Are Your Workers in Danger of Violence? 9 Factors for Assessing Risk

As an environment, health, and safety (EHS) manager, you want to protect your employees from workplace violence. Here are some tips for assessing risk from what is going to be required of healthcare facilities under California’s new Violence Prevention in Healthcare standard.

Under the new standard, healthcare facilities must develop a workplace violence prevention plan (Plan). The Plan must include procedures to identify and evaluate environmental risk factors for workplace violence in each area of the establishment, including areas surrounding the facility such as employee parking areas and other outdoor areas.

The environmental risk factors that are required to be addressed by fixed healthcare workplaces in California can be applicable to any building or facility where workers are present.

Note: Some states have state plan standards that address workplace violence. If you operate a facility in any state plan states, be sure you are aware of the most current standards.

Nine Tips for Assessing Risk from Violence

When assessing risk from violence at your facility, be sure to consider at least these nine factors:

1. Do any of your employees work in isolated locations isolated from other employees because of being assigned to work alone or in remote locations, during night or early morning hours, or where an assailant could prevent entry into the work area by responders or other employees?
2. Are any areas where possible assailants could be present poorly illuminated or visibly blocked?
3. Is there a lack of physical barriers between employees and persons at risk of committing workplace violence?
4. Does your facility lack effective escape routes?
5. Are there obstacles and impediments to accessing alarm systems?
6. Are there any locations within the facility where alarm systems are not working?
7. Are there any entryways in your facility where unauthorized entrance can occur, such as doors designated for staff entrance or emergency exits?
8. Are there furnishings or any objects in any area in your facility that can be used as weapons?
9. Is there inadequate storage of high-value items or money?

Key Takeaway for EHS Managers

Conduct training! All your employees should be trained so that they are aware of the potential security hazards at your facility and the means to protect themselves and coworkers. The training should include your workplace violence and prevention program and the procedures and practices to follow in the event of a violent incident.

In tomorrow’s Advisor, we will take a look at the training California is requiring to prevent workplace violence in healthcare facilities. We are sure that any EHS manager can develop similar procedures to round out safety training programs.