How MHA Helps Hospitals Create Safe Work Environments

April Is Workplace Violence Prevention Awareness Month

Workplace violence in the health care field is a daily reality, and the risks that health care workers face are not isolated or rare.

“Health care workers face an elevated risk of both verbal and physical violence, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with rates of workplace violence in health care environments being five times higher than in other industries,” said Robert Loseman, vice president of safety and preparedness at the Missouri Hospital Association.

Unlike other professions, health care employees often deal with vulnerable individuals who may be under stress, in pain, or experiencing mental health crises, which can lead to unpredictable and sometimes violent behavior, Loseman said.

These persistent risks can take a significant emotional and physical toll on staff, yet workplace violence is often underreported or misunderstood, he said. Acknowledging and addressing these risks is crucial for creating safer environments for both patients and workers alike.

April is Workplace Violence Prevention Awareness Month, which serves not only to raise awareness about the widespread prevalence of violence in health care settings but also to drive advocacy for meaningful policy changes, promote essential training and education, and foster a culture of safety and support.

Common types of workplace violence

Hospital employees may be exposed to different forms of workplace violence, which are typically seen in the following forms.

• verbal abuse (e.g., threats, yelling, swearing, racial slurs or demeaning comments)
• physical assault (e.g., hitting, kicking, biting, spitting, scratching or throwing objects)
• sexual harassment or assault (e.g., inappropriate touching, sexual comments, gestures or advances)
• bullying and lateral violence (directed at individuals by their peers)
• threats with weapons or objects

While anybody working in health care can be subject to these types of violent behaviors, certain roles — such as nurses, emergency department staff, mental health workers, and public safety and security personnel — have a higher tendency to experience these incidents, Loseman said.

Violence in the workplace can have lasting effects on health care staff.

“Victims of workplace violence often suffer trauma, stress, anxiety, burnout, and physical injuries, which can contribute to high turnover and absenteeism,” Loseman said. Workplace violence also can lead to a potential for a decline in the quality of care provided to patients.

Proactive steps to create a safe work environment

According to Loseman, the No. 1 thing that hospitals can do to prevent workplace violence and contribute to a safe work environment is develop a comprehensive workplace violence prevention program.

“Health care teams should establish a well-rounded program with clear policies, objectives and procedures. Make sure that you designate an executive champion to oversee the initiative and involve staff at all levels in both planning and implementation,” he said.

While there is currently no nationwide requirement for health systems to have such a plan, that may change. Two members of Congress this month introduced legislation that would require health care employers to write and implement a workplace violence prevention plan.

The American Hospital Association reports that at least six in 10 hospitals have violence prevention plans.

Hospitals also are encouraged to conduct regular risk assessments, provide ongoing training and education to staff, test their workplace violence response plans, and conduct drills to practice the appropriate responses to violent situations.

“When certain patient behaviors raise concerns, involve the relevant teams immediately to assess and manage potential risks before they escalate. Consider developing a dedicated multidisciplinary response team to address acts of aggression,” Loseman said.

Health care leaders also have a responsibility to clearly define workplace violence in policies and ensure health care workers feel comfortable reporting violent or suspicious behavior.

After an incident, health care leaders should make sure that support systems are in place, including peer-to-peer networks, counseling and debriefing sessions. Employee wellness programs and mental health resources should be made available to support the staff’s well-being.

MHA’s resources for safe workplaces

At MHA, several resources and training opportunities are available to health care workers when it comes to preventing workplace violence and creating safe environments at hospitals.

MHA regularly hosts educational events and specialized training sessions to help hospitals establish and strengthen workplace violence prevention programs, including an upcoming five-part virtual series, “Mitigating Workplace Violence for Health Care Workers,” which will take place Thursdays, from May 15 to June 12.

A wealth of resources also is available on MHA’s website. The Worker Safety section includes up-to-date regulatory guidance, comprehensive toolkits and best practice recommendations designed to support hospitals in creating safer work environments for health care workers. MHA-member hospitals also can access the MHA-member hospitals also can access the Healing Happens Here toolkit – a series of public-facing resources to raise awareness about the type of behavior acceptable within the health care environment.

In addition, MHA actively collects and analyzes data from hospitals across Missouri to gain a clearer understanding of the prevalence and nature of workplace violence. MHA’s advocacy team works with lawmakers to support key bills that help create safer working conditions and ensure appropriate consequences for violent behavior toward health care workers.

Another way that MHA supports hospitals in reducing the incidence of workplace violence is through partnerships with law enforcement and other community stakeholders.

Loseman encourages hospitals to actively engage with their local law enforcement Crisis Intervention Team programs. These programs include cross-training opportunities, allowing hospital staff to better understand law enforcement protocols, while officers gain valuable insight into medical and psychiatric procedures. This mutual learning fosters more coordinated, effective teamwork during high-pressure situations.

Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health offers tips and information about risk prevention for health care workers.

Final thoughts

Despite the risks of workplace violence that health care employees face, there is some good news, according to Loseman.

“Hospitals are increasingly implementing robust programs with enhanced training systems for improving situational awareness and effective de-escalation training,” he said.

Technological innovations, such as real-time location-tracking badges for staff, weapons detections systems, electronic incident reporting systems and utilization of behavioral analytics software, also assist hospitals’ efforts to create a safe environment for everyone.

A safe workplace is essential for the well-being of both staff and patients. When health care environments are secure and respectful, it empowers teams to deliver the highest quality care without fear of harm, Loseman said.

“By prioritizing the physical and mental well-being of health care workers,” Loseman said, “we can ensure they are equipped to continue providing quality care in environments that are both safe and conducive to their health.”