Residents of the Pittsburgh area rely upon health care providers to assist them when they become ill or are injured. What patients visiting area hospitals may not be aware of is that in many situations, while providing that care those workers are putting themselves at risk of suffering a work injury. The risk is due to a variety of things including those in existence at other types of workplaces. In addition however, they are also at risk for being injured by patients who are out of control. This is particularly true for those who work in area emergency rooms.

Sometimes these workers contend with just verbal abuse. In other situations however, they may find that a patient is hitting, kicking or spitting at them. While anyone who works at a hospital is at risk of having to face these behaviors, nurses working with intoxicated or mentally ill patients are commonly involved.

To address the issue, many hospitals in Western Pennsylvania have worked to protect their staff members. Some hospitals provide staff training on how to deal with physical attacks. Workers at other facilities receive training on how to anticipate a violent episode and what steps can be taken to try to avoid those situations.

In addition, changes have been made to some emergency room facilities. Metal detectors have been installed at the entrances to some ERs. In other hospitals, security cameras have been installed which are constantly monitored. In one instance, local police have even taken up residence in a substation located in the ER.

Employers of all types owe it to their employees to provide a safe working environment. Most would agree this is even more important in healthcare settings where others are depending on the workers for care.

Source: Tribune-Review, "Western Pennsylvania hospitals constantly aware of threat of violence," Rossilynne Skena, March 2, 2013