Improving Workplace Safety: The Role of Culture, Training, and Technology in High-Risk Industries like Healthcare
Ensuring workplace safety is crucial for all organizations, especially those in high-risk industries such as healthcare. To achieve a safe and healthy workplace, organizations must prioritize safety culture, which is fostered through effective training and communication. Utilizing technology can also play a significant role in improving workplace safety.
Todd Larson, an expert in workplace and public safety at HonorHealth, emphasizes the importance of safety culture and training in preventing workplace violence. According to a report by OSHA, healthcare workers are at a higher risk of workplace violence; with the added stress and anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, incidents of violence against healthcare workers have increased, making it essential to implement safety measures.
One effective use of technology is digital command centers, which provide real-time data on safety incidents, allowing organizations to take preventive action. Additionally, communication systems that allow employees to report potential safety concerns can help prevent workplace violence. HonorHealth has successfully implemented safety measures, such as real-time monitoring of safety performance, to identify potential hazards and mitigate them before they become problems. Larson notes that involving employees in the adoption process and ensuring they understand the benefits of the technology is crucial to its success.
Although the challenges of implementing new technology, especially around employee adoption, can be critical, it is crucial to prioritize workplace safety to prevent incidents of violence against healthcare workers. Organizations can create a safer work environment by providing real-time data on safety incidents and enabling effective communication. Larson predicts that more companies will adopt technology to improve workplace safety, leading to safer and more productive work environments.
In conclusion, workplace safety requires a concerted effort from organizations to create a culture of safety, provide effective training, and implement technology to improve communication. By prioritizing workplace safety, organizations can prevent workplace violence and create a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.
Missed our session on workplace safety at HealthIMPACT Live? Don't worry; you can still watch it online! Learn from experts in healthcare safety about the importance of creating a culture of safety, providing effective training, and using technology to improve communication.
The session was originally presented at the HealthIMPACT Live.
Listen to the podcast at Digital Health Talks.
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Experts
Todd Larson, EdD, MSL, FABC
HonorHealth
Janae Sharp
The Sharp Index