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response plan (for example, escape routes, notifying the proper authorities)? Are workers trained to report violent incidents or threats? Are workers trained in how to handle difficult clients or patients? Are workers trained in ways to prevent or defuse potentially violent situations? Are workers trained in personal safety and self-defense? FACILITY DESIGN Are there enough exits and adequate routes of escape? Can exit doors be opened only from the inside to prevent unauthorized entry? Is the lighting adequate to see clearly in indoor areas? Are there employee-only work areas that are separate from public areas? Is access to work areas only through a reception area? Are reception and work areas designed to prevent unauthorized entry? Could someone hear a worker call for help? Can workers observe patients or clients in waiting areas? Do areas used for patient or client interviews allow co-workers to observe any problems? Are waiting and work areas free of objects that could be used as weapons? Are chairs and furniture secured to prevent their use as weapons? Is furniture in waiting and work areas arranged to prevent workers from becoming trapped? Are patient or client areas designed to maximize comfort and minimize stress? Is a secure place available for workers to store their personal belongings? Are private, locked restrooms available for staff? Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence for Healthcare and Social Service Workers 3 7 Yes No NOTES SECURITY MEASURES – Does the workplace have? Physical barriers (Plexiglas partitions, elevated counters to prevent people from jumping over them, bullet-resistant customer windows, etc.)? Security cameras or closed-circuit TV in highrisk areas? Panic buttons – (portable or fixed) Alarm systems? Metal detectors? X-ray machines? Door locks? Internal phone system to activate emergency assistance? Phones with an outside line programmed to call 911? Security mirrors (convex mirrors)? Secured entry (buzzers)? Personal alarm devices? OUTSIDE THE FACILITY Do workers feel safe walking to and from the workplace? Are the entrances to the building clearly visible from the street? Is the area surrounding the building free of bushes or other hiding places? Is video surveillance provided outside the building? Is there enough lighting to see clearly outside the building? Are all exterior walkways visible to security personnel? Is there a nearby parking lot reserved for employees only? Is the parking lot free of bushes or other hiding places? Is there enough lighting to see clearly in the parking lot and when walking to the building? Have neighboring facilities and businesses experienced violence or crime? Occupational Safety and Health Administration 3 8 Yes No NOTES WORKPLACE PROCEDURES Are employees given maps and clear directions in order to navigate the areas where they will be working? Is public access to the building controlled? Are floor plans posted showing building entrances, exits, and location of security personnel? Are these floor plans visible only to staff and not to outsiders? Is other emergency information posted, such as the telephone numbers? Are special security measures taken to protect people who work late at night (escorts, locked entrances, etc.)? Are visitors or clients escorted to offices for appointments? Are authorized visitors to the building required to wear ID badges? Are identification tags required for staff (omitting personal information such as the person’s last name and social security number)? Are workers notified of past violent acts by particular clients, patients, etc.? Is there an established liaison with local police and counseling agencies? Are patients or clients in waiting areas clearly informed how to use the department’s services so they will not become frustrated? Are waiting times for patient or client services kept short to prevent frustration? Are broken windows and locks repaired promptly? Are security devices (locks, cameras, alarms, etc.) tested on a regular basis and repaired promptly when necessary? FIELD WORK – Staffing: Are escorts or “buddies” provided for people who work in potentially dangerous situations? Is assistance provided to workers in the field in a timely manner when requested?