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776 Preventing Workplace Violence in Healthcare
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Work Practice Controls

Work practice controls are closely associated with administrative controls. Whereas administrative controls focus on common policies and procedures that apply to all supervisors, managers, and employees, work practice controls focus on unique individual precautions each employee can take to stay safe while performing their jobs.

Image of agitated employee
Treat aggressive clients in relatively open areas, but still maintain privacy.

Be on the alert for:

  • verbally expressed anger and frustration
  • body language such as threatening gestures
  • signs of drug or alcohol use
  • presence of a weapon

Use effective de-escalation techniques:

  • Present a calm, caring attitude.
  • Don't match the threats.
  • Don't give orders.
  • Acknowledge and validate the person's feelings.
  • Avoid any behavior that may be interpreted as aggressive.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

4-4. Which of the following controls focuses on unique individual precautions each employee can take to stay safe while performing their jobs?