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Kentucky law requires health care employers to develop workplace safety assessments and safety plans, conduct annual safety training, and maintain records of acts of violence committed in the workplace.
Workplace safety assessment: Must outline strategies to address security concerns that may contribute to workplace violence, including:
- The physical attributes of the location, including security systems, alarms, and the availability of emergency response teams and security personnel;
- Staffing patterns and patient classifications;
- Job design, equipment, and facilities;
- First aid and emergency procedures;
- Health care worker education and training requirements;
- Security risks associated with specific units, locations with uncontrolled access, late night/early morning shifts, etc.
- Availability of assistance for workers who are affected by incidents of workplace violence.
The workplace safety assessment must be completed annually, along with a review of workplace violence incidents from the previous year that indicate risk.
Workplace safety plan: Based on the findings of the safety assessment, health care employers must develop a workplace safety plan. The plan must follow guidelines on workplace safety standards issued by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS).
Violence prevention training: Employers must provide violence prevention training to all health care workers, volunteers, and contracted security personnel. The method and frequency may vary according to the strategies identified in the workplace safety plan. Trainings must address the following topics:
- Safety procedures outlined in the safety plan;
- Behavioral predictors of violence, the violence escalation cycle, and de-escalation techniques to minimize violent behavior;
- Strategies to prevent physical harm;
- Proper application of restraints, physical and chemical;
- The process for documenting and reporting incidents of violence;
- Resources available to affected employees following incidents of violence.
Employers should administer a protective skills competency test for employees, volunteers, and contracted security personnel that is based on the training content.
Recordkeeping and reporting: Employers must develop a reporting system to track incidents of workplace violence, and train workers on proper reporting procedures. The records must be kept for five years following the date that the act of violence was reported. Records must be made available to the CHFS upon request.
Facilities must develop procedures to follow up with victims of reported acts of workplace violence and provide them with support such as physical and mental health resources.