Adviser Vol. 3 2016 | Page 6

This Is COOL Insurance Made Simple Preventing Violence in the Healthcare Workplace W orkplace violence in healthcare facilities has been declining but that doesn’t mean it’s completely absent from hospitals and long term care facilities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost half of non-fatal injuries from occupational assaults and violence occur in healthcare and social services settings. Who is most at risk? Statistics indicate that nurses or nurse’s aides were the most likely victims of assault, most of which are committed by Statistics indicate that nurses or nurse’s aides were a patient toward an employee. Other assaults occurred between a stranger and an employee and between two or the most likely victims of assault, most of which are more former or current co-workers. Given the risks, there is an imperative need for healthcare facilities to establish committed by a patient on an employee. violence prevention policies to protect their employees. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), healthcare facilities should implement a violence prevention program as part of their larger safety and health program. This program serves to reduce the severity and frequency of injuries that employees face, track the facility’s progress in reducing violence and decrease the threat of violence to employees’ safety. Specifically, the program: • Outlines a clear policy detailing that violence, including verbal and nonverbal threats, will not be tolerated in the workplace; • Eliminates the chance that individuals would seek revenge on an employee for reporting violence; • Encourages employees to report violent acts quickly; • Outlines a plan to maintain safety in the workplace; and • Explains management concerns for employee physical and emotional health. You can rely on HealthPRO’s reform expertise to enhance your market position Preferred Partner A partnership with us means solutions are custom-tailored to your needs. Our approach to rehab management is truly unique–driven by: • • • • • • Flexible service models (in-house & outsourced) Health care reform expertise & targeted programming Clinical outcomes Unmatched compliance depth of experience Sophisticated use of technology Broad clinical reimbursement knowledge The goal of such a program is to guarantee that: • Employees comply with and support a violence-free workplace; and • Employees feel comfortable reporting violence. Training Consider HealthPRO® as your partner. 860.480.5369 • [email protected] healthpro-rehab.com When designing violence prevention programs orchestrate prevention training that is mandatory for all employees. According to OSHA, training is a key element in violence prevention, as the employees receive extensive information about how to conduct (See Preventing Violence on page 6) 5 Adviser a publication of LeadingAge New York | Fall 2016