FACT: According to Bureau of Labor statistics, an assault on a healthcare worker is the most common source of nonfatal injury or illness requiring days off from work in the healthcare and social assistance industry.
Source
What is workplace violence?
“Workplace violence ranges from offensive or threatening language to homicide. NIOSH 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.”
The NAEMT found:
“Four in five EMS workers have experienced some kind of injury or medical condition as a result of their work, according to the NAEMT “Experiences with Emergency Medical Services Survey,” conducted by Harris Interactive. Note the leading cause of INJURY was violence with 52% reporting being assaulted on the job.
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