Violent acts directed toward staff at work is described as Work Place Violence (WPV). Emergency Department (ED) is one of the most common places where WPV occur. Because it is usually underreported, true incidence of WPV is not known. In this study, we aimed to clarify the incidence, type and psychological effects of WPV in the ED. Methods: A survey of 11 questions derived from Employee Risk Assessment Questionnaire Workplace Violence and Workplace Violence Survey by Ontario Safety Association for Community and Healthcare was applied to voluntary ED staff of 4 private and 3 public hospitals in the city. A total of 241 persons answered the survey. Results: Verbal assault is the most common type of WPV. Practitioners are the leading group being exposed to WPV. Specialists in the ED have the lowest incidence of WPV exposure. The most common source of violence was found to be patients and/or their relatives. It was also determined that majority of the cases were underreported. Although workers in private and public hospital workers have the similar assault incidence, those working in private hospitals feel themselves safer. Conclusion: Removal of relatives of the patients from the inside of the ED may help prevent WPV in the ED.

According to the definition of The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Work Place Violence (WPV) is described as violent acts directed toward persons at work or on duty (CDC, 2002). The main types of WPV are known to be physical/verbal/sexual assaults, mobbing and bullying. Emergency Department (ED) is one of the most common places for WPV in the hospital setting. Even if patients, their relatives and friends are the main perpetrators, co-workers and managers of the health care workers may, as well, be the source of violence.

Workplace violence is a growing problem in healthcare settings, particularly in EDs. Emergency department is a stressful and challenging workplace complicated with both patients and patients’ relatives. Our study revealed that specialists of ED are less likely to experience WPV. Employment of more specialists instead of practitioners in the ED may help reduce WPV to doctors. The most common source of violence is relatives of the patients, removal of crowd from ED may be another method. In addition; structure of the ED, number of security staff and mechanisms to take legal action for workers must be constructed to reduce WPV. Governments may also take measures to reduce misuse of EDs resulting in overcrowding. This study revealed that staff in the public hospitals are more likely to feel insecure. Elimination of this feeling is essential to increase productivity and intensity of the staff.

International Journal of Emergency Mental Health and Human Resilience, is a multidisciplinary quarterly designed to be the premier international forum and authority for the discussion of all aspects of emergency mental health.

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Journal Coordinator

International Journal of Emergency Mental Health and Human Resilience