AIHA Supports Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act

The bill would require OSHA to issue a standard requiring healthcare and social service sector employers to create and implement workplace violence prevention plans.

AIHA is announcing its support for the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act, newly reintroduced by Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT). If passed, this bill would require OSHA to issue a standard requiring healthcare and social service sector employers to create and implement workplace violence prevention plans to meet the needs of their workforces.

Workplace violence is a leading cause of traumatic injury and death in the United States, with nearly two million U.S. workers experiencing violence every year. Nearly 75 percent of assaults happen in healthcare settings. Furthermore, rates of violence against healthcare and service workers worsen during times of crisis, emergency, or disaster. Accordingly, the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act is also supported by healthcare and social service professionals as well as unions that represent them. The bill is also supported by a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers, including Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA), Ranking Member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ).

Workplace violence not only affects workers themselves but also leaves lasting scars on families and communities. AIHA’s White Paper (PDF) and Position Statement (PDF) on the Prevention of Workplace Violence emphasize that incidents of workplace violence are often both predictable and preventable.

“Congress has the opportunity to reduce workplace violence by swiftly passing this bipartisan bill,” said AIHA CEO Lawrence Sloan. “To protect our workers and communities, we call upon the other members of Congress to join their colleagues in supporting this crucial bill.”

For more information on AIHA’s support for the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act, please contact Mark Ames, AIHA’s director of government relations.

About AIHA

AIHA is the association for scientists and professionals committed to preserving and ensuring occupational and environmental health and safety in the workplace and community. Founded in 1939, we support our members with our expertise, networks, comprehensive education programs, and other products and services that help them maintain the highest professional and competency standards. More than half of AIHA’s nearly 8,500 members are Certified Industrial Hygienists, and many hold other professional designations. AIHA serves as a resource for those employed across the public and private sectors as well as to the communities in which they work. For more information, please visit www.aiha.org.