Healthcare Workers Face Rising Violence—How Technology Can Help Keep Them Safe

A Growing Crisis in Healthcare Safety

In hospitals and healthcare facilities across the U.S., healthcare safety is increasingly at risk as workplace violence against healthcare workers continues to rise. From physical assaults to targeted attacks, frontline staff face growing dangers. A 2024 report from the CDC found that healthcare workers experience nearly half (48%) of all workplace violence-related injuries despite making up only 10% of the workforce.

Recent high-profile incidents, such as the UPMC Memorial Hospital hostage crisis, highlight an urgent need for stronger security measures and workplace protections. The consequences of workplace violence are severe—not only for the safety of staff but also for patient care.

How can hospitals and healthcare facilities address this growing problem? The answer lies in proactive healthcare safety solutions, including staff protection technology, real-time emergency response systems, and workplace training.

Why Violence in Healthcare is Increasing

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare and social assistance workers account for nearly 73% of all workplace violence cases. But why is the problem getting worse? Several factors contribute:

• High-stress environments: Patients and their families experience extreme emotional distress, leading to aggression.
• Long wait times and staffing shortages: Overburdened staff struggle to meet patient demands, which can escalate tensions.
• Mental health crises: Many hospitals treat individuals in crisis who may become unpredictable or violent.
• Lack of security measures: Open-access hospital designs make it easy for unauthorized individuals to enter sensitive areas.

“Workplace violence is a public health crisis,” says Jennifer S. Mensik Kennedy, president of the American Nurses Association. “We need federal support and hospital-wide security policies to protect healthcare workers.”

The Impact on Healthcare Workers

Beyond the physical danger, workplace violence has long-term psychological effects on healthcare staff. Studies show that repeated exposure to violent incidents leads to:

• Increased burnout and job dissatisfaction.
• Higher turnover rates, worsening staffing shortages.
• Mental health struggles, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

A 2024 State of US Nursing Report found that 88% of nurses believe staffing shortages are negatively affecting patient care—and workplace violence is a key factor in driving experienced nurses out of the profession.

How Healthcare Facilities Can Improve Security

Hospitals and clinics must take a multi-layered approach to security to prevent violent incidents before they escalate. Solutions include:

• Wearable Staff Duress Alarms: Devices like RFT’s Help Alert® allow staff to discreetly call for help when facing threats. These wearable panic buttons pinpoint location in real-time, ensuring rapid response.
• Controlled Access to Sensitive Areas: RFID-based access control ensures that only authorized personnel can enter ICUs, psychiatric wards, and emergency departments.
• Workplace Violence Prevention Training: Hospitals should train staff on de-escalation techniques and recognizing early warning signs of aggression.
• Real-Time Response Technology: Integrated systems, such as RFT’s Help Alert®, can trigger immediate security alerts, connect with law enforcement, and help evacuate staff in an emergency.
• Concealed Weapons Detection: Emerging technology can identify hidden weapons without delaying patient care, making hospitals safer without disrupting accessibility.

Technology is the Future of Healthcare Safety

As violence in healthcare settings continues to rise, technology-driven security measures will become essential. By investing in staff protection systems, real-time location tracking, and improved emergency protocols, hospitals can protect their workers and ensure a safe environment for both staff and patients.

At RFT, we are committed to helping hospitals and healthcare facilities improve safety with cutting-edge security solutions. Our Help Alert® staff protection system is designed to give healthcare workers peace of mind—because everyone deserves to feel safe at work.

What security measures does your healthcare facility have in place? Let’s start the conversation.

References & Further Reading

To understand the growing crisis of workplace violence in healthcare, explore real-world incidents and expert insights:

• CNN Report: “Gunman Who Held Pennsylvania Hospital Staff Hostage Felt More Could Have Been Done to Save His Terminally Ill Wife”
  • This in-depth article covers the UPMC Memorial Hospital hostage situation, highlighting the increasing risks that healthcare workers face and the urgent need for stronger security measures. (Read the full article here).
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Workplace Violence in Healthcare
  • Data shows that healthcare workers account for nearly 73% of all workplace violence cases in the private sector.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Healthcare Workplace Safety
  • A 2024 report discussed the 48% increase in workplace violence-related injuries among healthcare professionals.
• American Nurses Association: Call for Stronger Workplace Protections
  • Statements from healthcare leaders urging hospitals to adopt preventive safety measures to combat violence and burnout.

Protecting healthcare workers isn’t just about security, it’s about ensuring they can provide quality patient care without fear. Learn more about how RFT’s Help Alert® system can help prevent violence before it escalates.