Important Stats on Workplace Violence in Healthcare

Healthcare workers are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than people in other industries.

From emergency departments to long-term care homes, nurses, paramedics, and other frontline staff are increasingly facing verbal abuse, physical threats, harassment, and even assault while doing their jobs.

This kind of violence doesn’t just harm workers—it affects patient care, staff morale, and the healthcare system as a whole.

In Canada, the numbers are troubling. According to the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions, nearly 61% of nurses have faced violence on the job, with many incidents going unreported.

In Ontario alone, workplace violence incidents in hospitals have more than doubled in the past decade. These aren’t just isolated cases—they reflect a larger, ongoing problem across provinces and healthcare settings.

This blog will explore 10 key stats on workplace violence in healthcare that highlight just how widespread—and urgent—this issue is. Whether you're a healthcare worker, manager, or policymaker, understanding these facts is the first step toward change.

Workplace violence is not “just part of the job.” It’s a serious health and safety risk that needs more attention, better protections, and stronger prevention strategies. Read on to learn the numbers behind the crisis—and what they mean for the future of healthcare in Canada.

10 Important Statistics on Workplace Violence in Healthcare

Workplace violence is an escalating concern in the healthcare sector, affecting professionals across various roles and settings.

The following ten statistics shed light on the severity and prevalence of this issue, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to protect healthcare workers.

70% of Workplace Assaults Occur in Healthcare Settings

Healthcare workers are disproportionately affected by workplace violence. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), approximately 70% of nonfatal workplace assaults occur in the healthcare and social assistance sectors.

This statistic is particularly striking when compared to other high-risk professions. For instance, while law enforcement officers face significant dangers, the frequency of assaults in healthcare settings surpasses even these high-risk occupations.

The high incidence of violence in healthcare can be due to several factors:

Patient Interactions: Healthcare workers often deal with individuals in distress, pain, or under the influence of substances, increasing the likelihood of aggressive behavior.
Understaffing: Chronic understaffing can lead to longer wait times and increased frustration among patients, which may be directed toward staff.
Lack of Training: Not all healthcare facilities provide adequate training on de-escalation techniques or managing violent situations.

The implications of this statistic are are follow:

Policy Development: There's a pressing need for policies that specifically address workplace violence in healthcare, ensuring that institutions have clear protocols for prevention and response.
Training Programs: Implementing comprehensive training programs can equip healthcare workers with the skills to manage and de-escalate potentially violent situations.
Environmental Modifications: Designing healthcare settings with safety in mind—such as secure rooms, panic buttons, and controlled access areas—can help mitigate risks.

Addressing the high rate of workplace assaults in healthcare is not just about protecting staff; it's also about ensuring the safety and well-being of patients. A secure environment fosters better patient care and outcomes.

Nurses Experience the Highest Rate of Physical Assault

Nurses are at the forefront of patient care, often placing them in vulnerable positions where they face significant risks of workplace violence.

According to the National Nurses United, approximately 25% of registered nurses reported being physically assaulted by a patient or family member, while over 50% reported exposure to verbal abuse or bullying .

This high incidence of violence has profound implications for the nursing profession. Physical assaults can lead to serious injuries, emotional trauma, and long-term psychological effects such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The constant threat of violence contributes to increased stress levels, burnout, and job dissatisfaction among nurses, leading to higher turnover rates and exacerbating existing staffing shortages.

Several factors contribute to the heightened risk of violence against nurses:

Patient Behavior: Patients experiencing pain, confusion, or mental health issues may act out aggressively.
Family Members: Relatives under stress or grieving may direct their frustration toward nursing staff.
Work Environment: High-stress settings, such as emergency departments, increase the likelihood of violent incidents.

To address this issue, healthcare institutions must implement comprehensive strategies, including:

Violence Prevention Programs: Developing and enforcing policies that prioritize the safety of nursing staff.
Training and Education: Providing nurses with training on de-escalation techniques and how to handle aggressive behavior.
Support Systems: Establishing support networks for nurses who have experienced violence, including counseling services.

By acknowledging the risks and implementing proactive measures, healthcare facilities can create a safer environment for nurses, ultimately improving patient care and staff retention.

Healthcare Workers Are Five Times More Likely to Be Assaulted

Healthcare and social service workers face a significantly higher risk of workplace violence compared to other professions.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these workers are five times more likely to suffer a workplace violence injury than workers in other sectors.

