Major workplace violence survey underway in B.C.

Eight health care groups are participating, including the Health Sciences Association of B.C.

Victoria (2 March 2009) - A major survey is underway in British Columbia to assess violence in health care workplaces across the province.

The survey is being conducted by the violence prevention steering committee of the Occupational Health and Safety Agency for Healthcare in B.C. (OHSAH). Workers are invited to participate by filling out a 10-minute questionnaire online or by downloading the survey and faxing responses toll-free.

Complete information is available at this OHSAH web page: Workers' Perspective - A Violence in Healthcare Worker Survey. Participants have until March 31 to complete the survey.

"About 12% of B.C. health care and social assistance claims between 2003 and 2007 were related to violence," the agency says.

"This amounts to 34,600 claims, 1.5 million days lost, and $208 million in claims costs (WorkSafeBC.com). Even then, these numbers reflect only accepted claims. All stakeholders, including WorkSafeBC, acknowledge that many violent incidents in health care workplaces are not reported. Some incidents are perceived as just 'part of the job.' A true picture of violence faced by B.C. healthcare workers is still unknown," OHSAH adds.

 "This survey is the first tool of its kind that will help identify priority areas for violence prevention efforts. If you are a B.C. health care worker, you are eligible to complete our survey and be entered in a draw to win an iPod."

Eight groups across the province are participating, including the Health Sciences Associaton of B.C. (HSABC/NUPGE).

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE