The DFW Hospital Council (DFWHC) Foundation announced this week it would coordinate the formation of a new Workplace Violence Committee. The first meeting is set for Tuesday, June 15 at 2:00 p.m.

“For the last several years, 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, threats, verbal abuse and threatening disruptive behaviors are serious issues for 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. This is almost twice the rate for private industry as a whole. A 2017 report by the American Hospital Association estimated that workplace violence cost U.S. hospitals approximately $2.7 billion in 2016.

“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 hospital employees who would like to participate, please contact Patti at ptaylor@dfwhcfoundation.org.