Workplace Violence Essay

Workplace violence can be defined as any threatening act of harassment, physical violence, disruptive behavior or, intimidation where a person is working. Workplace violence can happen in or outside a work station and, can engage clients, customers, visitors, employees and, employers. The workplace violence can range from physical assaults, homicides, threats and verbal abuse. The most common targets for workplace violence are the nurses who work - in the emergency departments (ED) and, nurses who work in psychiatric mental hospitals. Two million workers in America practically report workplace violence annually (Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 2015). However, many people don’t speak up when they are violated. According to the

The paper will also entail a review of some of the reasons why violence in work places is not reported and, policies implemented against workplace violence.

Factors contributing to workplace violence in hospitals

Examples of factors contributing to workplace include – working with violent and unsound persons; working in places where alcoholic drinks are served; handling prescription drugs and money. Working with the community; working in isolated places or alone and working when there are strikes also contribute to the risk of workplace violence. Furthermore, the place of work and the period of time given to work can increase chances of workplace violence. For example, working night shifts near crime related areas can result in workplace violence (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 1997-2014).

Cases of workplace violence The staff at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center was subjected to various injuries and threats by the visitors and patients. In 2014, forty cases of violence in the University Hospital were reported between February and April. A very serious case was reported of a nurse who incurred brutal brain injuries after being assaulted in her workplace. The outcome of was a fine of seventy thousand dollars because of not taking any measures to help prevent violence against its recruits (Occupational Safety and Health Administration,

Her attacker kicked, punched and choked her until she lost all consciousness. The attacker then continued with his assault by grabbing a wall phone and using it to further batter the unconscious nurse (American Nurses Association, 2015).

Reasons why most violence cases are not reported

Nurse experts claim that most of the violent attacks in workplaces are not reported. There are a number of reasons why this happens. Some of the reasons may include – some of the nurses are afraid to report; some nurses believe that no action will be taken if they report and the management of the hospital doesn’t want a negative image to be formed of the hospital. Other reasons are – more focus is given to the customer service and lack of management responsibility. In some instances, the perpetrator is just given a warning.

Ways to reduce workplace