A Safe Workplace: Our Commitment to You

Good morning.
 
Monday is the beginning of Workplace Violence Awareness Month. I felt this is an ideal time to use this column to affirm this institution’s commitment to build and sustain the safest work environment possible for everyone associated with UMMC. You have a right to a safe workplace, and we must do all that we can to provide this to you. While I’ll be speaking about workplaces today, these principles also apply to students, who deserve safe learning spaces.
 
I encourage all faculty, staff and students to review the Medical Center’s Workplace Violence Prevention Policy. We updated this policy this week, and we will continue to periodically review it – as we do with all policies – to make sure it accurately reflects our commitment to protecting our workforce and aligns with national best practices.
 
I’ve written on this topic in VC Notes before, several times. For instance, much of the information and many of my comments in my Feb. 4, 2022 column still apply. But this topic is so important, I don’t think it can be over emphasized or talked about too much. The Joint Commission is the lead agency providing guidance and expectations for fostering a safe work environment in hospitals and other health care-related areas. For consistency across the organization, we consider all UMMC-related facilities and employees to be health care-related, regardless of their primary role.
 
In 2018, TJC issued the Sentinel Event Alert found here. It was revised in 2021, amended in 2022 with new workplace violence standards and remains applicable. Over the years, the concepts in it have been helpful to executive leaders wanting to start programs and initiatives aimed at improving workplace safety. That document and other information provided by TJC make it clear that health care institutions have a responsibility to protect their workers through safety measures, response programs, education and any other way possible.
 
Data distributed by TJC and other organizations that show the prevalence of workplace violence against health care workers are alarming. This should never be considered “just part of the job.” All employees deserve to feel like their employer is trying to keep them as safe as possible.
 
Here, we have many offices and areas with authority to address and improve workplace safety, but the responsibility rests with all of us – especially leaders – to make sure we are doing our part to help provide a secure work and learning environment. Initiatives like our successful UMMC Police Behavioral Response Team and the upcoming Welle behavioral safety training program for staff that I mentioned in the Jan. 12, 2024 VC Notes go a long way in helping defuse conflicts and curb any types of violence, intimidation, ridicule, etc., before they occur. Please, take advantage of all training opportunities presented so that you can be equipped to deal with potentially violent or inappropriate situations. Support and well-being services are available if needed, and those options can be found here.
 
If you are in or witness an active situation where someone’s safety is in danger, immediately call 911 from a UMMC phone, or 601-815-7777 from a cell phone, or use a panic button if available.
 
Studies show that workplace violence is underreported. We don’t need to add to these troubling data. Please take a brief moment to report workplace violence incidences, no matter how small or insignificant you may feel something may be. The procedures for reporting workplace violence are provided in the policy. To address a problem, our leaders must know about it.
 
Again, I emphatically state that you deserve to work in a safe and secure environment. This organization is committed to doing everything possible to provide that for you.
 
Much work has been done over the years, but we will never cease to find and implement new ways to curb workplace violence. You are valued, and the work you do is vital. Providing safe spaces for you, our patients and visitors is essential if we are to reach A Healthier Mississippi.