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776 Preventing Workplace Violence in Healthcare
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Work Practice Controls

Do not work alone:

  • In emergency areas or walk-in clinics, particularly at night or when assistance is unavailable.
  • In poorly-illuminated or secluded rooms.
  • When performing intimate physical examinations of patients.

Ask for a security escort when walking to parking areas in the evening or late hours. Always use the "buddy system," especially when you believe personal safety may be threatened.

Situational Awareness

Be aware:

  • Evaluate each situation for potential violence when you enter a room or begin to relate to a patient or visitor.
  • Be vigilant throughout the encounter.
  • Always keep an open path for exiting - don't let the potentially violent person stand between you and the door.

Take these steps if you can't defuse the situation quickly:

  • Remove yourself from the situation.
  • Call security for help.
  • Report any violent incidents to your management.

For more examples of administrative and work practice controls see the OSHA guidelines

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

4-5. Which of the following is an example of a work practice control?