Healthcare providers are at greater risk of violence in the workplace than workers in any other sector.
A new law in California will require hospitals to increase their efforts to prevent workplace attacks.
In 2006, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 60 percent of all workplace assaults were in healthcare settings.
Studies show nurses are among the most frequent targets of attacks.
Earlier this year, two nurses were stabbed in separate incidents at hospitals in Los Angeles County on the same day.
The new law requires hospitals to adopt comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans.
Bonnie Castillo, associate executive director of the California Nurses Association, said there’s a lot more to it than simply having more security guards.
“It’s staffing at all levels, and it’s also that all personnel are aware, informed, educated and trained in response," Castillo said.
The law also directs hospitals to track and report violent incidents to the state.
Hospitals must have their plans and tracking systems in place by July 2016.
