By Jeff Wardon, Jr., Assistant Editor

A Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania man was recently jailed on charges of aggravated assault after attacking several people at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, according to The Citizens’ Voice. The man, who had been taken to the hospital for a head injury evaluation, became violent and required sedation. After waking, he assaulted a security officer and damaged hospital property. The man also spat on staff and threatened to return and shoot them. He faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault and making terroristic threats. 

Violent threats and incidents continue to mount against healthcare workers, and according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), healthcare employees are four times more likely to experience workplace violence than workers in other industries.  

Related: Safety Initiatives Sees Drop in Workplace Violence

With that in mind, preventing violence against healthcare staff is vital to keeping a healthcare facility safe. Facility managers can help by training their staff in active prevention. 

The following are five steps to stop healthcare violence, according to Champions of Wellness: 

• Get the whole organization to support and participate in prevention. 
• Perform thorough and comprehensive facility safety assessments. 
• Engage in proactive damage control to mitigate and minimize risks. 
• Regularly train employees to be aware of and understand the risks of violence. 
• Document and evaluate violent incidents. 

Jeff Wardon, Jr. is the assistant editor for the facilities market.