Issue

Awareness of the problem of resident attacks on staff at state mental health and development centers grew following a brutal attack in 1999 on a nurse at the state’s facility in Peoria, Illinois. An investigation and legislative hearing followed in which it became apparent that the problem is more widespread than department officials had previously acknowledged. A 1997 nationwide study by the Bureau of labor indicated, for example, that 4.6% of the nation’s 2.6 million nurses and nurses’ aids suffered sprains, fractures, bruises, and cuts on the job.

Millennia’s Approach

Millennia developed an employee involvement model that was used with labor/management teams to formulate corrective action measures. Facility teams trained and coached by Millennia developed unique approaches and project outcomes. The individuality of each team project demonstrated the team’s resourcefulness and commitment to achieving the DHS goal of a safer environment for those who live and work in state-operated facilities.

Client Benefit

The number of assault/altercation injuries came down 20% between FY 2001 and FY 2002; and the cost in worker compensation claims declined by 53% during the same period, translating into a savings of $984,906.

This Employee Involvement case study is an example of Millennia's Leadership Development and Program Design services.