Violence and harassment

Violence and harassment

These are incidents involving work-related abuse, threats or assaults among health workers including physical, sexual, verbal and psychological abuse and workplace harassment.

Violence and harassment

WHO
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Violence and harassment affect all health worker groups and work settings in the health sector.

Up to 62% of health workers have experienced workplace violence. (1)

Verbal abuse (58%) is the most common form of non-physical violence, followed by threats (33%) and sexual harassment (12%). (1)

Preventive measures

Recognize violent incidents and identify risks of violence (2, 3)

Take measures to improve work organization (2, 3)

ensure optimal staffing levels, working time, supportive work teams and improved working conditions

prevent staff from working alone and minimize patient waiting time

provide timely information to patients and family to reduce stress

restrict movement of the public in health facilities

alert security personnel if violence is threatened

Provide security measures (2, 3)

good lighting, security cameras, alarms and panic buttons, emergency signalling

security escorts to the parking lots at night

lock drugs and valuables

Prepare and support workers (2, 3)

train workers in conflict resolution and managing assaults

provide counselling to recognize the danger of violent behaviour and assistance to change the conduct/attitude

maintain physical fitness and emotionally stable psychical conditions

Respond quickly and appropriately to incidents if they occur (2)

Encourage reporting, recording and monitoring of all incidents (2)

Ensure a confidential complaint or grievance procedure (2)

Monitor violence trends and the effectiveness of preventive measures (2)

Key resource

Framework guidelines for addressing workplace violence in the health sector
2 January 2002

Framework guidelines for addressing workplace violence in the health sector
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References

(1) Prevalence of workplace violence against healthcare workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Liu J, Gan Y, Jiang H, Li L, Dwyer R, Lu K et al.. Occup Environ Med. 2019;76:927-37.

(2) HealthWISE Action Manual. Work improvement in health services.

International Labor Organization and World Health Organization. 2014.

(3) Framework guidelines for addressing workplace violence in the health sector: The training manual.

ILO/ ICN/WHO/PSI Joint Programme on Workplace Violence in the Health Sector. 2005.