Workplace violence is a serious and growing problem in today's healthcare settings that affects all employees. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), approximately 75 percent of nearly 25,000 workplace violence incidents reported annually occurred in healthcare and social service settings. OSHA defines workplace violence as “violent acts, including physical assaults and threats of assault, directed toward persons at work or on duty.” Although this issue is widespread throughout the healthcare environment, Emergency Departments (ED) and inpatient psychiatric settings typically have the most recorded incidents with nurses and doctors in these specialties taking most of the abuse. Workplace violence comes with a high cost. First and foremost, it harms workers—often both physically and emotionally—and makes it more difficult for us to do our jobs.
At Stony Brook University Hospital, we are committed to maintaining a safe work environment free from violence, harassment and other threatening behavior. The SBUH Workplace Violence Prevention (WPVP) Core committee was created to promote a culture of safety, including raising awareness and transparency about workplace violence incidents. The committee consists of representatives from various clinical and non-clinical departments along with employee representatives who proactively develop staff education, resources and tools to assist in the prevention of workplace violence. The Core committee is supported by leadership through quarterly WPVP Steering committee meetings with senior executive sponsors who provide guidance, support and resources to enhance program.
The Core Committee swiftly reviews reported incidents of workplace violence to implement immediate actions to protect staff. The newly launched workplace violence icon on SB Safe provides a convenient process for reporting workplace violence incidents. The online reporting tool streamlines the reviews of events to respond to trends or concerns in real-time. In addition, our Respect poster was developed to reinforce our commitment to a work environment free from violence and harassment. The posters are located throughout the hospital and the messaging is also displayed on digital message board locations.
The committee has focused prevention efforts in areas/units with increased risk for volatile or aggressive behavior identified through active risk assessments and data analysis. Staff education is our utmost priority, and we are currently exploring a train-the-trainer model in order to reach staff at all levels and provide hands-on de-escalation training.
Patient Safety First (PSF) also has a team conducting staff interviews related to workplace violence prevention to identify strengths/weaknesses in our programming so the necessary improvements can be identified and implemented. Aftercare resources for staff are being investigated to provide emotional support, when needed, after a workplace violence incident.
We all have the right to feel safe in the workplace. I urge all staff to remain proactive in reporting abuse so that we can maintain a safe environment for our valued employees as well as for our patients and their families. If you witness an act of violence or believe there is an immediate threat to someone’s safety, dial 911 from any campus phone or 631-632-3333.
Carol