What the source explains
The resource discusses factors such as crowding, waiting, lone work, poor lighting, unrestricted access and inadequate preparation. It presents a written violence-prevention programme as part of the broader safety system. Its examples are useful for a walk-through but do not establish that a particular design fault caused a particular assault. Responsibility for violent behaviour should not be shifted onto the worker who was targeted.
Using this reading in your hospital
Walk the route from the entrance to emergency care with clinical and non-clinical staff. Note unclear directions, obstructed sight lines and places where someone cannot readily obtain help. Prioritise changes that preserve patient access and safe evacuation.
A question for your team
Where would a staff member have difficulty leaving a threatening interaction without moving deeper into a closed room?
Original source
- United States eTool · Hospital-wide workplace-violence hazards ↗Occupational Safety and Health Administration · Source checked 2026-09-10
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