Workplace violence in healthcare settings has become an alarming issue, with key data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) showing healthcare workers face a significantly higher risk of workplace assaults compared to other industries. Violence not only threatens staff safety, but also disrupts clinical operations, increase stress, and impact patient outcomes.
A growing body of evidence from organizations like The Joint Commission suggests that healthcare organizations that invest in robust workplace violence prevention strategies experience improved clinical performance, enhance patient safety, and higher staff satisfaction.
What Is Workplace Violence and How Does It Impact Healthcare?
Workplace violence in healthcare encompasses verbal abuse, physical assaults, and active threats. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), approximately 75% of all reported workplace assaults occur in healthcare and social service settings.
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Violence against healthcare workers results in increased medical errors, staff burnout, and delayed patient care, ultimately compromising clinical outcomes according to patient satisfaction groups such as Press Ganey. Information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) identified lower patient satisfaction due to violence in high-risk environments through longer wait times, higher stress levels, and reduced trust in their healthcare providers.
Key Preventive Strategies to Enhance Clinical Safety
One of the most effective ways to reduce workplace violence is early identification of threats. Because research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has identified that over 80% of the aggressors in healthcare facilities are patients receiving care, the initial risk assessment is critical.
There are several violence risk assessment tools that can be used by healthcare professionals to evaluate a patient’s potential for violent behavior. The assessment should take place at the initial triage and presentation of the patient. Organizations should evaluate the current tools available to determine which tools works best within their clinical operations and electronic medical records system. Behavioral threat assessment teams help healthcare organizations detect and mitigate risks before they escalate into violent incidents.
Additionally, OSHA says de-escalation training equips healthcare staff with the skills to manage aggressive behavior safely and effectively, reducing physical altercations and workplace injuries.
The International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) has developed a Threat Management Guideline to assist organizations to establish a process and multi-disciplinary team to identify, assess, and manage threats of violence or other behaviors of concern.
Regularly Conduct Comprehensive Security Vulnerability Assessments
Implementing comprehensive physical security measures plays a vital role in workplace safety and violence prevention. The organization’s physical environment can be designed to reduce opportunities for crime and assaults. Organizations should first determine the current physical security posture by conducting a comprehensive security vulnerability assessment.
According to IAHSS, the security vulnerability assessment evaluates if the program is susceptible to any known weaknesses or risks, assigns severity levels to those vulnerabilities, and recommends remediation or mitigation, if needed. Security vulnerability assessments should be conducted by a qualified healthcare security professional on a regular ongoing basis or when the environment changes.
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Access control systems, duress alarms, and surveillance technology help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive patient care areas and ensure rapid response during emergencies. Security personnel trained in trauma-informed care contribute to safer interactions with patients and visitors, minimizing conflicts and promoting a more therapeutic environment.
OSHA, Joint Commission and Legal Requirements
Regulatory agencies have recognized the importance of workplace violence prevention in healthcare. OSHA among other regulatory guidelines mandate that healthcare facilities develop and implement comprehensive violence prevention programs. OHSA believes that a well written and implemented Workplace Violence Prevention Program, combined with engineering controls, administrative controls and training can reduce the incidence of workplace violence.
Similarly, The Joint Commission introduced new workplace violence prevention standards in 2022, requiring hospitals to establish reporting systems, provide staff training, and implement risk assessment protocols. State-level mandates, such as California’s SB 1299, further reinforce the need for healthcare organizations to prioritize staff and patient safety through structured violence prevention policies.
The proposed SAVE Act H.R. 2584 (Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees Act) will establish a new criminal offense for knowingly assaulting or intimidating hospital personnel during the performance of their duties, additionally, this bill will authorize grants to reduce incidence of violence in healthcare facilities.
Workplace Safety Improves Staff Retention and Performance
A safer workplace leads to reduced stress and burnout among healthcare professionals, which directly impacts their ability to deliver high-quality patient care. Center for Disease Control (CDC) studies indicate that up to 60% of healthcare workers have experienced workplace violence, leading to increased absenteeism, lower job satisfaction, and higher turnover rates.
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According to a 2025 (AHA) report, nurse turnover rates related to workplace violence reached and estimated cost of $260 million for U.S. based hospitals. High turnover and staff shortages negatively affect patient care by increasing workload stress, reducing clinician-patient interaction time, and increasing the likelihood of medical errors.
Employees who believe their employer cares about their safety and well-being are more likely to be engaged, productive and loyal to their employer. A strong workplace safety and security program can improve retention, and employee satisfaction.
Less Workplace Stress Reduces Medical Errors, Fosters Patient Satisfaction
Research suggests a strong correlation between workplace stress and medical errors. A 2019 study published in the Journal on Quality and Patient Safety found that hospitals with high rates of workplace violence reported an increase in medication errors and procedural mistakes.
Similarly, a 2021 study published by the Journal of Nursing Research in found that nurses who experienced physical violence at work reported difficulty concentrating, which contributed to medical errors and adverse patient care events.
A well-implemented workplace violence prevention program can significantly reduce these risks, leading to better patient safety outcomes.
A secure hospital environment fosters a sense of trust and safety among patients.
Data from the American Hospital Association (AHA) shows that hospitals with lower rates of workplace violence score higher on patient satisfaction surveys compared to facilities with high incident rates. Patients who feel safe and supported are more likely to comply with treatment plans, leading to better health outcomes and reduced readmission rates.
Furthermore, research published by Workplace Health & Safety indicates that hospitals with effective violence prevention programs report an increase in patient satisfaction related to staff interactions, further supporting the link between workplace safety and patient experience.
Reduce Workplace Violence to Improve Patient Care
Effective workplace violence prevention is not only a security imperative but also a critical component of quality healthcare. Hospitals that prioritize effective security programs, staff training, and compliance with regulatory standards create safer environments that enhance patient outcomes. Addressing workplace violence proactively leads to improved staff retention, reduced medical errors, and increased patient trust.
To achieve these benefits, healthcare organizations must implement proactive security measures such as threat assessment protocols, real-time incident reporting, access control systems, and specialized de-escalation training. These strategies not only protect staff but also ensure a stable and secure clinical environment where patients receive uninterrupted, high-quality care.
By integrating security best practices into patient care models, hospitals can create a culture of safety that directly translates to better patient satisfaction, lower readmission rates, and improved overall health outcomes. As healthcare continues to evolve, strong security programs must be recognized as a fundamental pillar of high-quality patient-centered care.
Mike Hodges is vice president of public safety for Piedmont Healthcare, and Paul Sarnese is a consultant and owner of Secured & Prepared Consulting.
Note: The views expressed by guest bloggers and contributors are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, Campus Safety.
