VIOLENCE VIOLENCE In the WorkPlace In the WorkPlace
Dec 16, 2015
Objectives: After completion of the presentation, the participant will be able to:
Identify 4 signs of a potentially violent situation.
Identify 3 methods of controlling disruptive behavior.
Describe how to report an incident at GBMC.
Describe 5 security measures you and/ or the facility can take to prevent violence.
Introduction:Violence is a serious problem. It occurs
EVERYWHERE...
.............Even in the WorkPlace! GBMC HealthCare, Inc. has developed this program to address this issue.
This self learning packet will provide you with the knowledge to prevent and de-escalate disruptive and potentially violent situations in the workplace.
Policy # 807 is found in the safety manual. It can also be found on the GBMC Intranet under Employee Health policies. FAMILIARIZE yourself with the policy: ZERO TOLERANCE is the position of our management at GBMC.
HOMICIDE IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF WORKPLACE DEATH
FOR WOMEN AND THE SECOND LEADING
CAUSE OF DEATH FOR ALL WORKERS
(Center for Workplace health and safety, Inc.)
Incidence:
One in 6 violent crimes occur on the job.
Highest incidences occur in places:– where cash is regularly
handled– where employees work alone
(late @ night)– where there is regular contact
with prisoners– AND.......................
Incidence cont.
WHERE THERE MAY BE HIGHLY EMOTIONAL
SITUATIONS, SUCH AS HOSPITALS AND SOCIAL
WORK/ SOCIAL SERVICES ORGANIZATIONS.
Incidence cont.
INTENSIVE CARE UNITS, ORs, MEDICAL-SURGICAL
FLOORS, NURSERIES, NURSING HOMES, AND COMMUNITY HEALTH SETTINGS HAVE ALL
BEEN THE SCENES OF VIOLENT ACTS!
OF 1209 EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT NURSES
RESPONDING TO A RETROSPECTIVE
SURVEY, 97.7% HAD EXPERIENCED SOME
TYPE OF VICTIMIZATION
(Journal of Emergency Nursing, 1991)
Causes of Violence Robbery is the number 1
cause in the workplace. BUT,
Violence occurs from: Coworkers, visitors, outsiders,
and customers under emotional stress
A relative, friend, or acquaintance entering the premise to do harm (Domestic Violence situations)
Individuals under the influence of a substance
Prolonged waiting
PREVENTION:
“UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS FOR VIOLENCE”
It should be expected but can be avoided or mitigated through preparation
Security Procedures:Self:
Alert security of unusual behavior
Identify visitors
Wear ID badge
Store briefcase and purse locked and out of site
Do not walk alone at night
Facility: Visitor registration Lighted hallways &
stairwells Lighted garage Cameras Panic buttons
(garage) Safety surveillance
– security; – plant operations; – safety committee; – management
Security Procedures cont.
Facility Layout Unit Layout: location doors,
windows, furniture Identify items that may cause
injury: chairs, small equipment
Identify items that could help protect: mattress, pillows, sheets
RECOGNITION OF POTENTIALLY
VIOLENT VIOLENT SITUATIONS
TAKE THREATS OF INTIMIDATION SERIOUSLY!!
DO NOTNOT IGNORE!
Threats may be:
verbal, written, physical, over the phone, or through e-mail
Signs of Potential ViolenceViolence
Threats Tantrums- may be sign of
more violent behavior Withdrawn Angry Blames others Becomes verbally/ Physically
Abusive Talks about guns
MORE SIGNS! Unreciprocated romantic
obsession Expressions of hopelessness
or heightened anxiety Violence towards inanimate
objects
Levels of Disruptive Behavior
1. Anxiety, discomfort, anger
2. Defensive- Verbally Threatening
3. Physically Acting Out
4. Stimulation/ Stress Reduction
1. Supportive/ Reassurance
2. Directive: Set reasonable, consistent, clear limits
3. Proper physical control
4. Staff establish Rapport
ACTION:
Setting Effective Limits
Explain which behavior is inappropriate
Explain why the behavior is inappropriate (focus on behavior; not person!)
Give the individual reasonable choices
Allow time for the individual to make a choice
Enforce Limits
Setting Effective Limits
Remember: Speak in calm, soft voice Do NOT intervene alone! Adopt a supportive posture (no
arms across chest; no hands in pockets!)
Be aware of personal space: Don’t allow yourself to be backed into a corner!
Do not convey negative feelings Listen, Listen & Listen!
Methods of Controlling Disruptive Behavior
Verbally Chemically (medications) Physical Control Techniques
TRAINING:
Will assist staff in:– control of actions and
emotions– Provide framework to develop
emotional support and– provide a team for physical
safety
If you find yourself in an escalating situation:
MAKE NO HEROIC ATTEMPTS TO SUBDUE OR CONTROL PATIENT/ INDIVIDUAL!
INSTITUTE PROCEDURE AND GET HELP!
If incident occurs which includes threats:
Report threat or act to supervisor IMMEDIATELY!
Complete Employee Medical Referral Form and seek appropriate medical treatment (ER or EHS based on extent of injury and hours)
Consider use of Employee Assistance Program (410-938-3200 or 1-800-823-1337)
Manager will contact:
Employee Situation– Human
Resources– Security– Employee
health and Safety
– Management
Visitor*/ Patient– Security (may
call BCPD)– EHS if
employee involvement/ injury
– management
*Visitor may be friend or acquaintance of employee
Employee Situations are taken Seriously!
Employee who threatens/ acts violently will:
Be evaluated by EAP to determine if threat to workplace
Remain off work until healthcare provider authorizes release
Need to undergo treatment/ counseling if recommended by Healthcare Professional.
Staff will: Be supportive to each other Be supported by
management Offered EAP services (EAP
will determine if debriefing necessary)
SUMMARY:
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE IS A REALITY!
PROPER TRAINING AND PREPARATION, AS WELL
AS SUPPORTING SYSTEM PROCESSES AND
PROCEDURES CAN MINIMIZE THE THREAT OF
VIOLENCE.
BE PREPARED! DON’T BE A VICTIM!