Health care is the second-fastest-growing sector of the U.S. economy,

employing over 12 million workers. Women represent nearly 80% of the

health care work force. Health care workers face a wide range of hazards

on the job, including needlestick injuries, back injuries, latex allergy,

violence, and stress. Although it is possible to prevent or reduce health

care worker exposure to these hazards, health care workers actually are

experiencing increasing numbers of occupational injuries and illnesses.

Rates of occupational injury to health care workers have risen over the

past decade. By contrast, two of the most hazardous industries,

agriculture and construction, are safer today than they were a decade

ago.

NIOSH Safety and Health