Senate Bill (SB) 240 is aimed at protecting healthcare providers by reducing workplace violence. The Texas Tribune contributed a part of the hospital staffing crisis due to the number of violent attacks against medical workers. In fact, over half of the Texas’ nurses reported violence during their healthcare careers. While this number is astonishing, Katana found the number of serious violent incidents in health care even more disturbing. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported that these serious violent incidents in health care are four times higher than other industries.
Texas recognizes the impact of multiple factors related to nursing shortages and has taken action to reduce barriers in an effort to encourage more nurses to enter the profession safely. While OSHA does mandate, according to the General Duty Clause, that employers must provide employees a place of employment that is free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees, the SB 240 is more comprehensive and requires the covered facilities to:
- Establish a workplace violence prevention committee or authorize an existing facility committee to develop the workplace violence prevention plan. There are stipulations on who is required to be on this committee, such as a registered nurse who provides direct patient care.
- This committee must develop a workplace violence prevention plan. The prevention policy/plan must be specific to the practice setting. There are requirements that must be included within the plan/policy.
With the recent approval of Senate Bill 240, the Workplace Violence Prevention Act, Texas is taking a crucial step towards safeguarding healthcare providers and addressing the alarming rates of violence in medical settings. If you are a Texas resident or a Texas healthcare employee, now is the time to take action and bolster your organization’s safety measures.
The Texas Department of Insurance has created a valuable resource that may benefit you personally or your agency: Workplace Violence: Protecting Employees from External Threats Fact Sheet (texas.gov).
For a full history of SB 240, including the full Bill and amendments, reference: Texas Legislature Online – 88(R) History for SB 240.
At KATANA Safety, we understand the gravity of workplace violence incidents, and we’re here to support your organization’s efforts in supporting your comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Plan. Our powerful enterprise dashboard is your ultimate ally in providing real-time and historical data for thorough analysis. By leveraging this data-driven approach, your organization can identify patterns, spot potential risks, and proactively prevent incidents before they escalate.
Why settle for a reactive approach to workplace safety when you can be proactive with KATANA Safety? Our innovative solution equips your facility’s workplace violence prevention committee with the tools they need to develop a tailored and effective prevention plan. From near misses to emergency dispatches, every incident is recorded and tracked, allowing your organization to make informed decisions and ensure a safer environment for everyone involved.
Don’t wait for the worst to happen; act now and elevate your workplace safety standards with KATANA Safety. Together, let’s build a future where healthcare providers can focus on what matters most – caring for their patients, without fear or hindrance. Take the first step towards a safer tomorrow by exploring how KATANA Safety has Got Your Back. Book a demo and embrace a new era of safety and security.