Safety

Nurses concerned about emergency department violence

OSHA Healthcare Connection, August 17, 2010

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An August 10 article published by the msnbc.com indicates that violence against nurses and other medical professionals is increasing as more patients with drug, alcohol, and psychiatric issues show up at emergency departments.

According to the article, the number of violent incidents related to drugs or alcohol jumped from 16,227 in 2006 to 21,406 in 2008.
One nurse explains how she has suffered a chipped tooth, scratches, bruises, and has even been groped.

Twenty-six states currently apply tougher penalties for assaults against healthcare workers while on the job, according to the report.

Check out the resources under the workplace violence prevention heading on the Tools page.
 



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