Healthcare workers need access to a panic button or some other form of emergency call system while at work, regardless of the time of year. However, during the holiday season, there may be an increased risk of workplace safety due to the added stress and demands that can come with the holiday season.
According to a survey performed in November 2021 on behalf of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), 51% of American healthcare workers believe that the holidays make them more stressed.
Safety Issues For Healthcare Workers In Holiday Season
Healthcare workers may face several safety risks during the holiday season. Some of the most common risks include:
Workplace violence
The added stress and demands of the holiday season may increase the risk of workplace violence. Workplace violence in healthcare settings can take many forms, including physical violence, verbal abuse, and threatening behavior. It can be perpetrated by patients, their family members, or others who may be stressed or experiencing mental health issues.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that violence is the second leading cause of workplace fatalities among healthcare workers. More than half of all workplace assaults occur in the healthcare industry.
The risk of workplace violence may be exceptionally high in certain types of healthcare settings, such as emergency departments, behavioral health units, and home healthcare agencies. Healthcare workers who work with patients with severe mental illness or substance abuse disorders may also be at increased risk.
To protect themselves from workplace violence, healthcare workers should be aware of the signs of potential violence and know how to report any incidents that occur. They should also be familiar with the policies and procedures in place for handling violent incidents and know how to access emergency assistance if needed.
Fatigue Due To Increased Workload
The holiday season can be a busy and stressful time for healthcare workers, leading to fatigue. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that between 2009 and 2012, mishaps related to Christmas decorating resulted in at least 12,000 annual visits to the emergency room.
Fatigue can have severe consequences for healthcare workers, including decreased productivity, impaired decision-making, and an increased risk of accidents and injuries. It can also negatively impact the quality of care that healthcare workers can provide to their patients.
It is crucial for healthcare workers to manage their workload and take breaks to rest and recharge as needed to prevent burnout and maintain their own health and well-being.
Slips, Trips, & Falls
The holiday season may also bring additional hazards to the workplace, such as slippery floors from wet or snowy weather or tripping hazards from holiday decorations. Healthcare workers should be aware of their surroundings and take appropriate precautions to avoid accidents and injuries. They include:
- Wearing appropriate footwear with good traction to help prevent slips and falls.
- Keeping floors clean and dry to reduce the risk of falls.
- Being mindful of any tripping hazards, such as electrical cords or holiday decorations, and taking steps to remove or secure them.
- Use handrails or other assistive devices to help maintain balance and stability.
- Reporting any hazards, unsafe conditions, or accidents immediately via a panic button to management so they can be addressed.
By being aware of these potential risks and taking appropriate precautions, healthcare workers can help to protect themselves and ensure a safe and healthy holiday season.
Why Healthcare Workers Should Bring A Safety Device To Work During The Holiday Season
A personal safety device, or panic button, allows healthcare workers to quickly and easily call for help in an emergency. Panic buttons can be worn as a pendant or attached to a lanyard and can be activated by pressing a button.
Protection From Workplace Violence
In a healthcare setting, panic buttons can be particularly useful when a healthcare worker is confronted with a violent or threatening individual. When the panic button is activated, it sends an alert to security or other designated personnel, who can then respond quickly to assist.
Get Help Faster
In addition to providing a sense of security and protection for healthcare workers, panic buttons can also help to ensure that appropriate help and support are summoned quickly in the event of an emergency. This can help to prevent potentially serious injuries or other adverse outcomes.
A personal safety device, when activated, alerts your emergency contacts via email, SMS, or push notifications, It also shares your real-time GPS location so you can get help fast.
Improved Safety And Security
Access to a panic button can provide a sense of security and protection for healthcare workers, particularly in situations where they may feel vulnerable or at risk. This can help create a safer work environment and improve healthcare workers’ overall safety and well-being.
Increased Efficiency
Panic buttons can help to ensure that appropriate help and support are summoned quickly in the event of an emergency, which can help to prevent potentially serious injuries or other adverse outcomes. This can improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare facilities.
Overall, having access to a panic button can help to create a safer work environment for healthcare workers during the holiday season and throughout the year.
The Best Personal Safety Device For Healthcare Workers
The holiday season is currently in full swing, and as a healthcare professional, this means more commotion at work while friends and family enjoy downtime.
Silent Beacon is a personal safety device that allows healthcare workers to quickly and easily call for help in an emergency situation. The panic button consists of a small, portable wearable device that can be carried with the user or attached to their clothing. When the device is activated, it sends an alert to designated emergency contacts, who can then respond to the situation.
Silent Beacon’s personal safety devices can be a valuable tool for healthcare workers to use in order to create a safer work environment and protect themselves and their patients from harm.
