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Union members who work at the Fulton State Mental Hospital Thursday addressed the Mental Health Commission and the media about the dangerous work environment at the hospital.
JEFFERSON CITY -- They say it's time for a change.
We have told you about the dangerous work environment at Fulton State Hospital before.
"His shoulder crushed my hand in between his shoulder and the door," says hospital staff member Andrew Dunning.
The hospital houses about 500 patients, many of whom are violent.
Workers comp claims at the hospital have doubled since 2005 as attacks on employees become more frequent.
Thursday employees, part of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees union, or AFSCME, took their frustrations to the big-wigs, the State Mental Health Commission, after they say hospital administrators wouldn't help.
"We go in knowing our job has risks, but there is unacceptable levels of risk," says hospital staff member Michelle Sanders.
"And its because the state has turned its back on us."
So, Michelle and other AFSCME members presented a solution of their own to the commission: purchase and install a "man-down alarm system."
"This would enable us to immediately call for help when a situation is escalating or an attack is going on," says Sanders.
Man down alarm systems equip employees with a wireless device, often worn around the neck, to press in case of an emergency.
Michelle says that is a step up from the current procedure at Fulton State Hospital.
"Staff now have to make the choice of whether to run to the staff support button or run to the aid of the attack," says Sanders.
"That's something we should never have to choose."
But the system is not cheap. It would cost about $50,000, a tough request for mental health officials to grant given the state's current budget woes.
"We'll have to look at those issues that are absolutely most critical," says Missouri State Mental Health Department Director Keith Schafer.
"Injury rates, both for staff and if we have injury rates for clients, those are very, very important issues. So, if that becomes a major resolution that comes through the AFSCME process, we'll have to find the resources."
AFSCME says the price for the alarm is justified becuase is will prevent costly workman comp cases.
AFSCME officials have asked the commission to respond to their request in a week.
However, commission members say that quick of a response may be difficult.
State Mental Health Department Director Keith Schafer says their request will likely be addressed during the negotiations currently being held between the state and the AFSCME union.
