Workplace Safety: What Nurses Can Do

Every Nurse deserves to feel safe, supported, and protected at work. Yet, many face daily challenges — from workplace violence and hazardous exposures to staffing shortages and emotional strain.

This resource page is designed to empower you with practical steps and trusted tools to help strengthen your safety and well-being on the job. Whether it’s knowing your rights, reporting incidents, or advocating for safer staffing, every action you take helps create a stronger culture of safety for yourself, your colleagues, and your patients.

Explore the tips and resources below to stay informed, stay protected, and continue leading with the heart of nursing — compassion, courage, and care.

Below are action steps Nurses can take to stay safer on the job:

1. Know Your Rights

• Nurses have the right to a safe workplace under OSHA.
• Request hazard assessments and report unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation.

2. Report Incidents — Every Time

• Report workplace violence, near-misses, and equipment hazards.
• Documentation builds a case for staffing, training, and security improvements.

3. Advocate for Safe Staffing

• Understaffing increases risk of injury, burnout, and medical errors.
• Join staffing committees or support state-level safe staffing legislation.

4. Use Safe Patient Handling Techniques

• Use lift equipment for heavy transfers.
• Keep proper body mechanics—bend at the knees, not the waist.
• Request a second person when moving patients if needed.

5. Protect Yourself from Workplace Violence

• Trust your instincts; maintain a safe distance from agitated patients.
• Position yourself near exits during tense situations.
• Use de-escalation techniques: calm tone, non-threatening posture, active listening.
• Know emergency codes and security contact procedures.

6. Prevent Infection & Exposure

• Use PPE consistently and correctly.
• Follow needle safety protocols—never recap needles.
• Know post-exposure steps for bloodborne pathogens.

7. Strengthen Safety Culture

• Participate in safety huddles.
• Encourage “no blame” reporting.
• Support peers who speak up about safety issues.