Province acknowledges risk for violence in health care facilities
Manitoba has announced stronger regulations, security equipment and public information to protect front-line health care workers.
Current occupational health and safety regulations apply broadly to a variety of workplaces — there are no health care specific regulations. Amendments will require health care facilities to work with employees to develop a violence prevention policy and strategy. The strategy should ensure security assistance is available to staff if they need it, said Jennifer Howard, labour and immigration minister.
“We acknowledge the risk for violence exists in all health-care facilities and we’re committed to helping protect nurses and other front-line workers, along with patients and their families,” said Howard. “To address this issue, we are pleased to partner with the Manitoba Nurses Union to strengthen the current workplace safety and health regulations to help prevent violence in health facilities.”
Consultations with the nurses’ union and other unions will begin immediately. The Minister’s Advisory Council on Workplace Safety and Health will also be consulted. Final recommendations are expected by the end of June and amendments will be in place by the end of August, the province reports.
Changes to legislation will also be considered during the consultation process, with the goal of introducing legislation changes in the next session, said Howard.
The province will also create a health workplace safety fund for equipment and other initiatives to improve security. Health authorities will be required to ensure signage is in place to encourage a respectful environment for healthcare employees, patients, families and other visitors to health facilities, said Theresa Oswald, health minister.
“Hospitals are not only a place where people go when they need health care, they’re also a workplace for thousands of front-line nurses and other health professionals,” said Oswald. “We’re continuing to work with nurses to ensure their safety and help reduce workplace violence in facilities across the province.”
