New GAO report on workplace violence against healthcare workers released

Last week, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on workplace violence, "Additional Efforts Needed to Protect Healthcare Workers from Workplace Violence (GAO-16-11). The report, requested by Senator Patty Murray and the House of Representatives' Committee on Education and Workforce Democrats, documents the high rate of workplace violence at healthcare facilities, particularly at psychiatric facilities. Additionally, the severity of such incidents are on the rise. The report also makes recommendations about workplace violence prevention programs that can prevent or mitigate the injuries due to workplace violence.

Find a fact sheet on the report HERE.

To read the full report click HERE.

Senator Patty Murray's office sent out the following release:

Sen. Murray Unveils New Report on Workplace Violence Against Health Care Workers
In the last year, report finds that 30% of workers in hospitals reported being physically assaulted; 70% of workers in psychiatric settings also experienced violence

Murray: “Violence should never be part of any job description.”

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) unveiled the findings of a new report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on actions needed to reduce and mitigate the incidence of workplace violence in health care facilities. Although health care facilities are perceived as a place to get well, many who are employed in these facilities face elevated risk of injury from violence—mostly originating from patients.

“No worker should ever have to fear facing violence on the job,” said Senator Patty Murray. “Unfortunately, as this report makes clear, for far too many health care workers in my home state of Washington and across the country, workplace violence and injuries are a real and growing threat. This is unacceptable. These professionals do vital work in hospitals and other health settings to care for our loved ones, our neighbors, and our communities. I’m going to be working hard with my colleagues and stakeholders to help create a strong, national standard that protects our workers once and for all.”

Federal injury data shows that the rate of workplace violence at health care facilities is high and the severity is intensifying; at some psychiatric facilities the rates of violence are extreme; and many injuries can be prevented or mitigated through workplace violence prevention programs. GAO conducted this study over the course of nearly two years, interviewed health care workers in five states, and evaluated OSHA’s efforts to protect health care workers from workplace violence.