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Safety Spotlight February 2020

 
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February 2020 Volume 8 Issue 2
   
 
 
Workplace Violence in Healthcare
 

Today more than 5 million U.S hospital workers perform a wide variety of duties. This could expose them to many safety and health hazards, including violence. Recent data indicates hospital workers are at a high risk for experiencing violence at work.  Workplace violence can be any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening and/or disruptive behaviors that occurs at the worksite.

Several studies indicate violence often takes place during times of high activity and interaction with patients, such as at meal times and during visiting hours and patient transportation. Assaults may occur when service is denied, when a patient is involuntarily admitted, or when a health care worker attempts to set limits on eating, drinking, or tobacco or alcohol use.

What is Workplace Violence?

Workplace violence ranges from offensive or threatening language to homicide. NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) defines workplace violence as violent acts (including physical assaults and threats of assaults) directed toward persons at work or on duty.

Examples of violence include the following:

  • Threats: Expressions of intent to cause harm, including verbal threats, threatening body language, and written threats.
  • Physical assaults: Attacks ranging from slapping and beating to rape, homicide, and the use of weapons such as firearms, bombs, or knives.
  • Muggings: Aggravated assaults, usually conducted by surprise and with intent to rob.

It is very important for employees to be trained on how to deal with violence in a healthcare setting. Creating a violence prevention program is crucial and provides guidelines for workers who may come into contact with patients and visitors who are violent. For more information on this important topic, please see OSHAcademy’s free online course 776 Preventing Workplace Violence in Healthcare. 

 
 
 
 
 
Promoting Organizational Health
 

By Kristine Catimbang, OSHAcademy Training Coordinator

Occupational Health Psychology (OHP) is an emerging and rapidly expanding field. OHP is an applied science which relies on well-researched, data-based decisions and processes to decrease and any incidences of workplace hazards. Concerns about the effects of work on an individual’s health and well-being have been researched in the past, but it has become a more serious focus in recent years due to the health risks (Adkins, 1999). OHP focuses on the application of psychology and public health principles to improve workforce and organizational health.

OHP focuses on health protection and health promotion (CDC, 2013). Health protection in the OHP definition refers to interventions n the workplace that are meant to protect workers from work hazards. Health promotion in the OHP definition refers to the individual-level intervention where workers are equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to improve their health. This allows workers to resist hazards in their work environments. In public health terms, these two interventions are categorized as primary prevention since OHP can find solutions before any workplace problems and/or hazards occur.

Occupational Health Psychologists study (APA, 2020) included the following items:

  • sources of work stress
  • outcomes of work stress
  • ways to reduce work stress
  • work-life connection
  • workplace safety

OHP strongly stems from the concerns of increasing occupational stress. Work-related stress is an increasing public health hazard and occupational risk factor. OHP can be utilized by companies to decrease the incidence of work-related stress and other health hazards amongst their works. It provides the vital tools needed to meet the challenges regarding both individual and organizational health.  This paves the way for the development of interventions that can eventually prevent workplace accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Some occupational health psychologists work to develop and implement wellness programs aimed at improving outcomes like physical health, work-life balance, and mindfulness. These interventions can also help leaders and managers create a functioning safety culture and climate within the company.

 
 
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Waldorf University Learning Partnership
 

At OSHAcademy, we go above and beyond to ensure you get the value you deserve.  In addition to our comprehensive training, we continue to establish learning partnerships with other organizations who offer you exclusive benefits because of your relationship with us!

Waldorf University is a top university who provides online degree and certificate programs, including an Associates, Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Applied Science in Occupational Safety and Health. 

As a Learning Partner, OSHAcademy students who complete and purchase a qualifying OSHAcademy program can receive a 10% tuition discount for their Waldorf University training.  This represents a potential tuition savings of $1,800 for an Associates (AS) degree and $3,600 for a Bachelors (BS) degree.

 
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FEATURED COURSE OF THE MONTH

600 Introduction to Occupational Safety and Health
 

All employees have the right to a safe workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) was passed to prevent workers from being killed or seriously injured at work. The law requires employers to provide their employees with safe working conditions that are free of known dangers.

This course gives a broad overview of OSHA, hazard communications, fall hazards, and personal protective equipment.  Every new hire or exisiting employee will benefit from this important course.

 
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