The decision to remove these religious symbols, typically made of wood or metal, is a preventative measure against their potential use as weapons by patients.
The hospital system clarified that this move was not prompted by a specific incident but is a response to the evolving healthcare environment and a noted increase in workplace violence experienced by healthcare workers.
While the removal of crucifixes is seen as a last resort, the hospital system emphasized that all staff members undergo "Management of Aggressive Behaviors" training, and those in direct contact with patients are taught de-escalation techniques.
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Statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2018 reveal that healthcare and social service sectors have the highest rate of nonfatal workplace injuries across all sectors in the US, surpassing both manufacturing and construction by over 100,000 incidents. Workers in these sectors are five times more likely to sustain injuries at work than workers in other sectors, with violence escalating during the pandemic.
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Data from Press Ganey indicates that over 5,200 nursing personnel were assaulted in the second quarter of 2022, translating to two nurses assaulted every hour. In response to this alarming trend, Senators Joe Manchin and Marco Rubio introduced the bipartisan Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees Act in the Senate in September. This bill, if passed, would make it a federal crime to knowingly assault hospital workers.
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Senator Manchin stated, “Our nation’s healthcare workers tirelessly care for the health and well-being of communities across the country, even in the face of increased violence, threats and intimidation. This legislation would create a safer working environment for hospital staff, deter violent behavior and make sure that assailants are appropriately held accountable.”
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The American Hospital Association (AHA) has expressed support for the legislation, with AHA president and CEO Rick Pollack calling it a “significant step forward” in protecting healthcare workers. He stated, “The sharp rise in violence against caregivers is clearly documented, yet no federal law exists to protect them. Enactment of this bipartisan legislation would be a significant step forward in protecting our workforce. The AHA commends Senators Manchin and Rubio for their leadership on this issue.”
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Despite nearly 40 states passing laws to increase penalties for violence against healthcare workers, similar federal legislation has failed to pass.
Last year, Senator Tammy Baldwin introduced the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act, which tasked the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) with creating violence prevention measure requirements for healthcare and social service workplaces. However, the bill failed to advance before being reintroduced in April and has since stalled again.
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