Brian Uridge is a nationally respected authority in healthcare security whose three-decade career bridges municipal policing, fire service, and hospital safety leadership. As Director of Security for Michigan Medicine and Deputy Director of Public Safety at the University of Michigan, he leads a 200-member team that safeguards 30,000 employees and millions of patients each year. Triple-board-certified (CPP, CHPA, CTM) and a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Uridge pioneered data-driven, community-oriented initiatives—such as therapy-K-9 units and reality-based de-escalation training—that have measurably reduced workplace violence and property loss across more than 120 facilities. Drawing on this expertise, he underscores the importance of OSHA’s guidelines in creating safer healthcare environments.

In 2024, the American College of Emergency Physicians noted that 91 percent of emergency physicians had either experienced violence or knew colleagues who had experienced it. The reports further stated that the physicians believe that the violence against them will get worse.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has also noted that healthcare workers are more likely to experience workplace violence compared to other professions. More healthcare workers are experiencing threats, physical harm, and aggression every day. OSHA stipulates guidelines that highlight employers’ responsibility to provide a hazard-free workplace.

OSHA provides a five-component framework to prevent the perpetuation of violence in the workplace. These components rest on practical research that different healthcare settings, like long-term facilities, home health settings, hospitals, and urgent clinics, can deploy.

One key component of OSHA’s workplace violence guidelines involves management commitment and worker participation. To protect the lives and properties of healthcare workers, healthcare leadership must openly support safety measures or initiatives that provide the necessary resources to forestall or prevent workplace violence. Management commitment might involve developing policies, assigning responsibilities, and engaging frontline workers so they can identify risks and develop solutions. Involving employees in planning safety efforts makes them more inclined to follow protocols and report incidents.

In addition, OSHA provides for worksite analysis. Healthcare facilities need to engage in a wide assessment that will help them identify particular risk factors for violence. Workplace analysis or assessment also requires employers to review previous incident reports, investigate camera footage, and interview staff. One of the most common risk areas in healthcare facilities is the emergency department, waiting rooms, and psychiatric units. Violence is also likely at healthcare facilities during visits—both to healthcare employers and employees.

Hazard prevention and control is the third OSHA component. This component requires that employees adopt targeted interventions like installing security systems. This might include installing security systems like panic buttons, controlled access doors, and cameras and reducing spaces to provide clear exits and reduce crowding, especially in areas like waiting rooms or triage zones, where tensions run high. Properly staffing high-risk areas during peak hours also helps de-escalate potentially volatile situations before they escalate. In some settings, using metal detectors to screen for weapons may be appropriate, depending on the level of risk. In addition, forming incident response teams trained in conflict resolution can make a significant difference in managing threats quickly and calmly.

Training is another cornerstone of a successful violence prevention strategy. OSHA recommends that all healthcare staff receive consistent and role-specific training, whether clinical, administrative, or support. This includes recognizing early warning signs of aggression, practicing de-escalation techniques, and understanding how to report incidents safely. Training should also cover using safety equipment or following specific protocols during a threatening event. Organizations must refresh the materials regularly to keep pace with evolving risks and procedures.

Finally, keeping detailed records of all violent incidents, even minor ones, is crucial for long-term prevention. OSHA stresses that documentation is more than just paperwork; it provides insight into recurring issues and helps assess whether existing safety measures are working. Regularly reviewing and updating workplace violence prevention programs ensures healthcare organizations stay proactive, not reactive. By committing to continuous improvement, facilities can better protect both their staff and the patients they serve.