Foundation’s committee creates new definition for workplace violence

The DFW Hospital Council (DFWHC) Foundation announced in June the formation of a new Workplace Violence Committee. After multiple meetings, the committee has created a new definition for workplace violence. The updated interpretation:

“Workplace violence is defined as an act or threat occurring at the workplace that can include any of the following: verbal, nonverbal, written or physical aggression; threatening, intimidating, harassing or humiliating words or actions; bullying; sabotage; sexual harassment; physical assaults; or other threatening disruptive behaviors of concern involving staff/employees, licensed practitioners, patients, customers or visitors.”

Hospitals and systems participating on the committee include Baylor Scott & White Health, Children’s Health, JPS Health Network, Medical City Healthcare, Methodist Health System, Parkland Health & Hospital System, Texas Health Resources, UT Southwestern, VA North Texas Health Care System and Wise Health System.

“Sadly, workplace violence has become a recognized hazard in the healthcare industry,” said Patti Taylor, director of quality and patient safety at the DFWHC Foundation and coordinator of the committee. “Physical violence and threatening disruptive behaviors are serious issues facing our healthcare workers. With this committee, we hope to create action plans to combat this growing trend while also creating awareness within the community.”

In 2019, U.S. hospitals recorded 221,400 work-related injuries and illnesses, a rate of 5.5 work-related injuries and illnesses for every 100 full-time employees. These pre-pandemic numbers are almost twice the rate for the country’s private industry. A 2017 report by the American Hospital Association estimated that workplace violence cost U.S. hospitals approximately $2.7 billion annually.

“These are frightening numbers,” said Taylor. “Our goal for the Workplace Violence Committee is to become a productive tool to assist North Texas hospitals. We plan to set an agenda, create goals and work towards assisting our many healthcare heroes when dealing with these serious issues.”

For information, please contact Patti at ptaylor@dfwhcfoundation.org.