Workplace violence (WPV) is a significant occupational health and safety issue that continues to be a major concern for employees and employers across the United States (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health [NIOSH], 2014, 2019; Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA], n.d., 2002). It can occur inside or outside the workplace and may involve criminal intent. Violence resulting from a client/customer relationship is the most common type of WPV in healthcare settings, however, it may also occur in a worker-on-worker type relationship or result from a personal relationship.
To support the objective of implementing effective, evidence-based workplace violence prevention programs to protect workers from all types of WPV, AAOHN has initiated several programs. These include promotion of legislation, regulatory and workplace policies, advocacy, research, and education as well as the use of clinical practice tools such as the Workplace Violence Prevention Resources.
Resources for Occupational Health Nurses