FHM TRAINING TOOLS
This training presentation is part of FHM’s
commitment to creating and keeping safe
workplaces.
Be sure to check out all the training programs
that are specific to your industry.
Workplace Violence in Healthcare
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These materials have been developed based on applicable federal laws and regulations in place at the time the materials were created. The program
is being provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute and is not intended to provide OSHA compliance certification,
regulatory compliance, a substitute for any "hands on“ training required by applicable laws and regulations, or other legal or professional advice or
services. By accessing the materials, you assume all responsibility and risk arising from the use of the content contained therein.
©2010 Grainger Safety Services, Inc.
Learning Objectives
Objectives:
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Recognize risk factors
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Knowledge of prevention
strategies
Agenda
Agenda:
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Workplace violence in the
healthcare setting
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Risk factor for violence
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Prevention strategies
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Safety tips
►Section 1
Workplace Violence
in Healthcare
Settings
Violence in the Healthcare Workplace
Workplace violence:
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Exposed to many safety and
health hazards
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At high risk for experiencing
violence in the workplace
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Hospital workers are assaulted
at rates 4 times the average for
other private-sector industries
Activities Related to Violence
Activities:
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Meal times
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Visiting hours
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Patient transportation
May occur when:
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Denied service
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Involuntary admission
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Limiting the patient
What is Workplace Violence?
Examples:
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Threats, expressions of intent to
cause harm
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Physical assaults
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Muggings
Case Reports
Examples:
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An elderly patient verbally
abused a nurse
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An agitated psychotic patient
attacked a nurse
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A disturbed family member
walked into the emergency
department and fired a smallcaliber handgun
Who Is At Risk?
Who?
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Anyone working in a healthcare
setting
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Nurses and aides
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Emergency response personnel
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Safety officers
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Healthcare providers
Where May Violence Occur?
Where?
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Psychiatric wards
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Emergency rooms
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Waiting rooms
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Geriatric units
The Effects of Violence
Effects:
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Minor physical injuries
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Serious physical injuries
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Temporary and permanent
physical disability
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Psychological trauma
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Death
►Section 2
Risk Factors for
Violence
Risk Factors for Violence
Risk factors:
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Working directly with volatile
people
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Working when understaffed
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Transporting patients
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Long waits for service
More Risk Factors
Risk factors:
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Overcrowded, uncomfortable
waiting rooms
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Working alone
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Poor environmental design
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Inadequate security
And Yet More Risk Factors
Risk factors:
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Drug and alcohol abuse
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Access to firearms
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Unrestricted movement of the
public
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Poorly lit areas
►Section 3
Prevention
Strategies
Prevention Strategies
Prevention:
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Environmental design
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Administrative controls
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Behavior modification
Environmental Designs
Environmental:
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Emergency signaling, alarms,
and monitoring systems
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Security devices
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Cameras
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Provide security escorts
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Design waiting areas
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Design public areas
Administrative Controls
Administrative:
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Designing staffing patterns
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Restricting the movement of the
public by card-controlled access
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Developing a system for alerting
security personnel when violence
is threatened
Behavior Modifications
Behavior:
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Recognizing and managing
assaults
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Resolving conflicts
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Maintaining hazard awareness
The Consequences of Violence
Consequences:
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Providing an environment that
promotes open communication
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Develop written procedures for
reporting and responding to
violence
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Employers should offer and
encourage counseling
►Section 4
Safety Tips for
Healthcare
Employees
Safety Tips for Healthcare Workers
Safety tips:
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Watch for signs of violence
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Maintain behavior that helps
defuse anger
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Stay alert
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Have an escape plan
Signals of Impending Violence
Signals:
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Verbally expressed anger and
frustration
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Body language
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Signs of drug or alcohol use
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Presence of a weapon
Behavior to Diffuse Anger
Diffuse:
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Presenting a calm attitude
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Don't match the threats
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Don't give orders
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Acknowledge the person's
feelings
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Avoid behavior that may be
interpreted as aggressive
Alertness
Alertness:
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Evaluate each situation for
potential violence
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Be vigilant throughout the
encounter
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Don't isolate yourself
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Always keep an open path for
exiting
Diffuse the Situation Quickly
Diffuse:
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Remove yourself from the
situation
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Call security for help
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Report any violent incidents to
your management
Successful Prevention Strategies
Prevention:
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Security screening system
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Violence reporting program
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System restricting movement of
visitors
Summary
Summary:
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No universal strategy exists to prevent violence
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Risk factors vary from facility to facility
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Healthcare facilities should form multidisciplinary
committees to identify risk factors
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All workers should be alert and
cautious
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Workers should actively
participate in safety training
programs
Additional Information
Sources of additional information:
►
Violence: Occupational Hazards
in Hospitals. National Institute of
Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) Publication No. 2002101, (2002, April)
►
OSHA e-tool on hospital
workplace violence
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etool
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools
s/hospital/hazards/workplaceviol
/hospital/hazards/workplaceviole
ence/viol.html
nce/viol.html