Nursing homes remain one of the most dangerous places to work, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The worker-injury rate in the nursing home industry was the third highest among 84 industry groups in 2003, the department said. The year 2003 is the latest year for which information is available.

Injuries come as a result of caring for those who cannot care for themselves. Nursing assistants hurt their backs, necks and shoulders while lifting patients. They also face potential hazards of working with residents who might lash out, kick or strike caregivers.

Despite the hazards of working in a home, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration does not govern with direct standards for the industry. An effort to employ an ergonomic standard that would have addressed the injury rate failed in 2001. Also, in 2002, ergonomic guidelines issued for the industry came under criticism by industry lobbyists who saw them as a move to new regulations.