Complete Guide to Workplace Violence Prevention in Hawaii Healthcare Facilities (2026 Update)

Workplace violence in healthcare remains a critical issue in 2025, with national legislation advancing and Hawaii facilities reporting ongoing incidents tied to behavioral health crises, visitor stress, and staffing shortages. Healthcare workers nationwide face assault rates four times higher than other industries—making proactive prevention non-negotiable.

As Hawaii's only BTAM-certified threat assessment consultant—with 40+ years of experience including LAPD service, U.S. Embassy Baghdad security, former Director of Campus Safety at Chaminade University, and current State of Hawaii Safety Specialist—I've conducted over 2,400 assessments helping local organizations shift from reaction to prevention.

Watch this short CrisisWire Services Overview Video for a quick introduction.

This evergreen guide combines OSHA guidelines, Hawaii-specific resources, and proven BTAM strategies to build safer hospitals and clinics across the islands.

Rising Risks in Hawaii Healthcare

Hawaii's unique factors amplify violence:

• Patient and visitor aggression in ERs and behavioral health units

• Insider threats from staff burnout

• Geographic isolation causing delayed response times (especially Big Island and Maui)

The Healthcare Association of Hawaii provides dedicated workplace violence resources, including training tools. The State of Hawaii Workplace Violence Manual offers comprehensive prevention frameworks applicable to healthcare settings.

Federally, OSHA's Workplace Violence Prevention Guidelines emphasize engineering controls, administrative policies, and training—proven to reduce incidents dramatically.

Core Elements of an Effective Prevention Program

1. Leadership Commitment Adopt zero-tolerance policies and form multidisciplinary teams—use templates from Hawaii's resources.

2. Risk Assessment Regularly evaluate high-risk areas and integrate Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management (BTAM) to spot behavioral indicators early.

3. Early Warning Signs Train staff on leakage, fixation, escalation, and pathway behaviors—learn more in this CrisisWire insights post (principles apply directly to healthcare).

4. Reporting & Response Implement confidential systems and investigate promptly.

5. Training Conduct annual de-escalation sessions; complement with FEMA certifications like Active Shooter Preparedness.

6. Engineering & Administrative Controls Install panic buttons, improve lighting, and adjust staffing to avoid isolation.

Complete Guide to Workplace Violence Prevention in Hawaii Healthcare Facilities (2026 Update)

Hawaii Compliance & Resources

• Joint Commission Standards (effective since 2022) require documented prevention plans.

• Strategic partnerships like those with Davies Insurance Solutions integrate property and behavioral risk—see recent press coverage on NewsByWire and Street Insider.

Explore additional CrisisWire threat assessment books and resources for deeper implementation guidance.

Measuring Success & Continuous Improvement

Track incidents, staff feedback, and training completion. Regular audits help adapt to emerging trends like mental health-related aggression.

Hawaii healthcare facilities can set the standard by embracing BTAM-focused programs. Start today with the Behavioral Threat Assessment Starter Kit ($497) or schedule a consultation.

Contact crisiswire@proton.me for tailored support—prevent violence before it escalates.