This elevated risk highlights the severity of workplace violence in the healthcare industry. Factors contributing to this include:

Close Patient Interaction: Healthcare workers often engage in direct, personal care, increasing exposure to potential aggression.
High-Stress Environments: Settings like emergency rooms and psychiatric units are inherently stressful, which can lead to volatile situations.
Underreporting: Many incidents go unreported due to a culture of acceptance or fear of retaliation, masking the true extent of the problem.

The implications include:

Staffing Challenges: High rates of violence contribute to burnout and turnover, exacerbating staffing shortages.
Financial Costs: Workplace violence leads to increased healthcare costs due to injuries, legal fees, and compensation claims.
Quality of Care: A fearful or traumatized workforce can negatively impact patient care and satisfaction.

Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach:

Policy Implementation: Enacting and enforcing zero-tolerance policies for workplace violence.
Environmental Design: Modifying healthcare settings to enhance safety, such as secure rooms and surveillance systems.
Legislative Action: Advocating for laws that protect healthcare workers and mandate reporting and prevention measures.

By recognizing the heightened risks and taking proactive steps, the healthcare industry can work towards a safer environment for all workers.

44% of Nurses Physically Attacked by Patients

The prevalence of physical violence against nurses is alarmingly high. A study reported by Centegix found that 44% of nurses experienced physical violence, and 68% reported experiencing verbal abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several factors contribute to this disturbing trend:

Patient Frustration: Long wait times, perceived inadequate care, and general dissatisfaction can lead to aggression.
Mental Health Issues: Patients with untreated or severe mental health conditions may exhibit violent behavior.
Staffing Shortages: Overworked and understaffed units can lead to delays in care, increasing patient agitation.

The consequences of such violence are profound:

Psychological Impact: Victims may suffer from anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Professional Repercussions: Increased absenteeism, reduced job satisfaction, and higher turnover rates.
Patient Care: A fearful or traumatized nursing staff can negatively affect the quality of patient care.

To mitigate these risks, healthcare institutions should:

Implement De-escalation Training: Equip staff with skills to manage and defuse potentially violent situations.
Enhance Security Measures: Increase the presence of security personnel and install surveillance systems.
Promote a Culture of Reporting: Encourage staff to report incidents without fear of retaliation, ensuring accurate data collection and response.

By addressing the root causes and implementing comprehensive prevention strategies, healthcare facilities can create a safer environment for both staff and patients.

Only 30% Say Their Workplace Handles Violence Well

Despite the prevalence of workplace violence in healthcare, only a small fraction of healthcare workers feel their organizations effectively address the issue.

According to a survey, just 30% of healthcare professionals believe their workplace has adequate measures to handle violence.

This gap between the occurrence of violence and the perceived adequacy of institutional response is alarming.

When staff feel unsupported, it can lead to underreporting of incidents, perpetuating a cycle where violence is neither acknowledged nor addressed. This not only endangers staff but also exposes healthcare facilities to potential legal liabilities and reputational damage.

To bridge this gap, healthcare organizations must adopt a proactive stance:

Comprehensive Training: Regular training sessions on de-escalation techniques and personal safety can empower staff to handle volatile situations effectively.
Incident Response Plans: Establishing clear protocols for reporting and responding to incidents ensures that every case is taken seriously and addressed promptly.
Leadership Support: Visible commitment from leadership to prioritize staff safety can foster a culture where employees feel valued and protected.

By implementing these measures, healthcare institutions can create a safer environment, enhancing staff morale and ensuring better patient care.

Nurses Experience Verbal Abuse Weekly

Verbal abuse is a pervasive issue in healthcare settings, often overshadowed by physical violence. Studies indicate that a significant percentage of nurses experience verbal abuse on a weekly basis.

This frequent exposure to verbal aggression can have detrimental effects on nurses' mental health, leading to increased stress, burnout, and job dissatisfaction.

Moreover, verbal abuse often goes unreported, either because it's normalized or due to a belief that reporting won't lead to meaningful change.

To deal with this issue:

Awareness Campaigns: Educating both staff and patients about the unacceptability of verbal abuse can help shift cultural norms.
Reporting Mechanisms: Simplifying the process for reporting verbal abuse and ensuring confidentiality can encourage more staff to come forward.
Support Systems: Providing counseling and support for affected staff can mitigate the psychological impact of verbal abuse.

