Report: Assaults on Healthcare Workers at University of Utah Rise by 54%

TL/DR –

The University of Utah’s Department of Public Safety reported a 54% rise in assaults on healthcare workers in 2024, with 271 assaults compared to 176 in 2023. Psychiatric technician Jethro Davis has filed eight reports of workplace violence in the last year and suggested that the rise could be due to understaffing and inadequate training. The Department of Public Safety plans to increase de-escalation training and security guards, while Davis and his union members plan to request individual meetings with the clinical director to address their concerns.

University of Utah Reports Worrying Surge in Healthcare Worker Assaults

There’s an escalating sense of fear among healthcare workers at the University of Utah due to a significant rise in assaults. The University’s Department of Public Safety disclosed a sharp 54% upswing in healthcare worker assaults in 2024.

“The thought that I might be assaulted at work isn’t completely out of my mind,” expressed Jethro Davis, a dedicated psychiatric technician at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. He added that he had lodged eight reports of workplace violence within the past year.

According to recent figures, there were 271 assaults on healthcare workers in 2024, representing an increase from 176 incidents reported in 2023. The cause of this sudden surge remains a topic of debate.

Captain Brian Lohrke from the University of Utah’s Department of Public Safety suggests that the spike may be due to improved reporting procedures. He stated that the department is looking to enhance de-escalation training and increase the presence of security guards.

However, Davis argues that the root of the problem runs deeper. “Our capacity to tackle such incidents is hindered by lack of manpower, inadequate training, and the inherent risks associated with our work,” he explained. His concerns, when presented to the clinical director, were not addressed satisfactorily according to him.

The unmet concerns led Davis and his union members to rally for a meeting with the clinical director. Despite the dismissal, Davis remains determined, “We’ll continue to seek an audience with the clinical director until we find a resolution.”

No response has been received from the clinical director at the time of this report.

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