Creating a Culture of Safety: Proactive Strategies for Reducing and Preventing Workplace Violence

Workplace violence (WPV) poses an increasing threat to the safety of healthcare workers.  According to a recent Press Ganey report, more than two nurses were assaulted every hour between April 1 and June 30, 2022. That is approximately 57 occurrences per day and over 1,700 assaults per month (Brigham, 2023). And, according to the American Hospital Association, 60% of surveyed hospitals implemented WPV prevention initiatives as of 2022.

SDAHO recognizes the importance of supporting our members in WPV and has been awarded the South Dakota Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility grant to aid in gathering member feedback, providing in-person training for critical access hospitals (CAH), and providing resources for all SDAHO members.

SDAHO will be hosting an in-person training event, Creating a Culture of Safety: Proactive Strategies for Reducing and Preventing Workplace Violence, on April 23 from 10:00am to 3:00pm CST in Chamberlain, South Dakota. This is an invitation-only event exclusively for Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in South Dakota. Each CAH can send a maximum of two staff members to attend. If you have not received the complimentary registration code provided to each CAH, please email info@sdaho.org to obtain it.

Some of the topics to be covered during this in-person event, include:

• Identify Risk Factors: Recognize and assess the risk factors contributing to workplace violence, including patient-related stressors and high-pressure situations.
• Implement Security Protocols: Develop and implement robust security protocols and access controls to minimize the risk of violent incidents.
• Strengthen Communication Skills: Enhance communication skills to effectively navigate and mediate conflicts, promoting a positive and respectful work environment.
• Create a Safe Physical Environment: Design hospital spaces and layouts that prioritize safety, reducing opportunities for violence and enhancing staff security.
• Establish Emergency Response Plans: Formulate comprehensive emergency response plans that guide staff in effectively managing and containing violent incidents.
• Address Trauma-Informed Care: Integrate trauma-informed care principles into workplace practices to provide sensitive and supportive care to patients, minimizing triggers.

After the in-person event a webinar series will be offered, and multiple resources will be available for all SDAHO members.

If you work in a South Dakota Critical Access Hospital and are interested in attending the in-person event, please click here.

American Hospital Association. 2020 AHA Annual Survey: Violence Prevention Initiatives.

Brigham, G. (2023). Essentials for healthcare workplace violence prevention. Washington Nurse, 53(2), 54-59.

Acknowledgment and Disclaimer: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $866,675 with 0% percentage financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.