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OSHA Moves One Step Closer to Proposing Rule Addressing Workplace Violence in Healthcare and Social Assistance

Currently, there is no federal OSHA standard for preventing workplace violence in healthcare or any other industry.  

Key Takeaways:

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is moving closer to proposing a rule addressing workplace violence in the healthcare and social assistance industries.
• The proposed rule would require employers in these industries to develop and implement workplace violence prevention plans, as well as to track and investigate incidents of violence.
• The rule would also require employers to provide training and support for workers who have experienced violence, as well as to maintain records of violent incidents for at least five years.
• The proposed rule is expected to have a significant impact on the healthcare and social assistance industries, which have some of the highest rates of workplace violence in the US.

Source: https://www.littler.com/publication-press/publication/osha-moves-one-step-closer-proposing-rule-addressing-workplace

Violence against health care workers on the rise

Source: https://milwaukeenns.org/2023/03/10/violence-against-health-care-workers-on-the-rise/

5 tips for changing the culture in your hospital

Threats against Health Care Workers Are Rising. Here's How Hospitals Are Protecting Their Staffs

This article discusses the rising threats and violence against healthcare workers, and the measures hospitals are taking to protect their staffs. Some key points:

1. Threats and violence against healthcare workers are increasing, with 75% of workplace assaults happening in healthcare settings.

2. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the issue, with healthcare workers facing increased stress, burnout, and frustration from patients and their families.

3. Hospitals are implementing various strategies to protect their staffs, such as training programs on de-escalation techniques, installing panic buttons, and using security personnel.

4. Collaboration with law enforcement agencies is also critical, and hospitals are working with local police departments to increase security measures.

5. In addition to physical protection, hospitals are also providing mental health support for their staffs, such as counseling and therapy services.

6. Healthcare workers can also take steps to protect themselves, such as reporting any threats or incidents, and being aware of their surroundings.

Strategies for protecting Healthcare workers

Training programs on de-escalation techniques

Installing panic buttons

Using security personnel

Collaboration with law enforcement agencies

Providing mental health support

Encouraging reporting of threats or incidents

Raising awareness of surroundings

 

Source: https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/threats-against-health-care-workers-are-rising-heres-how-hospitals-are-protecting-their-staffs

Learn more about preventing workplace violence in Healthcare:

Worker Safety in Hospitals

Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence for Healthcare and Social Service workers