Our Workforce Safety Committee is looking for ways to prevent some of the threatening behavior and violence to our front line staff, especially in our emergency rooms.  We have seen examples of signs that have been posted in other ER's stating that violence to health care workers is a felony, or a symbol such as a stop sign with discussions that violence or threatening behavior will not be tolerated.  Although many feel this is a tremendous idea and reflects concerns for employee safety, there are others who are reluctant as they see this as something that takes away from the patient/family friendly atmosphere one is trying to create in a waiting area.  

 

I am looking for other's experiences with such signage or messaging about violence to HCW's, or any evidence that this type of approach helps reduce such behavior.  

 

Thanks

 

Dana

 

 

Dana Sparhawk, MD, MPH, FACOEM| Director, Employee and Occupational Health Services|Clinical Assistant Professor, Alpert Medical School, Brown University| Human Resources |Lifespan

Tel: 401-444-7412 |Fax: 401-444-6310 |dsparhawk@lifespan.org |www.lifespan.org

 

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