Transcript VIOLENCE In the WorkPlace - Greater Baltimore Medical

VIOLENCE
In the WorkPlace
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 deescalate 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:


Facility:
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
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
SITUATIONS
TAKE THREATS OF
INTIMIDATION
SERIOUSLY!!
DO NOT IGNORE!
Threats may be:
verbal, written, physical, over
the phone, or through e-mail
Signs of Potential
Violence
 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. DefensiveVerbally
Threatening
3. Physically
Acting Out
4. Stimulation/
Stress Reduction
ACTION
:
1. Supportive/
Reassurance
2. Directive: Set
reasonable,
consistent,
clear limits
3. Proper
physical control
4. Staff establish
Rapport
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
Disruptive Behavior
Causes:
FEAR AND ANGER TO
THOSE IN THE
ENVIRONMENT
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!
GBMC Procedure:
POLICY # 807: SAFETY
MANUAL
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 (410938-3200 or 1-800-8231337)
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!
Resources:
 Human
Resources x2204
 Employee
 Security
Health x2239
x2222