Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Public Safety, Trust, and Violence Prevention in Healthcare Settings with Brian Uridge
Feb 14, 2026
Brian Uridge, Senior Director of Public Safety and Security at University of Michigan Health System, draws on decades in public safety. He discusses rising workplace violence in healthcare. He covers relationship-based safety, behavioral threat assessment teams, practical staff engagement and training, and how technology complements human-centered security.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Healthcare Is Disproportionately Violent
- Seventy-two percent of workplace violence occurs in healthcare and many incidents go unreported.
- Crowded waiting rooms and long waits drive violence and are widespread in hospitals.
Perceived Safety Matters Equally
- Feeling safe is as important as being safe for patients and staff.
- Relationship-based, non-traditional public safety builds trust and reduces anxiety more than data alone.
Use Two-Minute Conversations Daily
- Meet and engage unfamiliar staff and patients daily to reduce anxiety and build rapport.
- Use short personal conversations to assure people and create a safer environment.