Worker Safety
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Robert Loseman, Jr.
Vice President of Safety and Preparedness
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- 573-893-3700| ext. 1305
Health care providers — especially front-line staff within hospital emergency departments — increasingly are faced with violent encounters by patients and visitors.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that 52% of all workplace violence incidents recorded are in health care. MHA has developed resources to assist member hospitals with mitigating workplace violence through advocacy, reducing regulatory burden, strengthening partnerships and implementing evidence-based strategies through policy development and staff skill building.
Regulatory Update
An update on workplace violence regulatory considerations is available.
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Addressing Workplace Violence
Missouri’s Workplace Violence Definition
MHA facilitated the review and adoption of a definition of workplace violence with the intent of providing clarity and scope, and establishing parameters for future data collection.
Purpose
To provide scope and direction to statewide program development and data collection initiatives.
Definition
“An act or threat occurring at the workplace that can include any of the following: verbal, written or physical aggression; threatening, intimidating, harassing or humiliating words or actions; bullying; sabotage; harassment; physical assaults or other behaviors of concern involving staff, licensed practitioners, patients, visitors or others on-site or off-site when related to the health care facility.” — International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety
IAHSS Resources
Statewide Data Collection
To quantify the prevalence of workplace violence incidents occurring within Missouri hospitals, MHA relaunched a data collection initiative to inform advocacy efforts and member technical assistance. Designated hospital safety and security leaders have received an Excel-based collection tool, along with a request to submit standardized measures three times annually, to wpvdata@mohospitals.org.
Advocacy
- Advocating for urgent awareness and reasonable regulatory interpretation from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services — formal communication to Health and Human Services leadership to include CMS, the Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response and the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse was sent by MHA on behalf of member hospitals.
- MHA sent a letter to each Missouri county prosecutor informing them that hospital personnel were added to the definition of “special victim” in Section 565.002, RSMo., thereby enhancing the penalties for assault of hospital staff. The new provision broadens the scope of protected health care workers from the emergency department to the entire hospital facility.
Armed Violent Intruder Planning
Respiratory Protection
The CDC’s NIOSH provides essential guidance on respiratory protection for healthcare workers, including standards, training resources, and strategies to prevent exposure to airborne hazards.
Safe Patient Handling
OSHA offers strategies and tools to help hospitals reduce worker injuries related to lifting and moving patients, improving safety for both staff and patients.
Sharps Injury Prevention
The CDC provides guidelines and resources to help healthcare workers prevent needlestick injuries and exposures through safer practices and device use.
Slips, Trips and Falls
This NIOSH workbook outlines common hazards and practical steps to reduce slip, trip, and fall injuries in healthcare settings.
Hazardous Chemical and Material Management
Chemical Hazards in Health Care
Health care workers may be exposed to hazardous chemicals such as aerosolized medications, anesthetic gases, and antineoplastic drugs. These exposures can lead to acute effects like headaches and fatigue, as well as long-term risks including reproductive harm and cancer. Implementing safety protocols, using appropriate protective equipment, and providing training can significantly reduce these risks.
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
The NIOSH Pocket Guide provides essential information on hundreds of workplace chemicals, including exposure limits, physical properties, first aid measures, and recommended personal protective equipment. It's a vital resource for workers, employers, and occupational health professionals aiming to recognize and control chemical hazards in various environments.