DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado lawmakers are considering a bill that would require hospitals to step up efforts to prevent workplace violence.
Hospitals are not immune. Violence against health workers is not new, but it is getting worse.
Just ask Margaret, a Front Range health care worker who has been in the profession for six years.
“I think it’s increased since the pandemic, but I don’t think it’s gone away,” she said.
Margaret, who asked that her last name not be used, is no stranger to workplace violence.
“I have witnessed and experienced colleagues being verbally abused and physically assaulted, including sexual assault and harassment,” she said.
The bill would put in place a violence prevention plan.
She told FOX31 she supports the bill passing through Colorado. All hospitals, free-standing emergency rooms, and assisted living facilities in the state must increase their violence prevention efforts.
“I often feel scared when I go to work,” Margaret said.
She explained some of the reasons healthcare workers face violence from patients.
“Frustration, fear, pain. Unfortunately, if these issues are not addressed quickly and appropriately, they perpetuate the violence,” Margaret said. “And so are the psychosocial conditions we encounter, such as mental illness, substance abuse disorders, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, etc.” It is necessary and staff shortages make it difficult to respond appropriately.”
State Rep. Eliza Hamrick is one of the bill's sponsors.
“In a survey conducted by the National Nursing Association, thousands of nurses responded to questions about the rise in workplace violence. 29% talked about physical violence as well as harassment, intimidation, and bullying. '' Hamrick said. “HB-1066 would therefore voice their concerns and allow them to participate in the facility’s process of developing a violence prevention plan.”
The plan includes the creation of a committee of existing staff. The facility then develops a plan to respond to the violence, train employees, track the situation, and provide follow-up services. The plan should include training and de-escalation.
“The problem is so big at the moment that we really need a joyful community effort to address this problem,” Margaret said. “I think violence not only makes the job at hand difficult, but also contributes greatly to the burnout and compassion fatigue that we are all experiencing. I'm sure there are. I know people who have quit their professions.”
A similar labor bill was successful in California.
Hamrick said: “Workers are the ones who know how to create a safe work environment. What this plan does is send them out into the community and facilities, and the community listens to the commission's plan and follows it. We have to implement this. I think this is a great way for healthcare workers to work with peace of mind.”
Hamrick said there were similar plans in states such as California. She told FOX31 this has reduced workplace violence against health care workers by at least 40%.
The bill has been filed and assigned to the Health and Human Services Committee, but no hearing date has been set.
