Workplace Violence in Health Care: An Overdue OSHA Standard in the Making

The evidence of rising workplace violence in the health care sector is clear. Two recent surveys (of emergency physicians and nursing personnel) indicate that the rate of violence experienced by health care workers has increased, and the number of assaults is alarming. Workplace violence also a is a key compounder of staff attrition as well as patient safety. Absent federal protective legislation, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has developed a potential standard for the prevention of workplace violence in health care and social assistance.