September 16, 2024

Workplace Violence Laws in Healthcare: EBG’s 50-State Survey

News

Workplace violence in the healthcare industry is a growing concern. To help bring attention to this important issue, our friends at EBG Law have prepared a comprehensive 50-state survey on workplace violence laws in healthcare. This survey offers a detailed overview of current and proposed laws, highlighting the steps being taken across the United States to address this problem.

Why This Matters

Healthcare workers face increasing risks of workplace violence, with incidents becoming more frequent and severe. This not only impacts the safety and well-being of employees but also has broader implications, such as:

• OSHA Enforcement Actions: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is more actively enforcing safety regulations. Healthcare facilities that fail to address workplace violence risks may face penalties and increased scrutiny from OSHA.
• Employee Retention: When workers feel unsafe, it can lead to low morale and high turnover rates. Employees are more likely to leave their jobs if they don’t feel protected, making it harder for healthcare facilities to keep experienced staff.
• Collective Bargaining Pressures: Unions and workers are now focusing on workplace violence prevention as a key issue during negotiations. They are demanding stronger protections and better measures to ensure safety, which puts additional pressure on employers to make changes.

What the Survey Offers

The 50-state survey from EBG Law is a valuable resource for anyone involved in healthcare, from employers and facility managers to HR professionals and policymakers. Here’s what you can expect:

• Comprehensive Overview: A clear summary of current and proposed workplace violence laws in all 50 states, specific to the healthcare industry.
• Trends and Challenges: Insight into the evolving legal landscape, helping you identify emerging trends and challenges that may affect your organization.
• Best Practices: Guidance on best practices for developing and implementing workplace violence prevention plans, conducting site assessments, training staff, and maintaining proper records.

Taking Proactive Steps

With new state laws and proposed federal regulations, healthcare employers and facilities are now required to take specific actions to combat workplace violence. These measures include:

• Creating Prevention Plans: Developing comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans tailored to the needs of each facility.
• Site Assessments: Regularly assessing sites to identify potential risks and implement safety measures.
• Training: Providing training for staff on how to recognize, prevent, and respond to workplace violence.
• Recordkeeping: Maintaining detailed records of incidents to monitor trends and improve preventive measures.

This survey by EBG Law is a crucial step in raising awareness and starting conversations about this vital issue. By working together, we can make healthcare workplaces safer for everyone. The survey can be found, here.