I didn’t sign up for Violence

“In an emergency they are our lifeline”

Healthcare Workers and Social Workers.

But these caregivers are in danger.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the incidences of serious workplace violence are 5 times Higher in Healthcare Workers than in other industries.

But as Connecticut Congressman Joe Courtney says, “They’re the good guys.”  We need to protect them.

Courtney has introduces H.R, 1309 in the U.S.  Congress. It would take the “voluntary” OSHA guidelines which have been in place for several years and make them mandatory.  It would require healthcare institutions to have workplace violence prevention programs and to report incidences of workplace violence, much as they must now do for an exposure to chemicals or a slip and fall.

It would offer Healthcare and Social Workers a measure of protection. Protection they deserve.

AFT unions across this country have joined other unions and advocacy groups to push for such protection and this week, several AFT Connecticut members took to the airways to tell their stories and ask for support.

NBC Connecticut  aired this in two parts.
Part 1 details the dangers facing workers.
Part 2 explores what is being done and whether it is enough.

I want to thank Dan Corcoran and all of NBC Connecticut for helping us bring this to light. Thank you to our members who participated and everyone who has been working on this.
Special thank you to Congressman Joe Courtney for championing this critical issue and the entire Connecticut Congressional Delegation for co-sponsoring H.R. 1309 and it's companion bill in the senate, S.B. 851.
H.R. 1309 has over 200 co-sponsors now.

These dedicated workers aren't asking for anything crazy.
Just the ability to do their work and return home safely.