Realistic Safety Solutions for Medical & Mental Health Professionals
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What are some of the risks for Medical & Mental Health Professionals?
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Medical and Mental Health Professionals are exposed to numerous health and safety hazards....violence included.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), recent data indicates that medical professionals are at high risk for experiencing violence in the workplace. Rates of assaults on medical professionals are 8.3 per 10,000 versus 2 per 10,000 workers in other professions. Violence against Mental Health Professionals is equally high, with 41% of assaults in hospitals occurring in psychiatric units. Medical & Mental Health Professionals face the same risks all occupations and industries face, but there are additional risk factors that are unique to Medical & Mental Health professions.

  • The risk factors that have been identified for Medical & Mental Health Professionals include:

  • Increased use of hospitals by the criminal justice system for criminal holds and the care of acutely disturbed and potentially violent individuals.

  • Prevalence of handguns carried by patients and their friends and family members poses a potential danger to staff members. One study found that 25% of major trauma patients treated in the ER carried weapons.

  • Presence of gang members in hospital emergency rooms has created the potential for rivalry and gang related violence.

  • Availability of drugs and money at hospitals, clinics and pharmacies make them targets for robbery.

  • Unrestricted movement of the public in medical and mental health facilities increases accessibility to staff members.

  • Long wait times in clinics and hospitals may agitate or anger patients, clients and family members.

  • Exposure to situations in which people may become emotionally escalated (i.e., mental health issues, injury, illness, victimization or death of a loved one) can put staff at risk.

  • Use of alcohol and/or drugs by patients, clients or family members increases the risk of harassment and violence.

  • Isolated work with patients or clients during exams, treatment or counseling (e.g., exam rooms, offices, outpatient facilities, home visits, community outreach, etc.) increases the possibility of harassment and violence.

  • Lack of training in managing escalating, hostile and aggressive behavior adds to the risks already faced by the Medical and Mental Health Community.

  • Working during late night and early morning hours and/or walking alone in poorly lighted areas increases the risk of harassment and violence.

                     Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Realistic Safety Seminars for Medical & Mental Health Professionals

Although the Realistic Safety Strategies remain constant, Nicole has the ability to customize the scenario phase in her seminars to meet the specific needs of medical and mental health professionals. Learn more...



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