By Jeff Wardon, Jr., Assistant Editor

Violence in healthcare facilities continues to grow, with workers struggling to protect themselves against these incidents. As these incidents become more common, some workers are taking to picketing to advocate for improved workplace safety. 

In Butler County, Pennsylvania, healthcare workers picketed outside Butler Memorial Hospital for Independence Health System to tighten safety measures, CBS News reports. The picketing workers are requesting metal detectors installed at all the entrances to the hospital. Currently, the only metal detector installed at the hospital is in the emergency room entrance, leaving other areas vulnerable. 

Related Content: Addressing Workplace Violence in Healthcare with Reporting Systems

The picketing comes in response as to what the nurses’ union sees as a rise in violent incidents within the hospital, CBS News reports. Nurses recounted several cases of violence, with one getting their teeth knocked out while on duty and another being bitten on the leg. The union is looking to ask for increased safety measures in upcoming contract negotiations with the health system. 

One way to combat the growing tide of violence is implementing a safety culture within healthcare facilities and organizations. DeskAlerts recommends these five steps to create a culture of safety: 

1. Improve communication by establishing clear and open channels for it to happen. 
2. Introduce sound and reliable incident reporting systems. 
3. Lead by example and have leadership model the behaviors that are desired. 
4. Keep an eye on emerging safety issues and be proactive about risk management. 
5. Actively invest in safety and allocate the resources for it. 

Jeff Wardon, Jr., is the assistant editor of the facilities market.