Workplace violence prevention - Connecticut

Connecticut law requires health care employers with at least 50 full-time or part-time employees to establish workplace safety committees to address workplace violence and other safety issues.

Employers must conduct risk assessments to decide whether their employees are at risk of experiencing workplace violence. Based on the findings, safety committees must develop and implement written workplace violence prevention and response plans. Committees should rely on guidance from government agencies such as OSHA, the Department of Public Health, and the Department of Labor in the development of such plans.

In addition, employers must adjust patient care assignments when needed so that employees do not have to provide patient care to any patient who is known to have intentionally abused or threatened the employee. The law requires employers to keep records detailing incidents of workplace violence in their facilities, and to report these annually to the state Department of Public Health.

Finally, health care employers must report to law enforcement any incidents of assault or related offenses that occur against employees who are engaged in the performance of their duties.

Related information

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Citations

• Conn. Gen. Stat. 19a-490q
• 29 USC 654 — Duties of employers and employees (General Duty Clause)