Violence in the workplace has become a common occurrence and physicians and practice staff are concerned for their safety. In 2020, approximately 76% of all workplace violence occurred in healthcare and social assistance organizations. As these events unfold around us and impact our healthcare colleagues, patients, friends, and family, it is important to keep continued focus on workplace safety. While many situations are unpredictable, one thing we can do is evaluate our risks and be prepared. As a quick reference, some risk factors of workplace violence are included below1:
- Individual Risk Factors
- are under the influence of drugs or alcohol or have a substance abuse disorder
- are in pain
- have a history of violence
- have cognitive impairment
- are in the forensic (criminal justice) system
- are angry about clinical relationships, e.g., perceived authoritarian attitude, unexpected outcome or negligence, discontinuation of care, ceasing medication refills
- have certain psychiatric diagnoses and/or medical diagnoses
- Environmental Risk Factors
- Opportunity to gain access or avoid detection such as unmonitored entries or stairwells, insufficient lighting, blind corners, unsecured rooms or closets.
- Increase stress such as signage that is confusing, poor weather conditions, difficulty parking or accessing a building, insufficient heat or air conditioning, and disturbing noise levels.
- Opportunities to be used as weapons such as unsecured furniture, fixtures, decorative items, office or medical supplies.
- Limits to staff’s ability to appropriately respond to violent incidents such as the lack of security systems, alarms, or devices.
It is recommended that all healthcare organizations evaluate and implement plans to address and respond to workplace violence. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) notes, “An employer that has experienced acts of workplace violence, or becomes aware of threats, intimidation, or other indicators showing that the potential for violence in the workplace exists, would be on notice of the risk of workplace violence and should implement a workplace violence prevention program combined with engineering controls, administrative controls, and training.” In addition, facilities with 10 or more employees are required by OSHA to have an emergency management plan. Below are some resources to begin and/or continue your journey of evaluation, training, and response to violence in the workplace.
OSHA Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence for Healthcare and Social Service Workers
MagMutual Resource – Physician Safety and Protection in the Outpatient Setting
MagMutual Resource – Preventing Workplace Violence FAQs and Actions You Can Take
Active Shooter – Run, Hide, Fight Video
Active Shooter – Desk Reference, Pocket Card and Poster
We hope this information is helpful to our members and their staff as they address and evaluate their emergency management plans related to workplace violence prevention. Please reach out to your risk consultant should you have questions or need advice through this process.
Ortho Risk Partners Risk Consultant
(618) 223-9596 or [email protected]
