A recent study conducted by the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found violence to be one of the top causes of nonfatal occupational injuries among skilled nursing workers.
The most common causes of nonfatal injuries that long-term care professionals experienced in the workplace were overexertion and bodily reaction (38%), followed by violence (24%) and falls, slips and trips (16%). The study found much of the violence skilled nurses face is committed by patients and their families. While the study only analyzed injuries that took place in skilled nursing and residential care facilities, the results are similar to the threats that hospital employees face across the country.
No one should have to fear they will be assaulted or abused in the workplace. That is why it is so crucial that lawmakers protect healthcare workers through policies like the Save Healthcare Workers Act.
There is currently no federal law that protects hospital employees from assault or intimidation. As a result, many violent attacks on healthcare workers are never prosecuted. The Save Healthcare Workers Act (S. 1600/H.R. 3178) would create legal penalties for individuals who knowingly and intentionally assault hospital employees.
The bipartisan legislation would also strengthen the capacity of hospitals to enhance security systems and more effectively coordinate with law enforcement by establishing a grant program. The time is now to stop violence against healthcare workers in all settings.
To read more about the study, CLICK HERE.
To read more about the Save Healthcare Workers Act, CLICK HERE.