Addressing verbal abuse is crucial not only for the well-being of healthcare workers but also for maintaining a professional and respectful environment conducive to quality patient care.

Most Violent Incidents Happen in Emergency Departments

Emergency departments (EDs) are hotspots for workplace violence in healthcare. Data indicates that a significant proportion of violent incidents occur in EDs.

Several factors contribute to this trend:

High-Stress Environment: EDs often deal with life-threatening situations, leading to heightened emotions among patients and their families.
Long Wait Times: Overcrowding and resource constraints can result in extended wait times, increasing patient frustration.
Unpredictable Behavior: EDs frequently serve individuals under the influence of substances or experiencing mental health crises, elevating the risk of aggression.

To enhance safety in EDs:

Environmental Design: Implementing secure layouts, controlled access points, and surveillance systems can deter violent behavior.
Staffing: Ensuring adequate staffing levels can reduce wait times and allow for better monitoring of patient behavior.
Emergency Protocols: Establishing clear procedures for handling violent incidents, including the use of panic buttons and rapid response teams, can protect both staff and patients.

By addressing the unique challenges of EDs, healthcare facilities can create a safer environment for both employees and those seeking emergency care.

Nurses Consider Quitting Due to Violence

Workplace violence has profound implications for nurse retention. A significant percentage of nurses have reported considering leaving their positions or the profession entirely due to experiences of violence.

The constant threat of violence leads to emotional exhaustion, decreased job satisfaction, and a sense of vulnerability among nurses. This not only affects individual well-being but also exacerbates the existing nursing shortage, impacting patient care quality.

To retain skilled nursing staff:

Supportive Work Environment: Fostering a culture where nurses feel safe and valued can enhance job satisfaction.
Mental Health Resources: Providing access to counseling and stress management programs can help nurses cope with the emotional toll of their work.
Feedback Mechanisms: Encouraging open communication about safety concerns and acting on feedback can demonstrate organizational commitment to staff well-being.

By proactively addressing workplace violence, healthcare institutions can improve nurse retention, ensuring continuity of care and better health outcomes for patients.

ER Assaults Involve Patients’ Family or Friends

Emergency rooms are often emotionally charged environments, not just for patients, but for their loved ones as well.

According to Peaceful Leaders Academy, about 31% of ER-related workplace assaults are committed by patients’ family members or friends.

That means nearly one-third of incidents in emergency departments aren’t caused by patients themselves—but by the people accompanying them.

This stat highlight a lesser-discussed threat. In many cases, friends and relatives of patients are under tremendous stress, fearing the worst for their loved ones.

Long wait times, lack of information, perceived delays in treatment, or even cultural and language barriers can amplify frustration. These emotions, when not managed properly, can turn into verbal or physical aggression against frontline staff.

To reduce the risk of such assaults, healthcare facilities should consider:

Clear visitor policies: Setting expectations about behavior, visiting hours, and the number of visitors allowed can help manage crowding and reduce tension.
De-escalation training: Equip staff with communication strategies to calm agitated visitors before situations escalate.
Visible security presence: Even the presence of trained personnel can deter aggressive actions and give staff peace of mind.
Family liaison roles: Assigning a designated communicator to keep relatives informed during emergencies can reduce uncertainty and anger.

With proper planning and support, hospitals can create safer spaces not just for workers, but for everyone in the care environment.

Very Few Healthcare Professionals Report Safety Incidents

Despite how common workplace violence is in healthcare, only 28.7% of incidents are actually reported, according to a study published.

That means nearly three out of four incidents—whether they involve verbal abuse, physical threats, or actual harm—go unrecorded.

Why does this happen? In many cases, staff don’t report because:
They feel it's “just part of the job”
They worry nothing will be done
Reporting is time-consuming or complicated
They fear retaliation or negative consequences

Underreporting creates a serious blind spot for hospitals and safety leaders. Without accurate data, it’s hard to identify trends, allocate resources, or justify the need for better security protocols. It also deprives workers of support they may need after violent events.

Improving reporting rates starts with making the process simple and safe. That includes:

Anonymous reporting options to encourage honesty without fear
Clear policies that explain what and how to report
Mobile-friendly tools or forms integrated into daily routines
Regular feedback loops, so staff know their reports lead to action

By capturing more accurate data, healthcare organizations can build stronger, evidence-based violence prevention programs—improving safety and trust across the board.

