Protecting Kentucky's Hospital Caregivers
Kentucky hospitals are committed to the safety of their employees, who dedicate their lives to caring for the people of the Commonwealth. The Kentucky Hospital Association (KHA) and its members hospitals are working together on multiple fronts to address workplace violence.
Health care workers make up 10% of the workforce, but experience 48% of the nonfatal injuries due to workplace violence (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
- Zero tolerance policies
- Increasing the number of security personnel
- Daily safety huddles and review of incidents
- Comprehensive cultures of safety
- Staff education on safety protocols and reporting procedures
- Education for patients and visitors regarding zero tolerance policies through signs, posters, andcode of behavior forms
- De-escalation training
- Hands-on Safety Training
- Enhanced security measures based on ongoing risk assessments
- Metal detectors and/or AI systems
- Partnerships with local law enforcement to prevent and respond to violence
- Resources and support for staff who have experienced violent incidents
Working Together to Keep Staff Safe
KHA also created the KHA Guide to Workplace Safety & Kentucky’s Violence Felony Law and Resources to provide actionable strategies for hospitals as they continually adapt and update policies and practices. The guide includes newly developed sample policies, forms, and posters for hospitals to use as needed to supplement their work.
Questions?
James C. Musser
KHA Senior Vice President
Policy and Government Relations
(502) 593-2339
