter to fall apart and expose electrical writing, which can pose electrical shock risks to users. The ad ..read more

Sawmills are some of the busiest workplaces there are. Apart from transporting large and heavy logs, the facilities are responsible for processing the wood into lumber, which is a surprisingly labor-intensive process despite mechanization. But while machines do most of the work, sawmills remain hazardous workplaces. Heavy machinery, sharp blades, and the constant handling of lumber can lead to a range of injuries. Fortunately, Georgia’s workers’ compensation system can provide financial support and medical benefits to injured sawmill workers. So, what injury risks do sawmill workers face, and ..read more

String trimmers are some of the most useful garden tools for cutting tall grass and weeds. While typically designed for safe use, they are still dangerous due to their cutting business end. Those powered by gasoline are also potential fire hazards. A recent recall for gas-powered string trimmers reveals that even a simple defect can significantly raise this fire risk. Husqvarna has recalled roughly 403,000 gas string trimmers over concerns that incorrect wiring in the affected devices can cause an electrical spark or “arcing,” which can ignite gas inside or near the unit. The Swedish manufactu ..read more

When we entrust our family members to the care of a nursing facility, we expect them to receive a high level of care, which greatly includes quality treatment by nursing home staff. Unfortunately, many nursing homes provide care that falls below acceptable standards due to several reasons, one of which is staff burnout. Consequently, it leads to the neglect of the nursing home residents, resulting in injuries. The usual cause of staff burnout Nursing homes with insufficient staffing can lead to staff exhaustion since the existing staff likely covers more residents than is ideal to provide prop ..read more

Surgery is sometimes necessary to facilitate recovery from a serious illness or injury. However, that doesn’t take away from the potential complications that may arise after an operation. Among them, retained surgical bodies (RSB) or items left inside the patient, stands out as a particularly distressing experience. Apart from being life-threatening, these foreign objects may entail additional surgery to remove. In the United States alone, there are about 1,500 cases per year related to foreign objects left behind during surgery. Though rare, they represent a serious issue within surgical prac ..read more

A typical workplace may not seem unsafe at first glance, yet there might be unnoticeable dangers inside. Falling due to slippery floors, tripping over exposed wires, or even just bad posture can result in serious injuries. Knowing the common causes of office accidents can help you steer clear of harm and spare you from extensive medical treatment and therapy. Ergonomic strain Sitting in front of your computer might seem harmless, but a poorly set up workstation can put undue stress on your body. A computer screen that is too high or too low can strain your neck and shoulders. Meanwhile, a desk ..read more

Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are a significant health concern in nursing homes. They are often associated with negligence in care. Understanding the nature of bedsores and their causes is essential for healthcare providers and families of nursing home residents alike. Bedsores are injuries to the skin and underlying tissues resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. They commonly occur in individuals who are bedridden or immobile, so nursing home residents are particularly susceptible to developing these uncomfortable – and potentially dangerous – conditions. Recognizing the li ..read more

While there are many types of medical malpractices, one that is especially troublesome and unnervingly common is the performance of unnecessary surgeries. An unnecessary surgery not only adds additional financial and physical strain to the patient, but it can also cause their condition to worsen, eventually leading to death. Surgeons are experienced and highly specialized individuals, so it is concerning that they would even recommend unnecessary surgeries to their patients. However, it does happen more often than you would realize. A surgeon may prescribe and perform an unnecessary surgery du ..read more