Hospital Workplace Violence Committee Structure

Committee Chair:

• Responsible for overall coordination and leadership of the committee.
• Chairs committee meetings and ensures the agenda is followed.
• Serves as the main point of contact for committee members and stakeholders.

Committee Members:

• Representatives from various hospital departments and roles, including:
  • Security department (e.g., security manager, security officers)
  • Nursing department (e.g., nurse manager, charge nurse)
  • Human resources department (e.g., HR manager, employee relations representative)
  • Administration (e.g., hospital administrator, risk management representative)
  • Emergency department representative
  • Mental health or behavioral health representative
  • Clinical staff from high-risk areas (e.g., psychiatric units, emergency departments)

Executive Sponsor:

• A senior leader within the hospital who supports and champions the committee's initiatives.
• Provides guidance, resources, and support for the committee's work.
• Ensures alignment between the committee's objectives and the hospital's strategic goals.

Subcommittees or Task Forces:

• Subcommittees or task forces can be established to focus on specific areas or initiatives related to workplace violence prevention. Examples may include:
  • Policy and procedure subcommittee: Develops and reviews workplace violence policies and procedures, ensuring they are up to date and align with best practices.
  • Training and education subcommittee: Develops and delivers training programs on conflict management, de-escalation, and response to violence.
  • Incident response subcommittee: Develops protocols for incident reporting, investigation, and follow-up actions.
  • Communication and awareness subcommittee: Develops strategies to promote a culture of safety, raise awareness about workplace violence prevention, and communicate committee initiatives.

Meeting Frequency:

• Regular committee meetings should be scheduled, typically monthly or quarterly, to discuss progress, review incidents, share updates, and plan future initiatives.
• Additional meetings or working groups may be formed as needed for specific projects or urgent matters.

Communication Channels:

• Establish clear communication channels to facilitate information sharing and collaboration among committee members and stakeholders.
• Use email, intranet, or dedicated communication platforms to disseminate information, meeting minutes, and updates to committee members.
• Consider regular newsletters or bulletins to inform hospital staff about committee initiatives, training opportunities, and workplace violence prevention resources.