Workplace violence in healthcare: causes, data, and prevention

Healthcare workers face significantly higher rates of workplace violence than most industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare and social service workers experience disproportionately high rates of assault-related injuries. In response, regulators and accrediting bodies, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and The Joint Commission, have strengthened expectations around workplace violence prevention programs.This guide defines workplace violence in healthcare, explains why it is a strategic risk to health systems, outlines regulatory obligations, and reviews prevention and response strategies, including modern safety technology.