Workplace violence is a serious concern for everyone, no
matter the type of business or the position held. In fact, workplace homicide
continues to be the fourth leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the
United States and the leading cause of death for women in the workplace.
What can be classified as workplace violence? According to
the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), it is any act or
threat of physical assault, harassment, intimidation, verbal abuse or other
threatening disruptive behavior that occurs in the workplace. Preparing ahead
of time and arming yourself with knowledge will help you stay safe and mitigate
threats. Consider how you would answer the following questions as you review
safety measures in your work environment.
- Are name tags or ID cards required for workers to access your office? Do they omit personal information such as last name?
- Is a limited amount of cash kept on hand?
- Is the patient waiting area visible to workers?
- Are waiting areas and work areas free from objects that could be used as weapons?
- Is furniture in waiting areas and work areas arranged to prevent entrapment of workers?
- Are the facility corridors, rooms and parking lots well lit?
- Do you have a means of emergency communication?
- Could someone hear a worker who calls for help?
- Are waiting times for patients kept short to reduce frustration?
- Can exit doors be opened only from the inside to prevent unauthorized access?
- Is your office in a high crime location?
This year, OSHA published updates
to the 1996 and 2004 voluntary guidelines for preventing workplace violence for
healthcare and social service workers. To learn more about violence prevention
program strategies, visit http://1.usa.gov/1ARRqcg.
