Impact of Organizational Policies and Practices on Workplace Injuries in a Hospital Setting

OBJECTIVE:This study aimed to assess relationships between perceptions of organizational practices and policies (OPP), social support, and injury rates among workers in hospital units. METHODS:A total of 1230 hospital workers provided survey data on OPP, job flexibility, and social support. Demographic data and unit injury rates were collected from the hospitalsʼ administrative databases. RESULTS:Injury rates were lower in units where workers reported higher OPP scores and high social support. These relationships were mainly observed among registered nurses. Registered nurses perceived coworker support and OPP as less satisfactory than patient care associates (PCAs). Nevertheless, because of the low number of PCAs at each unit, results for the PCAs are preliminary and should be further researched in future studies with larger sample sizes. CONCLUSIONS:Employers aiming to reduce injuries in hospitals could focus on good OPP and supportive work environment.