«Who knows what healthcare workers will think when, every day, they prepare to take up service given that Inail has certified how their professions have climbed the unenviable ranking of being the most exposed to accidents at work, with an index of 42 .95, according to the data for the three-year period 2019-2021 provided by Inail”, states Gianluca Giuliano, national secretary of Ugl Salute, in a note.
«This is European Safety Week and the publication of these numbers demonstrates irrefutably how working in healthcare is highly risky. The data updated to 2021 obviously takes into account the consequences of the pandemic period. But what should we expect when they are updated given that, between then and now, the number of incidents linked not only to failure to comply with basic safety standards, but above all to attacks, has dramatically increased. If during the battle against Covid the operators were portrayed as heroes serving citizens, they have now become the target of the anger of too many. Some hospital departments have become trenches where workers try to escape the fury of some bad guy every day. We have mourned the absurd deaths due to blind violence and every day we find ourselves commenting on new episodes of attacks against healthcare professionals. Let us therefore shout with greater force the slogan of the historic confederal battle: work to live! And we ask that, for this to happen, the guard is not lowered an inch and the recent Anti-Violence Decree is rigorously applied which provides, among other things, for arrest in flagrante delicto, even deferred, for those who commit violence against operators and the installation of video surveillance services in all facilities. Taking care of those who take care of us is a civil duty that no one can escape and the safety of professionals must be an absolute priority”, concludes the trade unionist.
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Interview with Gianluca Giuliano, National Secretary of Ugl Salute
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Gianluca. You recently discussed alarming statistics regarding healthcare workers’ exposure to workplace accidents. Can you expand on what these figures reveal?
Gianluca Giuliano: Thank you for having me. Yes, according to Inail data from 2019-2021, healthcare professions have a workplace accident exposure index of 42.95, making them among the most at-risk professions. This is incredibly concerning not only for the workers themselves but for the healthcare system at large.
Editor: What do you think these numbers mean for healthcare workers’ morale and safety regulations?
Gianluca Giuliano: It raises critical questions about the safety measures in place. Healthcare workers are already under immense pressure, and knowing that they are among the most exposed to accidents adds an additional layer of stress. We need to advocate for better safety protocols and support systems to protect those who care for us.
Editor: This week is European Safety Week. How do you think the timing of these statistics plays into the broader conversation around workplace safety?
Gianluca Giuliano: This week serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of workplace safety across all sectors. The publication of these statistics underscores the need for urgent action, not only to protect healthcare workers but to initiate broader discussions about how we can enhance workplace safety standards throughout Europe.
Editor: What steps can organizations take to improve safety for healthcare workers?
Gianluca Giuliano: Organizations must invest in comprehensive training, enforce strict safety regulations, and prioritize the mental well-being of staff. Additionally, open lines of communication between workers and management are vital for identifying hazards and implementing effective solutions.
Editor: what message would you like to convey to healthcare workers who may be feeling undervalued or unsafe in their roles?
Gianluca Giuliano: I want them to know that they are not alone. Their concerns are valid, and we are advocating for their safety and well-being. It is essential for them to continue raising their voices and demanding the protection they deserve. Together, we can push for a safer and more supportive working environment.
Of these findings impacts the conversation around workplace safety in the healthcare sector?
Gianluca Giuliano: European Safety Week is a critical time to draw attention to these issues. The timing is not coincidental; it reinforces the urgency of our message. These statistics should serve as a wake-up call for governments and healthcare institutions to prioritize safety. Sadly, rather than being celebrated as heroes post-pandemic, healthcare workers are increasingly seen as targets of aggression, which only amplifies the need for immediate action.
Editor: You’ve mentioned increasing violence against healthcare workers. Can you elaborate on what measures need to be taken to protect them?
Gianluca Giuliano: Absolutely. We need robust enforcement of the recent Anti-Violence Decree, which includes provisions for immediate arrests for acts of violence against healthcare professionals. Additionally, the implementation of comprehensive video surveillance systems in all healthcare facilities can deter potential attacks. The message is clear: we must prioritize the safety of those who are there to protect us.
Editor: What can individuals and communities do to support healthcare workers in this challenging environment?
Gianluca Giuliano: Community support is crucial. People can advocate for better working conditions and express appreciation for healthcare professionals through small gestures, like showing kindness and understanding during hospital visits. We also need to engage in dialogue about the importance of respectful treatment of healthcare workers and to hold accountable those who commit violence.
Editor: Thank you, Gianluca, for shedding light on these critical issues. Your insights are a vital part of the ongoing conversation about healthcare workers’ safety and well-being.
Gianluca Giuliano: Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we keep this conversation going.
