Safety Initiatives Sees Drop in Workplace Violence

Workplace violence has dropped after employee reports of feeling unsafe at work.

By Mackenna Moralez, Associate Editor


Violence in the workplace has surged in recent years, and the healthcare industry is not exempt from this.  

Healthcare workers are four times more likely to experience verbal or physical abuse while on the job compared to any other industry. According to a study by Vivian, 47 percent of respondents said they have experienced workplace violence against themselves or one of their coworkers in 2023, with 77 percent of the incidents being perpetuated by the patient themselves and 41 percent being a member of the patient’s family. Still, that number could be even higher as many incidents go unreported.  

While acts of violence dropped in 2023 compared to 2022, 42 percent of respondents still said they felt unsafe at work. More healthcare facilities have begun implementing safety protocols to best protect their staff. For example, Southwestern Vermont Healthcare has created a new policy that is widely posted throughout its campus prohibiting acts of abuse against its employees. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Clinic has implemented a system to flag patients with a history of violence.  

Related: Cleveland Clinic Implements Flagging System for Violence Prevention: Study

The American Hospital Association shared eight components that can help create a safer culture: 

  1. Leadership 
  2. Effective communication 
  3. Education and training 
  4. Reporting and data collection 
  5. Trust and respect 
  6. Collaboration with law enforcement 
  7. Partnering with community-based organizations 
  8. Health equity 

Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor of the facilities market.  



May 21, 2024


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Saint Vincent Hospital Upgrades Its Security Systems

Case study: The facility upgraded its security systems to comply with the new patient health and safety law, Laura’s Law.


Fire Breaks Out at Chino Valley Medical Center, Prompting Evacuations

The fire was contained and extinguished without any injuries to occupants or firefighters.


Massachusetts General Hospital Receives $100 Million Gift for New Facility

The nearly one million-square-foot tower will offer an array of re-imagined indoor and outdoor areas.


Fortified Health Security Forms Healthcare Cybersecurity Board

The board convenes representatives from healthcare organizations across the United States.


What's In the Toilet Bowl Is in the Air, Too

Aerosolized contaminants from toilet plumes remain airborne for up to seven days and can be inhaled by patients and healthcare workers.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.