Violence in Health Care: Trends and Disparities, Bureau of Labor Statistics Survey Data of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, 2011-2017

Background: The health care sector is one of the most rapidly growing industry sectors in the United States. This study examined differences in the rates and trends of violent occupational injuries among health care workers in the United States. Methods: This study used data about violent occupational injuries among health care workers in the United States collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII). The BLS SOII collects data about injuries that result in at least one lost workday. Violent injuries are defined as intentional injury by another person. Data were obtained for years 2011 to 2017. We examined injury rates and trends according to industry and occupation, as well as age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Results: Intentional injuries increased among health care workers between 2011 and 2017. Rates, expressed as injuries per 10,000 workers, were particularly elevated in residential care facilities (44.07) and among health practitioner support technologists and technicians (22.54); nursing, psychiatric, and home health aides (28.13); and occupational therapy and physical therapist assistants and aides (39.72). Black health care support and practitioners workers had injury rates three times higher than White workers. Conclusions/Application to practice: Efforts should be made to address the increasing rates of intentional occupational injuries among health care workers. These efforts should focus on comprehensive programs enforcing policies for prevention and management (including reporting and training) and employee engagement in such efforts. High-rate industries and occupations should receive particular attention.

Automated summary

The rates of intentional occupational injuries among healthcare workers in the United States have been increasing in recent years. Residential care facilities, health practitioner support technologists and technicians, nursing, psychiatric, and home health aides, and occupational therapy and physical therapist assistants and aides have particularly high injury rates. Black healthcare support and practitioners workers have injury rates three times higher than White workers. Efforts should be made to address these increasing rates through comprehensive prevention and management policies, as well as encouraging employee engagement.