AAOS Prioritizes Safety with Online Workplace Violence Toolkit

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate of injuries from violent attacks against medical professionals grew by 63% from 2011 to 2018, and hospital safety directors say that aggression against staff escalated as the COVID-19 pandemic intensified in 2020. In a 2022 work environment and culture survey of all AAOS members, four of 10 respondents reported that they had experienced some type of violence within the previous 12 months.

AAOS leaders have responded to the increased threat of violence against its members and patients by supporting programs that aim to protect healthcare professionals against workplace violence, including endorsing the American College of Surgeons’ firearm strategy and supporting the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act. The recently released AAOS Workplace Violence Toolkit outlines information on prevention of and protection from workplace violence in healthcare settings.

Access the toolkit here. To learn more or request an interview, email media@aaos.org.