Seven security measures to help prevent workplace violence

The first and most important tool in preventing a violent patient encounter is heightened awareness, which can help you spot behavior that may develop into future violence so that you can attempt to defuse the situation. Appropriate security measures can also help prevent workplace violence. Consider whether these are present in your clinic:

• Establish and enforce policies that limit public access to restricted areas,
• Ensure locked doors remain secured,
• Regularly change door keypad codes, if present,
• Require that visitors check in at the front desk and provide the reason for their visit,
• Require that employees wear uniforms or display name badges so they can be easily identified,
• Encourage employees to report what they believe are suspicious persons or activities without fear of reprisal (i.e., “If you see something, say something”),
• Ensure proper lighting and address potential hiding places for perpetrators in the parking lot.

Security is everyone’s job, so if improvements are needed in your clinic but you don’t have the authority to make them, don’t hesitate to bring it to the attention of the person responsible. Employers and managers should regularly review security at their facilities and make changes as needed.

Read the full FPM article: “How to Prepare for and Survive a Violent Patient Encounter.”