Workplace violence: Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines for workers in health care and social services.

Workplace violence has become a problem in modern American society. Health-care workers are particularly vulnerable because of the nature of their jobs dealing with clients, many of whom are emotionally disturbed. A brief review of the Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) "Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence Among Health Care and Social Workers" that was published in 1996 is presented. Some sensible ways to implement the OSHA guidelines are also discussed.