Workplace Violence-Workplace Violence

Workplace Violence - handout

Pdf Summary

Workplace violence is a serious issue that affects the healthcare industry more than any other industry. It includes not only high-profile acts of violence, but also low-level violence and verbal abuse. There are about 1.7 million injuries each year due to workplace assaults, with 75% of these occurring in the healthcare setting. Prevention programs have been shown to reduce the incidence of workplace violence.<br /><br />Some factors that contribute to violence in the healthcare setting include working directly with volatile people, working while understaffed, long waits for service, poor environmental design, inadequate security, and lack of staff training and policies for managing volatile patients. There are several assessment strategies that can be helpful in identifying potential violent individuals, such as recognizing signs of impending aggression and violence.<br /><br />Communication is key in preventing workplace violence. Organizations should have consistent methods for reporting incidents of violence and should communicate effectively with staff, patients, and visitors about violence prevention measures. There should also be education and training programs in place for staff to learn about workplace violence and how to manage volatile situations.<br /><br />Organizations can also implement administrative controls, such as establishing liaisons with local police and state prosecutors, implementing alarm systems and panic buttons, and improving the environmental design of the workplace. Other strategies include providing staff with training on workplace violence, conducting risk assessments, and establishing behavioral emergency response teams.<br /><br />There are several resources available to help organizations prevent workplace violence, including guidelines from OSHA and the CDC. Some states have also enacted legislation to address workplace violence in healthcare settings. Nurse organizations also play a role in advocating for workplace violence prevention, and there are several training programs available that teach de-escalation techniques and crisis prevention.<br /><br />In conclusion, workplace violence is a widespread problem in the healthcare industry, but there are strategies and resources available to help organizations prevent and manage workplace violence. It is essential for organizations to prioritize workplace safety and create a culture of respect and support for staff.

Keywords

workplace violence

healthcare industry

workplace assaults

prevention programs

volatile people

staff training

violence prevention measures

administrative controls

OSHA guidelines

nurse organizations