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776 Preventing Workplace Violence in Healthcare
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Work Practice Controls

Do not work alone:

  • in emergency areas or walk-in clinics, particularly at night or when assistance is unavailable.
  • in poorly-illuminated or secluded rooms.
  • when performing intimate physical examinations of patients.
  • Ask for a security escort when walking to parking areas in the evening or late hours.
  • Always use the "buddy system," especially when you believe personal safety may be threatened.

Be aware:

  • Evaluate each situation for potential violence when you enter a room or begin to relate to a patient or visitor.
  • Be vigilant throughout the encounter.
  • Always keep an open path for exiting - don't let the potentially violent person stand between you and the door.

Take these steps if you can't defuse the situation quickly:

  • Remove yourself from the situation.
  • Call security for help.
  • Report any violent incidents to your management.

For more examples of administrative and work practice controls see the OSHA guidelines

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

4-5. Which of the following is an example of a work practice control?