Healthcare Worker Protection: An Overview of Safety Efforts

Healthcare workers experience high rates of workplace violence that often results in physical injury or, in extreme cases, death. The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated the problem. Enhanced penalties and avenues for redress are a part of the solution that federal and state governments can address. Even without government intervention, healthcare organizations and programs should review existing policies and explore ways to strengthen worker protections.

This explainer highlights several of these approaches and discusses ways to promote a safe work environment.