A new Illinois law taking effect on Jan. 1 requires retail health care facilities, hospitals and veterans’ homes to create a workplace violence prevision program complying with the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
In addition, the Illinois Health Care Violence Prevention Act requires each such facility to:
- Do a worksite analysis and identification of potential hazards
- Focus on hazard prevention and control
- Conduct safety and health training
- Post anti-violence notices
- Foster management commitment and worker participation, specifically including nurses
Health care workers who contact law enforcement or file a police report because of workplace violence must notify management within three days.