---
title: CPS Safety Watch/Alert - Violence Against Healthcare Workers
description: CPS Safety Watch/Alert - Violence Against Healthcare Workers
---

[Patient Safety Blog ](https://blog.centerforpatientsafety.org)

# [CPS Safety Watch/Alert - Violence Against Healthcare Workers](https://blog.centerforpatientsafety.org/2018/06/05/cps-safety-alert-violence-against-healthcare-workers)

 Written by [Kathy Wire, JD, MBA, CPPS, CPHRM, FASHRM](https://blog.centerforpatientsafety.org/author/kathy-wire-jd-mba-cphrm-cpps) | Jun 5, 2018 2:11:07 PM

**SAFETY ALERT: Violence Against Health Care Workers**

Includes:

- Verbal Threats
- Hitting
- Biting
- Scratching
- Kicking
- Stalking
- Harassment

**ACTIONABLE ITEMS TO MITIGATE RISK **

- Review policies and education of staff pertaining to the recognition and de-escalation of hostile and aggressive behavior by patients.
- Evaluate the need for security personnel and mental health professionals to assist with identification and de-escalation of aggressive behavior.
- Assess physical work environment to limit/eliminate the possibility of staff working in isolation without escape route in the possibility a patient 
- becomes physically aggressive.

**THE CULTURE CONNECTION **

- Ask your staff if they feel comfortable reporting aggressive behavior
- Encourage staff to use teamwork strategies such as ensuring a second staff member is readily available to assist with procedures where patients have increased risk of becoming aggressive
- Leadership should evaluate the culture and consider implementing a support system for staff members who feel threatened/intimidated by patients

**RESOURCES **

- [The Joint Commission Sentinel Event Alert Issue 59, April 17, 2018.  Violence against health care workers.](https://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/18/SEA_59_Workplace_violence_4_13_18_FINAL.pdf)
- [The Joint Commission Sentinel Event Alert Infographic.  Take a stand: No more violence to health care workers.](https://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/6/SEA_59_WPV_infographic_3_30_18_FINAL.pdf)
- [The Joint Commission Requirements relevant to violence against health care workers.](https://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/6/SEA_WPV_TJC_requirements.pdf)

[Download Here](https://www.centerforpatientsafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Safety-Alert-Volume-5-Issue-2.pdf)

 

[View full post](https://blog.centerforpatientsafety.org/2018/06/05/cps-safety-alert-violence-against-healthcare-workers)

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