Maintaining a Culture of Safety in the Face of Workplace Violence Trends in Health Care

• September 01, 2025

• Jonathan C. Bumgarner , Hall Render Killian Heath & Lyman PC
• Kathryn E. Jones , Hall Render Killian Heath & Lyman PC
• Mary Kate Liffrig , Hall Render Killian Heath & Lyman PC

With workplace violence incidents prominent in health care, fostering a safe environment for staff and patients has become increasingly urgent. Health care workers are disproportionately affected by workplace violence incidents, a troubling trend that was almost certainly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employees in the health care and social service sectors are five times more likely to experience a workplace violence injury than workers in other industries. Several factors unique to health care can contribute to this heightened risk. These include working directly with individuals in emotional and high-stress environments, relatively open and accessible facilities, poor lighting or environmental design, isolated work situations, understaffing, and inadequate or ineffective security measures.

ARTICLE TAGS

• Labor and Employment Practice Group
• Labor and Employment