Firelands Health emphasizes a safe work environment
(Sandusky, Ohio) National entities have called for a reemphasis on safety and security of healthcare workers. Representatives at Firelands Health echo these calls. "Our care team members deserve a working environment that is safe," explained Vice President of Operations Dru Meredith.
Hospitals Against Violence, an initiative formed by the Ohio Hospital Association, is committed to combatting workplace and community violence. According to the Ohio Hospital Association, "The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 453,200 nonfatal injuries among health care and social services industry workers in 2021, the highest across all industries." In addition, the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees Act is a piece of legislation that "would help protect health care workers from violence, alleviate workforce challenges and sustain quality patient care." This law is being reviewed by the Federal Government with hopeful anticipation for the protection it will provide for healthcare workers.
At Firelands Regional Medical Center, safety and security leaders have addressed the physical environment, as well as policy, to improve worker safety. Firelands has secured 300 cameras, which have been placed throughout all facilities across the health system; and every medical center door has access control, further limiting visitors or guests into sensitive areas. Over the past four years, Firelands has installed 14 new doors to limit access to sensitive areas.
Improvements have been made from 2022 to 2023, and Firelands has seen a 57% drop in security events overall. Notable statistics include:
- Assaults decreased by 38%
- Security alerts decreased by 43%
- Panic alarm usage decreased by 19%
- Aggressive or combative behavior calls decreased by 21%
Sixty percent of the Firelands’ security force is former military or police. All Firelands security officers are certified with the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety. Relationships with both the City of Sandusky Police Chief, Jared Oliver, and the Erie County Sheriff, Paul Sigsworth, are also beneficial to help improve overall connectivity to outside agency support.
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