SESSION ABSTRACT - Uniting Mental Health and Occupational Health Advocates for Improved Consumer, Community and Staff Safety

Mental health and occupational safety advocates have a strong incentive to work together. The safety of clients and the mental health workforce are closely linked. Advocates from both disciplines can cite a high incidence of injuries in the consumer and worker populations. The purpose of this panel is to begin a cross disciplinary dialogue and develop an action plan for improved safety in mental health care. Proposed panelists include Joseph Rogers who will present the mental health consumer perspective and review efforts to improve safety by reducing the use of seclusion and restraints. Kate McPhaul will present findings of a field study conducted after the death of a community mental health worker in Washington State. The case study provides an evaluation of safety concerns and solutions. Jonathan Rosen will present an overview of the collaborative work for workplace violence prevention programs in mental health and a successful union campaign for a State Workplace Violence Prevention law. Paolo del Vecchio will present findings from SAMSHA – funded state research activities to reduce seclusion and restraint use. Elise Handelman will discuss federal OSHA workplace violence policies and their application to mental health facilities. Charon Burda-Cohee will present the clinician perspective on safety from her practice in a community clinic for the homeless. Benjamin Abraham, will discuss the perspective of the direct care treatment aides and violence prevention in the inpatient setting. Presentations will be brief in order to allow Matt London and Joe Rogers to facilitate a dialogue and development of action items.