Healthcare worker safety is back in the news – this time because IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) reported that attacks on Accident and Emergency nurses in England have almost doubled over the past six years.
What are steps to take to address this epidemic of violence against healthcare workers? Read on to find out
The global state of healthcare worker safety
Unfortunately, the IOSH finding isn’t the only data point suggesting rates of workplace violence in healthcare settings are increasing. Others have demonstrated that rates of workplace violence in healthcare settings are increasing worldwide:
United States
Drawing on data gathered by BLS, the National Safety Council (NSC) found that of the 28,970 nonfatal work-related injuries caused by assaults and resulting in Days Away From Work (DAFW) in 2021-2022, a staggering 70.2% occurred in a healthcare or social assistance setting.
Australia
Nearly 40% of healthcare survey respondents reported exposure to violent or traumatic events at work, including exposure to harm, abuse, or assault, receiving threats, or being in view of a traumatic event or death, according to the Australian Workers’ Union and Head First Mental Health Issues in the Workplace Report from October 2023.
At-risk healthcare professionals
Unsurprisingly, nursing has consistently ranked among the most dangerous jobs.
But nurses aren’t the only healthcare workers who are vulnerable to incidents of workplace violence. Beyond nurses and their aides, emergency response personnel, hospital safety officers, and all other health care providers, including doctors, surgeons, and technicians, also comprise a major risk group.
Key risk factors for violence against healthcare workers
What are the commonalities? Well, it turns out that a few basic factors consistently influence an employee's risk of workplace violence in a hospital setting. According to NIOSH, common risk factors for violence in a hospital setting include:
- Working directly with volatile individuals. Especially if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, have a history of violence, or suffer certain psychotic diagnoses.
- Staffing issues. Working while a facility is understaffed, especially during mealtimes and visiting hours.
- Patient interactions. Transporting patients or managing long waits for service.
- Environment. Overcrowded or uncomfortable waiting areas.
- Security gaps. Working alone, inadequate surveillance, insufficient security apparatuses, or a lack of security personnel.
- Training deficiencies. Lack of site-specific staff training for preventing and managing incidents.
Recommendations for healthcare workplace safety
Understanding these risk factors is the first step to take before developing a tailored safety protocol.
According to IOSH, though, that safety protocol should include risk assessments that take into account psychosocial hazards, such as aggression, which are often underrated in workplace safety reviews.
Safety and health professionals should also adopt zero-tolerance policies, with clear procedures supported by staff training and public communication in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
In addition, conflict management and de-escalation training can also support staff in high-pressure environments like emergency departments.
Another best-practice recommendation is to avoid, to the extent practicable, scheduling lone working in areas where aggression is more likely. If that’s not feasible, healthcare employers should have security management software with reliable alarm systems for raising alerts when staff are at risk.
Security software to ensure employee safety
What sort of systems? Healthcare organizations need systems that allow them to rapidly communicate any type of emergency with the push of a button. These systems should connect simultaneously to on-site personnel, first responders, and those involved to keep everyone informed throughout a situation.
Key capabilities of modern security software
One-push activation
Notify 9-1-1 and key staff that you need help with the push of a single button, minimizing response time and improving outcomes.
Improved incident response
Provide important details for each panic button activation on your property for both internal stakeholders and 9-1-1.
Systems integration
Activate and broadcast to additional channels like digital signage, video systems, access controls, websites, sirens and IoT-ready devices.
Conclusion
There’s no healthcare system without dedicated healthcare workers, yet these workers are some of the most vulnerable to incidents of workplace violence.
Panic button technology in security management systems is a key part of the solution to help keep them safe. But safety fundamentally starts with workplace violence prevention measures.
For a deep dive into the steps to mitigate and respond to workplace violence, check out our Workplace Violence Prevention Guide for Healthcare.
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