Hospitals and healthcare facilities are some of the most hazardous places to work—with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting an injury and illness rate double the national average. Among the standard workplace risks, healthcare providers face much higher chances of workplace violence than non-healthcare related industries. There are:
- Combative patients and visitors; and
- Potential facility security breaches that could lead to unauthorized access to highly regulated chemicals, patient data, and biological hazards.
Scope
Healthcare employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their workers. A secure facility is vital for the for the safety of employees, visitors, and patients. This information applies to healthcare facilities such as doctor’s offices, laboratories, hospitals, in-patient care, long-term care facilities, and nursing homes.
Key definitions
- Biological hazards: Living organisms that can cause infectious diseases and allergies. Some have the potential to create significant illnesses that can be widespread. These are found in laboratories
- Chemical hazards: Chemicals that can cause injuries, illnesses, or environmental damage. These chemicals can be explosive, corrosive, sensitizers, and can be deadly if mishandled.
- Radiation: Energy traveling through space. Ionizing radiation from x-ray machines or lasers, can be hazardous to health and cause illnesses.
Summary of requirements
A healthcare provider should consider taking one or more of the following steps to prevent unauthorized facility access:
Workplace violence
- Create a workplace violence program and provide employee training.
- Train employees to notify security and supervision before situations escalate.
- Establish partnerships with local law enforcement officials, emergency responders, and other public safety agencies with jurisdiction over a facility.
- Request a review of the facility and security program by local law enforcement officials.
- Restrict the availability of information related to the facility and materials handled.
- Encourage authorities in possession of information about the facility to limit disclosure of that information on a need-to-know basis.
- Add security guards and increase off-hours patrols by security or law enforcement personnel.
Biological and chemical hazards
- Control access to hazardous chemicals and biohazards.
- Prevent unauthorized access to laboratories and chemical storage areas. Utilize a tracking system to monitor access and track usage.
- Ensure the EAP and FPP account for the hazards present and how they could be impacted in an emergency.
General facility security
- Install additional lights, alarm systems, or surveillance cameras.
- Restrict access to a single entry or gate.
- Place limits on visitor access. Require visitors to register and show photo identification and have someone accompany visitors at all times.
- Require employees to display identification cards or badges.
- Upgrade security procedures for handling pick-ups and deliveries at the facility.
- Verify all paperwork and require pick-ups and deliveries be handled only by appointment with known vendors.
- Require vendors to call before a delivery and to provide the driver’s name and vehicle number.
- Accept packages and deliveries only at the facility’s front gate.
- Keep records of security incidents. Review records to identify trends and potential vulnerabilities.