In recent years, health-care workers in Canada have faced unprecedented challenges, not only from the demands of their profession but also from increasing violence and threats in their workplaces. While they are on the front lines, risking their lives to care for others, the rising tide of aggression toward them has sparked concern across the country. It’s time to recognize that health-care workers are under attack, and we must take immediate and sustained action to ensure their safety.

The Growing Problem of Violence in Health Care

Health-care workers in Canada, especially those in hospitals and emergency care settings, are experiencing alarming levels of violence. According to a report by the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU), nearly one in five nurses has experienced physical violence in the workplace. Nurses and other health-care professionals are often subjected to verbal abuse, physical assault, and threats—sometimes daily. A study by the Canadian Occupational Safety and Health Agency (CCOHS) found that health-care workers are five times more likely to be attacked than employees in other sectors.

This violent trend isn’t a recent development. It has been growing for years, fueled by increased stressors such as long hours, understaffing, and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. But the situation is becoming increasingly dangerous. In 2021, a report from the Ontario Nurses' Association revealed that almost 70% of nurses had witnessed or experienced physical violence at work. These figures are not just numbers—they represent real people whose ability to do their jobs is being severely compromised by these threats.

The Impact on Health-Care Workers

The consequences of this violence are devastating. Health-care workers are not only dealing with physical injuries, but also emotional and psychological trauma. The toll of continuous exposure to violence can lead to burnout, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In some cases, this results in staff leaving the profession entirely, further exacerbating the already significant staffing shortages in Canadian health care.

Beyond the individuals affected, the broader healthcare system suffers. When health-care workers are injured or traumatized, their ability to provide high-quality care diminishes. It creates an unsafe environment for patients, as well as the professionals tasked with looking after them. The increased risk to health-care workers also threatens the sustainability of the system, as more individuals step away from the profession due to safety concerns.

What Needs to Be Done?

The alarming rates of violence against health-care workers demand immediate and comprehensive action. Here are several key measures that can be taken to ensure their safety:

  1. Stronger Legislation and Legal Protection The criminal penalties for violence against health-care workers need to be more severe. In some Canadian provinces, laws are already in place that make it a criminal offense to assault a health-care worker. However, enforcement is inconsistent. We need clearer and stricter laws, with more robust penalties for offenders. A national standard for protecting health-care workers from violence should be established, setting minimum thresholds for training, staffing levels, and penalties.
  2. Workplace Safety Programs Hospitals and other health-care settings need to implement stronger safety protocols. This includes physical security measures such as cameras, panic buttons, and increased police presence in high-risk areas. But it should also involve comprehensive training programs for workers to identify and de-escalate potential violent situations. Institutions need to prioritize health and safety programs that promote a culture of respect and vigilance.
  3. Support for Mental Health The mental and emotional toll of violence cannot be ignored. Health-care workers need access to robust mental health resources and support programs. Whether through counseling services, peer support programs, or mental health days, we must ensure that those who are attacked or traumatized have the support they need to heal and continue in their work. Without adequate mental health resources, workers may feel that the system doesn't value their well-being, which only compounds the problem.
  4. Public Awareness and Education Educating the public about the challenges health-care workers face and the importance of their safety is crucial. Many instances of violence stem from frustration, lack of understanding, or even misinformation. Public awareness campaigns, supported by the media and government, can help cultivate respect and empathy for health-care workers and reduce aggressive behaviors in the public.
  5. Adequate Staffing One of the root causes of violence in health care is understaffing. When workers are overburdened and stretched thin, tensions rise, and incidents of violence increase. Governments and health-care institutions must address staffing shortages by hiring more personnel and reducing workloads to prevent burnout and overwork.

Conclusion

Health-care workers are essential to the functioning of Canada’s health-care system, and they deserve to feel safe and respected in their workplaces. The growing trend of violence against them is unacceptable, and it’s a call to action for all of us. We must hold ourselves accountable, not just as citizens, but as a society, to protect those who devote their lives to caring for us. It’s time for the government, health-care institutions, and the public to come together and ensure that the safety and well-being of health-care workers are prioritized. Their lives—and our health-care system—depend on it.

Sources:

- Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) - Violence in the Workplace Report
- Canadian Occupational Safety and Health Agency (CCOHS) - Workplace Violence Statistics
- Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) - Violence in Nursing Report