Respiratory Therapists

Respiratory therapists generally work in extremely clean, quiet surroundings. They usually work 40 hours a week, which may include nights and weekends because hospitals are in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The work requires long hours of standing and may be very stressful during emergencies.

A possible hazard is that the inhalants these employees work with are highly flammable. The danger of fire is minimized, however, if the workers test equipment regularly and are strict about taking safety precautions. As do workers in many other health occupations, respiratory therapists run a risk of catching infectious diseases. Their work has also been particularly stressful during the coronavirus pandemic, requiring even more precautions and steps to be taken to protect their health as well as their patients' and the public's health. Their consistent attention to proper procedures minimizes the risk.