Healthcare professionals, especially those who work in an emergency department or a mental healthcare facility, face a greater risk of violence than those who work in other industries. From basic staff training to medical building construction techniques that allow for safer environments, there are several methods available that allow healthcare facilities to reduce the risk of violence within a facility. Violent outbursts, altercations and incidents are all too common within tension-filled environments like emergency room waiting areas.

6 Safety Measures and Solutions for Medical Buildings

1. A uniformed security presence.

Professional security staff that provide a uniformed presence can be crucial in deterring violence. Working with the right medical construction company can allow facilities to increase the visibility of security personnel and enable them to respond quickly and easily to potential issues throughout a facility. The addition of a security desk or station can ensure that the medical facility can use security personnel in a more efficient manner.

2. Restricted access to sensitive areas.

Regulating access to sensitive areas of a clinic, hospital or facility can make a real difference. Agitated patients and those suffering from an altered mental state can create a serious security problem should they gain access to a sensitive area. Medical building construction options, such as security doors, safety glass enclosures and floor plans that help to restrict access to critical areas are all useful options for reducing the risk of violence in sensitive areas.

3. Video surveillance systems.

Failing to identify a potential problem early on can lead to an increased risk of violence. Surveillance systems are a vital safety option, one that can aid facilities that have limited staff or lack the manpower needed to monitor every area and environment. Working with a medical construction company or ensuring a medical building construction plan is better able to accommodate and utilize a security and surveillance system is a safety concern that should not go overlooked.

4. Developing a response plan.

Facilities who fail to plan and adequately respond often find themselves struggling to de-escalate or interrupt a violent situation. A well-planned response ensures prompt and appropriate action at the first sign of an issue. Developing a response plan with a medical construction company can ensure that the layout and design of a facility do not create unnecessary obstacles that may interfere with a response or obstruct staff members who are trying to access a particular area.

5. Personnel training and education.

A well-trained staff offers a critical advantage when dealing with a violent altercation. Educating professionals and training them to identify a situation that may lead to a violent outburst can ensure they act appropriately in any situation that may pose a safety risk. All employees should be familiar with the protocols and guidelines regarding the risk of violence within the workplace. Failing to act appropriately can increase the chance of injury to both staff and patients should an incident occur.

6. Facility layout and building design.

A poorly designed environment can be a liability, increasing the risk of violence in a healthcare setting. Poorly designed waiting areas can increase stress and tension among patients and family members, and facilities that are hard to navigate may delay security response or inhibit the movement of bystanders who are trying to get to safety. New medical building construction techniques and design trends can make a significant difference in the prevention and resolution of violent altercations.

Workplace safety is a priority that deserves utmost attention. The heightened risks faced by healthcare providers may require a broad range of resources and solutions to address. The facility layout options, floor plans and other security solutions that the right medical construction company may provide can be a real asset. Clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities need to make workplace safety a top priority.

Create a Safer Working Environment with Nationwide Construction

If you manage or work at a medical facility and find that your workplace interior and security measures are inadequate, Nationwide can help. Contact us and let’s start working on medical building construction solutions that will keep both you, your fellow staff, and the people you serve, safe and secure.