MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—OhioHealth is implementing a significant new measure to enhance safety and prevent workplace violence, announcing that OhioHealth Marion General Hospital will begin screening visitors, associates, and providers with metal detectors starting December 2.
The screening process will be implemented at the hospital’s Emergency Department and East entrances. This move is part of a larger initiative by the health system to install metal detectors at public entrances across its 26 care sites by the end of 2025, creating a weapons-free environment.
The decision to adopt the new scanning technology addresses the increasing incidence of violence in the healthcare industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare workers are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than workers in other industries.
“The safety of our patients, visitors, and associates is of utmost importance to us at OhioHealth,” said Todd Wickerham, Vice President of Security and Protective Services for OhioHealth. “While we have always prohibited weapons from entering our care sites, this is an active measure to make sure that’s the case.”
OhioHealth officials stated that the screening process is designed to take only a few moments and will not delay patient care. By taking this proactive step, the organization aims to prevent and reduce instances of workplace violence in its facilities.