Healthcare violence

Violence is a severe problem in healthcare facilities with more assaults occurring in health and social services than any other industry. In a recent 10 year period there were 106 health care related deaths from violence. Psychiatric units and emergency departments are the leading areas for violence, but no department is immune.

Eliminating violence from healthcare facilities is a responsibility each facility and its employees share.

The facilities can:

* provide information on the hazards associated with units and jobs
* train supervisors on methods to reduce security hazards
* supervise the movement and care of risky patients and monitor high risk patients
* control access to high risk areas, including emergency rooms, psychiatric units, intensive care units and pharmacies
* ensure employee safety by prohibiting them from working alone and providing escorts as appropriate

Employees can:

* know the security procedures of their facilities
* not leave scalpels or needles near patients
* obtain patient history of violence
* report every violent incident to administration and security