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By Kassaundra McKnight-Young | Oct 10, 2025
Workplace Safety in Healthcare: A Vital Priority
In the second episode of Conversations with a CNIO, we tackled one of the most pressing and sensitive issues facing healthcare today: workplace safety and violence. As someone who has spent years navigating hospital floors and collaborating with healthcare leaders, this topic is deeply personal to me. Chad Salahshour, CEO of 911Cellular, one of Zebra’s valued channel partners, joined me to share his insights on how innovative technologies can enhance safety measures in healthcare environments.
The statistics are staggering. Nurses are four times more likely to experience workplace violence compared to workers in private industry, and every day, 57 nurses face some form of violence, whether it be physical or verbal.* These numbers are not just data points. They are a call to action for all of us in the healthcare industry to prioritize safety for the caregivers who dedicate their lives to serving others.
Leveraging Technology for Safer Workplaces
Workplace violence in healthcare doesn’t just affect individual employees. It disrupts entire systems. When nurses and other clinicians feel unsafe, it impacts their ability to provide care and exacerbates the growing issue of workforce shortages. The stress and trauma associated with unsafe environments can lead to burnout, staff turnover, and diminished patient outcomes. Yet, many organizations remain reactive rather than proactive, addressing incidents after they occur instead of investing in preventative measures.
One of the most impactful solutions discussed was the use of mobile panic buttons. Unlike traditional fixed panic systems, these wearable devices provide clinicians with immediate access to help, no matter where they are in a facility. With a single press, alerts can be sent to multiple responders, identifying the location of the incident and enabling a swift, coordinated response. This level of connected frontline, asset visibility, and intelligent automation technology is critical in high-stress, fast-paced environments like hospitals.
911Cellular’s system also integrates seamlessly with other technologies, such as surveillance cameras and floor plans, to enhance situational awareness. For example, when a panic button is activated, nearby security camera feeds can automatically become visible to responders, and emergency protocols can be initiated based on the type and location of the incident. This accelerates response times, improves response effectiveness, and provides valuable data for post-incident analysis and training.
Proactive Measures and Training
Technology is only part of the equation. As Chad emphasized, training plays a crucial role in mitigating workplace violence. Staff need to be familiar with the tools at their disposal and trained in de-escalation techniques. Proactive measures, such as identifying potential risks and addressing them before they escalate, can make a significant difference. By fostering a culture of safety and preparedness, organizations can protect their employees and reduce the likelihood of incidents occurring in the first place.
At Zebra, we believe that technology should empower people, not replace them. Our solutions are designed to support the connected frontline, providing real-time insights and tools that enhance collaboration and improve workflows. By partnering with organizations like 911 Cellular, we are helping healthcare facilities create safer environments that enable clinicians to focus on what they do best: delivering exceptional care.
Workplace safety is not a luxury. It is a necessity. And it requires a collective effort from leaders, technologists, and frontline workers. As Chad aptly put it, “Healthcare organizations must move from being reactive to being proactive.” This means investing in the right technologies, fostering a culture of safety, and ensuring that every employee feels valued and protected.
If you’re passionate about creating safer healthcare environments, tune in to Episode 2 of Conversations with a CNIO on your favorite podcast platform to learn more about a future where every clinician feels safe, supported, and empowered!
Watch the podcast here.
* Evolv Technologies (2025). The Impact of Workplace Violence on Nurses, Staff, Visitors, and Patients in Healthcare Facilities. Retrieved from Evolv Whitepaper.
