Preventing Workplace Violence

Provided by SafetyNext.com

One of every six violent crimes occurs on the job, and certain types of workplaces show a much greater incidence of violence than others.

These include:

Places where cash is regularly handled (such as retail stores and banks)
Places where employees work alone or late at night (such as convenience stores and gas stations)
Places where there is regular contact with criminals (such as prisons)
Places where there may be highly emotional situations (such as hospitals and social service agencies)
Places where workers are regarded as authority figures (such as government buildings or schools)

Other businesses may be more vulnerable to violence at times of particular stress such as during layoffs, performance reviews, major holidays, or significant deadlines.

Legal issues

OSHA regulation: General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)1, Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970).

Acts of violence themselves are, of course, handled by law enforcement officers and our judicial system. As an employer, however, you are required to take adequate steps to ensure the security of your employees. Employers may also be liable for failing to indicate to future employers that a former employee could pose a threat to safety or security.

Preventive measures

Depending on the nature and location of your business, your company may want to put the following precautions in place:

Identification badges and/or entry cards for employees
Security guards
Security cameras
Restricted access to certain areas
Monitoring and controlled access of visitors
Banning former or off–duty employees from the workplace
Optimal lighting for parking areas, sidewalks, hallways, and stairs
Silent alarms
Using drop safes
Providing bulletproof barriers or enclosures for employees who work with cash and are visible to the public
Asking police or security to patrol the facility area when employees work late
Providing a special hot line so employees can report threats or frightening behavior
Establishing a special team to respond to workplace fights or threats
Offering counseling or other help to employees who experience serious personal or emotional problems

Recognizing danger

Though the most common cause of workplace violence is robbery, it can also erupt from:

Co–workers or customers under stress
Relatives, friends, or acquaintances of employees who come to the workplace to do harm
Anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs

People who become violent often display behavior patterns that should alert you and other employees to danger. These patterns include:

Threats against others
Blaming others for problems
Claims of victimization or persecution
Excessive talk about weapons
Frequent intimidation of others
Excessive anger or abusiveness

Response skills and tips

If you need to deal with a violent co–worker or customer, remember to respond in a way that reduces, not increases, the tension. Here are some approaches:

Speak and act calmly
Show respect
Focus on the behavior, not the person
Use an agreed–upon danger signal to alert other co–workers of the danger
Never respond with anger, threats, or violence of your own

Training issues

Unfortunately, the nature of our society demands that all employees receive training not just in company security measures, but in self–protection. Employees who interact regularly with the public may need additional training in how to defuse potentially explosive situations and what to do if violence erupts. Training areas for preventing workplace violence include:

Company security procedures
Personal precautions
Danger signals
Handling violent or threatening behavior

Take action

Remember, the best action you can take to protect yourself and others is to be alert and get out of danger. Avoid doing anything that will inflame a dangerous situation, and get help as quickly as possible from those who are trained to handle these emergencies (response team, security, police). This is no place for heroics!