Workplace Violence at Healthcare Facilities is a Growing Problem
Studies show that violence towards physicians, nurses, and other front-line healthcare workers is more common than most people realize. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that 25,000 workplace assaults occur each year in healthcare settings. According to the Government of Accountability Office, the problem is so big that workplace violence is a serious concern for 15 million healthcare workers. It’s disheartening to hear that Forbes identified healthcare as being America’s most dangerous profession due to workplace violence.
Of course, your employees are not statistics; they are flesh and blood, and it crucial that each and every one of them is protected from acts of violence.
Workplace Violence is Costly
Direct Costs
- Worker’s compensation claims
- Lost time to injuries
- Per diem replacements
- Lawsuits
- Damage to your facility
- Insurance premium increases
- Equipment damage
Indirect Costs
Perhaps what’s more concerning is the impact on your organization when your people don’t feel safe. Maslow taught us that safety is a basic human need, and without it, it’s hard to reach your full potential. Lack of safety will lead to stress, low engagement, mistakes, productivity issues, high turnover, and damage to your healthcare facility’s reputation. If your workplace is viewed as being unsafe, it will make it difficult for you to attract and retain talent.
Traditional Security Measures Aren’t Enough
Traditional security is designed to keep people out of your facility. Acts of workplace violence typically are committed by people already inside your building. The perpetrator could be a coworker, patient, family member, or other guests visiting patients.
What’s the Solution? Pinpoint Healthcare Duress Systems™
Employee training and situational awareness are important, but when a dangerous situation arises, the only defense is getting help on the scene as soon as possible. The best way to do this is to provide your doctors, nurses, and administrative staff with a portable, easy to use, discreet way to request help. When it comes to protecting healthcare workers, there is no room for error. That’s why we designed our system from the ground up to create the easiest to use, most accurate, and reliable healthcare staff duress system on the market.