#United States #Verkada #San Mateo #healthcare safety #Workplace Violence

Rising Safety Concerns in Healthcare Sector

A new study conducted by Verkada and The Harris Poll reveals alarming trends among healthcare workers in the United States regarding workplace safety. Nearly 40% of respondents indicated that they have considered leaving their jobs due to growing safety concerns, with a staggering 45% likely to depart within the next year. This reflects a troubling reality for an industry already grappling with workforce shortages, highlighted by the exit of 138,000 nurses since 2022.

The Healthcare Worker Safety Report sheds light on the daily challenges facing healthcare professionals, where violence and harassment have become an unsettling norm. Among those surveyed, nearly 3 million healthcare workers start their shifts with the anticipation of potential conflicts. About 21% confess to regularly worrying about verbal harassment from patients during their work hours. Disturbingly, 79% of healthcare workers have either encountered or witnessed aggressive behavior from patients, underscoring the urgent need for improved security measures in healthcare settings.

Gender and Age Disparities

The findings suggest that the burden of workplace violence is disproportionately skewed. For instance, female healthcare workers report encountering violence more often than their male counterparts. Furthermore, nurses are over twice as likely to face physical assault, compared to physicians, with 60% of nurses experiencing such incidents versus 29% of physicians. Interestingly, Gen Z employees also report physical assaults at rates indicating almost three times the frequency compared to Baby Boomers, with 60% and 19% respectively. This generational divide raises concerns about the work culture and support systems in place for younger healthcare professionals.

Inadequate Security Measures

Despite the persistent threats, the study revealed that a significant portion of healthcare workers feels their employers are lagging in implementing basic protective measures. 41% of respondents reported that their workplace has minimal security, and 77% noted no increase in security protocols in the last year. Essential measures, such as visitor ID checks, are only mandated in 40% of hospitals. This lack of action raises questions about the commitment of healthcare organizations to prioritize staff safety.

Demand for Enhanced Security

The need for urgent action is echoed by the preferences of the healthcare workforce themselves. Over 80% expressed a desire for their employers to enhance security measures at their workplaces. When asked about specific actions that would offer them peace of mind, 63% favored the presence of on-site security guards, while 49% recommended incorporating weapon detection technology. Additionally, 48% of those surveyed mentioned the utility of having panic buttons available as a safety feature.

Alana O'Grady, Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs at Verkada, emphasized the importance of addressing these issues, stating, "Healthcare workers dedicate their lives to caring for others, yet our research reveals that we're not doing enough to protect them." She further notes the significant economic implications, highlighting that workplace violence costs the healthcare system approximately $18 billion annually, a figure that's poised to rise if labor shortages continue to escalate.

Conclusion

The findings from Verkada's report underline a critical situation in which the safety and security of healthcare workers seem to be overlooked, impacting both their well-being and the ability to retain a sustainable workforce. As the industry faces considerable challenges, including rising violence against staff, it is paramount that healthcare organizations step up to address these urgent safety concerns. The full report can be accessed for a more detailed insight into this pressing issue and the necessary changes needed within the healthcare industry to protect its invaluable personnel.