Did you know that the two biggest drivers of injury in the continuing care sector are overexertion and acts of violence? Overexertion accounts for 51% of all injuries, while acts of violence account for 11%. Although it represents a smaller percentage of overall injuries, workplace accidents resulting from acts of violence are more likely to be associated with serious, career-altering injuries.

For organizations, addressing these high-risk areas is an integral part of an effective health and safety plan. Taking violence prevention as an example, has your organization:

• Conducted a violence risk assessment?
• Developed and implemented policies and procedures to eliminate (or if not possible, reduce) the risk of violence to staff?
• Communicated these policies to the staff?
• Provided education to staff who may be exposed to violence?
• Instructed managers and supervisors on how to recognize the risk for violence and how to address those risks?
• Established a venue for discussing incidents? (e.g. at OHS meetings, management meetings)
• Developed a reporting and investigation system for incidents? This includes having a reporting mechanism for incidents, ensuring investigations are completed in a timely manner, having results communicated back to the appropriate parties (e.g. OHS committee), and communicating corrective actions back to the staff.

It’s important to note that addressing these areas is required by the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. Moreover, as a high-risk industry, the health care sector is an area of focus for WorkSafeBC. Addressing these areas before an incident – or an order – has occurred is therefore key.

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