The Occupational Safety and Health Administration levied a fine on the Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter, Minn., saying “employees were not properly protected from workplace violence by an effective workplace violence prevention program,” according to an article on the Mankato Free Press website.
Although the fine amount of $4,900 was symbolic, the violation was termed “serious” because the hazard could cause death or serious physical harm, the article said.
According to the article, a better physical building design and things like video surveillance can help staff see what’s going on. The hospital also needs a tactical team that would have the training to respond to dangerous incidents in a manner that protects staff while using the least amount of force necessary.
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