Three Things Healthcare Organizations Should be Doing to Better Address Workplace Violence & Intervention

Healthcare Workplace Violence Prevention 

We know all too well that Hospitals are high-risk environments where staff are exposed to violent and aggressive patients, family members, and other visitors. In addition, recent high-profile events, such as acts of extreme violence, are driving employee and physician’s concerns for safety. But security is only one piece of a Healthcare organization’s Workplace Violence Prevention & Intervention (WPVPI) Program.  

In reality, effective prevention and intervention of workplace violence requires a multi-disciplinary approach with a supporting multi-layered security plan. Here are three things that Healthcare Organizations can, (and should), be doing to better address the challenges of Workplace Violence: 1) Developing and Implementing a comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention & Intervention Program, Including a Needs/Vulnerability Assessment. 2) The development of Policies, Plans & Procedures. 3) Developing and Implementing Active Assailant Response Protocols. 

Workplace Violence Prevention & Intervention Program Components:  

Needs Assessment/Vulnerability Assessment  

• Assesses the organization’s vulnerability to violence 

• Evaluates current prevention and intervention practices 

• Evaluates physical security 

Development of Policies, Plans & Procedures 

• Standalone WVPI Policy 

• Governance 

• Implementation plan 

• Incident management protocols 

• WPVPI & Response Training for… 

• WPVPI Awareness for all personnel 

•  Enhance Training for Leaders 

• Threat Management Team 

Active Assailant Protocols 

• Organizational  

• Individual 

Finally, in addition to the above, to be effective, a WPVPI Program MUST foster an organizational culture of trust and respect. Organizational WPVPI programs backed up by well-thought-out plan(s) establishing accountability for follow through, how to report workplace violence, and establishing education & training on awareness, reporting, and response are the hallmark of Best Practice WPVPI programs. The goal is to empower all your employees to have a more personal stake in their safety and security.  By doing so, Healthcare organizations create “force multipliers” in their pursuit of a safe and secure work environment.  

By: Dave Benson, CTM, Senior Advisor, Global Operations & Threat Mitigation