Workplace Violence
I have worked in the healthcare profession for twenty years, have been involved in safety committees. I have observed the patient and employee safety through the years, have attempted to make policy changes within the facility, some successful, some not. I wanted to contact you, at the Legislative level on this issue. Entering into the legislative arena is the first step in bringing about policy change. Workplace violence among healthcare workers is a serious problem as I’m sure you are aware of. Healthcare workers are four times more likely to encounter workplace violence then in other job areas, according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Workplace violence is widespread, hospital, nursing homes, doctor offices,
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The violence includes; verbal, threats, hostility, harassment and physical. The source includes; patients, distraught family members, visitors and coworkers. With 80% of all injuries being related to patient incidents (OSHA) and of those 69% being psychiatric patients. The mental health patients have a difficult getting appointment to see their provider. Not enough providers available, no providers available on the weekends. Healthcare workers need to be educated on how to handle these types of patients. Workplace violence is costly and preventable. I am proposing every provider follow a comprehensive workplace violence prevention program. With every employee being trained and educated to look for potential high risk patients. An “all hazards” approach, similar to universal precautions to avoid bloodborne pathogens. Setting limits and having a zero tolerance policy for violence. Proposed solutions include; education, training, security cameras, metal detectors and hiring security. Making mandatory of having a violence prevention committee that reviews all incidents. Having on call specialized Mental Health providers nights, weekends and holidays. At first the facilities and providers will feel the burden of the cost of extra equipment and extra staff. However, in the long run the cost will decrease due to less workplace violence, fewer injuries, longevity of the staff and patient
The violence includes; verbal, threats, hostility, harassment and physical. The source includes; patients, distraught family members, visitors and coworkers. With 80% of all injuries being related to patient incidents (OSHA) and of those 69% being psychiatric patients. The mental health patients have a difficult getting appointment to see their provider. Not enough providers available, no providers available on the weekends. Healthcare workers need to be educated on how to handle these types of patients. Workplace violence is costly and preventable. I am proposing every provider follow a comprehensive workplace violence prevention program. With every employee being trained and educated to look for potential high risk patients. An “all hazards” approach, similar to universal precautions to avoid bloodborne pathogens. Setting limits and having a zero tolerance policy for violence. Proposed solutions include; education, training, security cameras, metal detectors and hiring security. Making mandatory of having a violence prevention committee that reviews all incidents. Having on call specialized Mental Health providers nights, weekends and holidays. At first the facilities and providers will feel the burden of the cost of extra equipment and extra staff. However, in the long run the cost will decrease due to less workplace violence, fewer injuries, longevity of the staff and patient