By Steve M. Cohen bio In case anyone wondered, the battle to counter workplace harassment and violence is definitely intensifying. In 2005, a physician killed a nurse who he worked with at a hospital. It was later learned that the murder followed a long history of harassment by the doctor. Worse, the hospital management had known of these incidents. But at that … [Read more...] about Battle for a safe workplace continues to evolve
Workplace Safety
Dealing with winter weather
As winter weather arrives with force in many parts of the country, it brings a reminder of the impact snowstorms have on businesses both large and small. Winter storms cause frustration for business owners, management, and HR professionals as they deal with the disruption each new snowflake brings. Inclement weather related issues include early school closings and the … [Read more...] about Dealing with winter weather
Model Policy: Dress code and appearance
Why you need this model policy: Employees affiliated with a medical practice are representatives of the practice and are responsible for creating a positive experience for patients, families, visitors, clinical staff, and fellow workers. How this model policy helps you: This model policy allows a practice to address all aspects of employee appearance, including clothing, … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Dress code and appearance
Practices recognize that health care compliance management must be addressed, despite challenges
A nationwide survey finds health care organizations and businesses, including medical practices, confront time and staffing challenges when it comes to health care compliance management. Expertise is also an issue, as is keeping up with changes. Nevertheless, medical practices and other health care providers recognize the importance of health care compliance management. The … [Read more...] about Practices recognize that health care compliance management must be addressed, despite challenges
Model Policy: Workplace violence statement
Why you need this policy: Although not specifically required by OSHA, Best Practices and unofficial OSHA guidance suggests that employers develop a written program to prevent workplace violence that includes, among other things, a written statement from management expressing the organization’s policy on workplace violence. How this policy helps you: Although it requires … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Workplace violence statement
Cardiology practice makes staff safety a priority
A Davenport, IA, cardiology practice with 40 providers faced a major challenge, one that had the potential to affect the safety of practice staff. "Like most medical offices, we ask our patients to bring all their medications with them to the office and our rooming staff reconciles their medications at each office visit," says Marcia Brunsvold, supervisor of patient … [Read more...] about Cardiology practice makes staff safety a priority
Protect yourself legally and physically when you fire a staffer
Besides being unpleasant, firing a staffer is dangerous. There are two concerns, says employment law attorney Denise I. Murphy of Rubin and Rudman in Boston. Of first importance is the physical safety of the manager and everybody else in the office. Of second importance is legal safety. The manager has to minimize the risk of a claim of wrongful termination, discrimination, … [Read more...] about Protect yourself legally and physically when you fire a staffer
Office handbook: danger in saying too much or too little
While most offices have an employee handbook, few realize the responsibilities and even dangers it creates. A handbook ensures that both employer and employee understand the full picture of the employment. It tells what the office expects of the employee in terms of behavior, and it tells what the employee can expect of the office in terms of salary, benefits, and so … [Read more...] about Office handbook: danger in saying too much or too little
How to deliver bad news to 3 kinds of underperforming employees
The talk of management isn't easy. Here are three especially difficult conversations to be prepared for: the poor performance discussion, the no-raise-for-you discussion, and the we're-having-layoffs discussion. Business consultant, corporate trainer, and psychotherapist Linnda Durre, PhD, of Winter Park, FL, outlines what to say, and what not to say, to get the message … [Read more...] about How to deliver bad news to 3 kinds of underperforming employees
Safety Briefing: Prevent needlestick injury and exposure to bloodborne pathogens
Why you need this safety briefing: Health care workers are at risk of exposure to deadly bloodborne pathogens through needlestick injuries and injuries from other sharps. How this safety briefing helps you: This is a safety talk that you can present to your medical office staff. This safety briefing is an introduction to the topics of needlestick injuries and bloodborne … [Read more...] about Safety Briefing: Prevent needlestick injury and exposure to bloodborne pathogens