Healthcare workers are 5x more likely to experience workplace violence than employees in all other industries, with 73 percent of nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses with days away from work due to violence in the US occurring in a healthcare setting.

What is Workplace Violence?

“Organizations have defined workplace violence in various ways. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health defines workplace violence as ‘violent acts, including physical assaults and threats of assault, directed toward persons at work or on duty.’ Enforcement activities typically focus on physical assaults or threats that result or can result in serious physical harm. However, many people who study this issue and the workplace prevention programs highlighted here include verbal violence—threats, verbal abuse, hostility, harassment, and the like—which can cause significant psychological trauma and stress, even if no physical injury takes place. Verbal assaults can also escalate to physical violence.” 

OSHA | “Preventing Workplace Violence: A Road Map for Healthcare Facilities”

One of the most effective ways to protect physicians and staff is by ensuring they are well-trained to respond if an incident arises. Here are a few ways you can foster preparedness among healthcare workers.

Defining Workplace Violence and Reporting It

OSHA reveals that violence in healthcare is often underreported. By providing a clear definition and examples to both healthcare staff and patients, you can ensure everyone is on the same page when it comes to unacceptable behavior.

You should have a clear process for reporting violence. This system helps employees feel confident to speak up when needed and creates a habit of reporting violence accurately.

When employees report incidents, you can better understand the amount of workplace violence in your facility, which will help improve your security plans.

Setting Clear Expectations for Patients and Visitors

The 2023 IAHSS Foundation Crime Survey reveals that the most common types of crime committed in hospitals are disorderly conduct, assault, and theft. This is why it’s important to set clear rules for how patients and visitors should behave to keep the healthcare environment safe, respectful, and efficient.

This means sharing and reinforcing rules like visiting hours, keeping noise down, and having a strict no-violence or harassment policy. You can share these rules with signs in the waiting area, emails before appointments, or handouts when patients check in.

If a patient or visitor breaks the rules, you should record their name and information. If you use Flock Safety Falcon® LPR cameras, you can flag these individuals in the system so security is alerted when they enter the parking lot, helping to stop any further problems.

Ongoing Education and Training Programs

Training employees to prevent and handle workplace violence should cover many topics, such as legal and ethical rules, using security technology, handling crises, and the best ways to report incidents.

This training can include role-playing different situations, taking part in emergency drills, and learning to use the latest security tools. For example, if you introduce a new system for managing visitors, all employees should be trained on how to use it, so they know exactly who is allowed in the facility.

Beyond ensuring that your staff understands how to utilize the tools and technology you implement, you should also make sure to share how the tools are functioning to prevent workplace violence and keep employees safe. This extra effort can lead to increased peace of mind – and staff retention – as employees better understand the steps you are taking to protect their well-being.

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Suggested: Strengthening Healthcare Security Through Local Law Enforcement Partnerships