VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE

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Delphia Stanley
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2 Objectives By the end of this training module, the participant will be able to: Define workplace violence Understand the risk factors for workplace violence in the healthcare industry List at least three prevention measures to reduce the risk of workplace violence CIHQ - All Rights Reserved

3 Workplace Violence Workplace violence: any physical assault, threatening behavior, or verbal abuse occurring in the work setting. Workplace: any location either permanent or temporary where an employee performs any work-related duty..this includes, but is not limited to, the buildings and the surrounding perimeters, including the parking lots, field locations, clients homes and traveling to and from work assignments CIHQ - All Rights Reserved

4 Workplace Violence Beatings Stabbings Suicides Shootings Rapes Near-suicides Psychological traumas Threats or obscene phone calls Intimidation Harassment of any nature Being followed, sworn or shouted at Workplace Violence Includes CIHQ - All Rights Reserved

5 Types of Workplace Violence 4 types of workplace violence: 1.Type I Violence by a stranger (sometimes called criminal violence ) 2.Type II Violence by a customer or client 3.Type III Violence by a co-worker 4.Type IV Violence by someone in a personal relationship CIHQ - All Rights Reserved

6 Stats & Facts The statistics are staggering! The healthcare sector leads all other industries, with 45% of all nonfatal assaults against workers resulting in lost work days in the United States (BLS, 2006). In a survey of over 2,160 nurses, one of the largest U.S. studies to examine the risk factors for workplace violence among nurses, researchers from the John Hopkins School of Nursing found that almost one third (30%) of nurses/nursing personnel experienced workplace violence (19.4% physical, 19.9% psychological). Healthcare, personal care, and community and social service occupations accounted for roughly 55% of total assaults in Women, who comprise roughly 80% of employment in those categories, also incurred the lion s share of healthcare-related assault (Wolf, 2010). Within the healthcare industry, nearly 50% of lost work time assaults by persons in 2006 were from nursing and residential care facilities, and nearly 30% were from hospitals (Wolf, 2010). A June 2008 study showed that workers in the healthcare sector are 16 times more likely to be confronted with violence on the job than any other service profession (Massachusetts, 2010). According to a 2010 survey from the Emergency Nurses Association, more than half of Emergency Room nurses were victims of physical violence and verbal abuse, including being spit on, shoved, or kicked; 1 in 4 reported being assaulted more than 20 times over the past 3 years (ENA, 2010). CIHQ - All Rights Reserved

Consequences of Workplace Violence Individuals Physical injury (minor to severe disability) Psychological trauma (short- and long-term) Emotional distress/anxiety Lowered self-esteem Post-traumatic

7 Consequences of Workplace Violence Individuals Physical injury (minor to severe disability) Psychological trauma (short- and long-term) Emotional distress/anxiety Lowered self-esteem Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Death Intent to leave the job Feelings of incompetence, guilt, powerlessness Fear of returning to work Fear of criticism by supervisors Loss of confidence in ability Changes in relationships with coworkers Secondary impact on personal life (emotional/economic issues) Organizations Decreased productivity Low employee morale Increased job stress Absenteeism and lost work days Restricted or modified duty (secondary to injury) Increased employee turnover with retention issues Recruitment challenges Distrust of management CIHQ - All Rights Reserved

Environmental Design Poorly lit corridors/parking lots Working directly w/volatile people

8 Risk Factors for Hospital Violence Transporting Patients Long waits for service Working alone Working when understaffed Long waits for service Overcrowded waiting rooms Poor Environmental Design Poorly lit corridors/parking lots Working directly w/volatile people Drug and alcohol abuse Access to Firearms Inadequate security CIHQ - All Rights Reserved

The program encompasses the following elements: Management commitment and employee involvement

9 Prevention Program A workplace violence prevention program demonstrates an organization s concern for employee emotional and physical safety and health. The program encompasses the following elements: Management commitment and employee involvement Worksite analysis Hazard prevention and control Safety and health training Recordkeeping and program evaluation CIHQ - All Rights Reserved

Minimize the Risk There are a number of actions that employees can take to minimize the risks associated with

Pay attention to your physical surroundings. Trust your instincts.

If possible, avoid locations that are poorly lit or have poor visibility.

10 Minimize the Risk There are a number of actions that employees can take to minimize the risks associated with security hazards in the work environment. Awareness is the first step! Also. Pay attention to your physical surroundings. Trust your instincts. Remove yourself from uncomfortable situations if you can. If possible, avoid locations that are poorly lit or have poor visibility. Carry and use a flashlight if the surroundings are poorly lit or when traveling at night Work with a partner or have an effective means of communication, such as a cell phone or pager. Use the locks and security systems available to you. Report security hazards promptly to a supervisor. CIHQ - All Rights Reserved

Employee Involvement Employee involvement should include Understanding and complying with the workplace violence prevention program and other safety and security measures Participating

teams that receive reports of violent incidents or security problems Making facility inspections and responding with recommendations for corrective strategies Taking part in a

11 Employee Involvement Employee involvement should include Understanding and complying with the workplace violence prevention program and other safety and security measures Participating in employee complaint or suggestion procedures covering safety and security concerns Reporting violent incidents promptly and accurately Participating in safety and health committees or teams that receive reports of violent incidents or security problems Making facility inspections and responding with recommendations for corrective strategies Taking part in a continuing education program that covers techniques to recognize escalating agitation, high risk behavior, or criminal intent and discusses appropriate responses CIHQ - All Rights Reserved

Post Event Response The victim s immediate response to a violent workplace incident can range from passive acceptance or avoidance to verbal defense to more active negotiation and physical defense.

12 Post Event Response The victim s immediate response to a violent workplace incident can range from passive acceptance or avoidance to verbal defense to more active negotiation and physical defense. Post-incident actions should include: Provide medical care to the victim Debrief the victim Provide counseling Report the incident Assist with injury claims Prosecute perpetrators when indicated CIHQ - All Rights Reserved

13 In Summary Remember that workplace violence is any physical assault, threatening behavior, or verbal abuse occurring in the work setting. Be sure to report violent incidents promptly and accurately CIHQ - All Rights Reserved

14 References 1.American Nurses Association (ANA). (2010). State legislative agenda: Workplace violence. Available at: /State/StateLegislativeAgenda/WorkplaceViolence.aspx. 2.Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor.Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Available at: 3.National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health/Workplace Violence Prevention Strategies and Research Needs. Available at: CIHQ - All Rights Reserved

15 End of Study Module Please review this material again if there are areas of content that are not clearly understood. Complete the post-test when you are ready. This module will not be considered complete until the post test is taken CIHQ - All Rights Reserved

OSHA, Workplace Violence, and the Healthcare Facility Keeping Your Facility Safe and Compliant

OSHA, Workplace Violence, and the Healthcare Facility Keeping Your Facility Safe and Compliant Steve Wilder, BA, CHSP, STS Sorensen, Wilder & Associates 727 Larry Power Road Bourbonnais, IL 60914 800-568-2931