Why These Stats Matter for Healthcare Safety

The statistics on workplace violence in healthcare are more than just numbers—they paint a sobering picture of the emotional, physical, and professional toll that violence takes on our frontline workers.

From nurses being verbally abused weekly to emergency room staff physically assaulted by patients or their families, each data point represents real people working under constant threat.

The mental health impact of workplace violence is significant. Healthcare professionals who endure repeated verbal abuse, threats, or physical harm often report symptoms of anxiety, depression, burnout, and PTSD.

Over time, this leads to reduced morale and emotional exhaustion, which not only affects the well-being of staff but also the quality of care they are able to deliver to patients.

Violence is also a major driver of staff turnover. When more than half of nurses consider quitting due to violent encounters, it adds further strain to an already overstretched system.

Staffing shortages increase workloads for remaining staff, further escalating the risk of mistakes, burnout, and more violence—a dangerous cycle.

From a safety and legal standpoint, organizations that fail to act may face rising public scrutiny, regulatory penalties, and liability issues.

Provinces like Ontario and British Columbia have been under pressure to tighten safety laws, with unions and advocacy groups demanding reforms such as panic buttons, better training, and tougher penalties for assaults on healthcare workers.

Ultimately, healthcare quality suffers when violence is not addressed. Distracted, fearful, or injured staff can’t perform at their best, and patients may experience delays, miscommunication, or even medical errors.

By paying attention to these stats and acting on them, healthcare leaders have an opportunity—not just to protect their teams, but to restore confidence and safety in Canada's healthcare system.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Healthcare Violence?

Tackling workplace violence in healthcare requires more than awareness—it calls for concrete, proactive measures that protect staff, support patients, and build safer environments.

Here are several key strategies that Canadian healthcare facilities can implement to reduce the risk of violence:

Staff De-Escalation Training

One of the most effective ways to reduce violent incidents is to equip staff with the skills to recognize and defuse tense situations before they escalate.

Workplace violence training helps employees understand early warning signs, maintain calm under pressure, and use verbal and non-verbal techniques to de-escalate aggression.

Regular refresher courses ensure that these skills stay sharp and relevant in high-stress environments like emergency departments or psychiatric units.

Panic Alert Systems

Technology can provide a critical safety net. Wearable panic buttons, silent alarms, or mobile-based alert systems allow staff to instantly call for help when faced with a threatening situation.

These systems can drastically reduce response times and help prevent harm. Many hospitals in provinces like Ontario and Alberta have already started adopting panic alert systems, particularly in high-risk areas like ERs and mental health units.

Improved Incident Reporting Tools

Only 28.7% of healthcare workers report safety incidents, which means many risks go unaddressed.

Simplifying the reporting process can encourage more staff to document threats, abuse, or assaults. Anonymous digital tools and mobile apps make it easier and safer to report issues.

Training programs like incident investigation training can also help teams learn how to act on these reports and prevent recurrence through root cause analysis.

Mental Health Support and Anti-Harassment Training

Continuous exposure to aggression takes a toll on staff mental health. Providing access to counselling, peer support groups, and flexible leave policies can make a big difference.

Additionally, workplace harassment training helps organizations create a respectful culture that discourages abusive behavior—from patients, families, or even colleagues.

These measures don’t just protect healthcare workers—they also improve patient outcomes and workplace morale. Violence is not “part of the job,” and prevention starts with prioritizing staff safety at every level.

Conclusion

Workplace violence in healthcare is not just an unfortunate reality—it’s a growing crisis that affects every level of the system.

From verbal abuse to physical assault, healthcare professionals across Canada face daily risks that compromise their safety, mental health, and job satisfaction.

The stats on workplace violence in healthcare are more than just numbers—they reflect the lived experiences of nurses, support staff, and frontline workers who deserve better protection.

Hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities can no longer afford to treat violence as a rare or isolated problem. It must be addressed with the same urgency as infection control or medication errors.

That means investing in de-escalation training, panic alert systems, strong reporting protocols, and a supportive work culture where violence is never normalized or brushed aside.

By acknowledging the issue, tracking incidents consistently, and empowering staff to speak up, we take real steps toward a culture of prevention and accountability.

Important Stats on Workplace Violence in Healthcare