CHA Workplace Safety Resolution

With incidents of violence and disrespect toward health care workers continuing to rise, Colorado hospitals have come together in their response to continue to foster safe, respectful workplaces for staff and healing environments for patients.

The Colorado Hospital Association Board of Trustees approved a united set of common principles that are being adopted as part of our effort to bring attention to this important issue affecting Colorado hospitals.

WHEREAS, Colorado hospitals and health systems are committed to caring for all patients with compassion, in all areas of the hospital;

WHEREAS, patients deserve a safe place in which to receive care;

WHEREAS, health care workers deserve a safe place in which to deliver care;

WHEREAS, Colorado health care providers have been subject to increased acts of violence and assault;

WHEREAS, patients deserve a safe place in which to receive care;

Be it therefore resolved that the Colorado Hospital Association Board of Trustees recommends the following to its member hospitals and health systems:

I. Hospitals commit to uphold a Code of Conduct to maintain a safe, inclusive, equitable, and respectful environment for patients, staff, and visitors.

II. Hospitals commit to the creation of policies and practices that promote the protection of staff, patients, and visitors.

III. Hospitals educate patients and staff that offensive, abusive, or discriminatory language or behavior undermines the safety of patients and staff and will not be tolerated.

IV. Hospitals help educate their communities that violence against health care workers is harmful to the caregivers, volunteers and other patients.

V. Hospitals and caregivers are encouraged to report violence to appropriate authorities.

Adopted February 2023