South Dayton News

Legislation aimed at improving safety for healthcare workers has passed the Ohio Senate and is now awaiting the governor's signature. The bill, introduced by State Representatives Andrea White (R-Kettering) and Rachel Baker (D-Cincinnati), focuses on preventing workplace violence through strategic planning, training, and reporting across Ohio hospitals.

Representative White emphasized the importance of supporting frontline healthcare workers: "Our goal with this legislation is to better support our frontline health care workers who are so often serving our most wounded, traumatized and physically and mentally struggling citizens."

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that healthcare and social service workers face higher rates of workplace violence-related injuries compared to other sectors. A 2022 survey by the American College of Emergency Physicians highlights a significant increase in emergency department violence over five years, with 85% of emergency physicians noting an increase in violent incidents.

The legislation outlines several measures: forming interdisciplinary teams within hospitals to create security plans; implementing incident reporting systems with guidelines for reporting to employers and law enforcement; providing hospital security personnel access to online training; and surveying educational institutions about their curricula on workplace violence prevention.

White noted that workforce issues are exacerbated by increasing workplace violence: “Throughout our communities, so many of our businesses face an urgent workforce crisis...one of the biggest drivers of professionals leaving our healthcare fields is a steady increase in workplace violence.”

With its approval by both legislative chambers, House Bill 452 is now set for consideration by the governor.