Charlotteville, Virginia (WVIR) – Health care workers are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than any other industry, and most cases go unreported, according to a new federal study.

UVA Health is committed to ensuring the safety of our staff.

“One of the things we try to do as part of our job is increase reporting of these events so we can support our team members. While we’re here, it’s extremely important that our employees feel safe at work so they can provide that great care,” said Susan Jackiewicz of UVA Health.

Attacks against workers intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, with nearly half of nurses in a national survey saying they’ve seen it at work.

To that end, UVA Health has created an initiative for healthcare workers.

“There are various experts across UVA health on that committee, but there are also various frontline team members who are part of that committee so they can have first-hand experience. We can also give you direct advice on our interventions and what works and what doesn’t.

Our primary mission is to provide resources and enhance employee training on how to deal with workplace violence.

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