Alex What are the preventive strategies for workplace violence?
Updated: 6/17/2020
- Complete background checks on new employees.
- Create a policy that prevents harassment.
- Create an effective line of communication.
- Training and awareness are key factors in workplace violence prevention.
- Establish a strict anti-violence policy.
- Encourage your employees to accept individual differences.
What is the definition of violence in the workplace?
Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site. It ranges from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide.
What to do in case of workplace violence?
Contact the following, applicable to the event: 1 Call the Department of Labor’s Health Unit. 2 Call Rescue Squad. 3 Call Fire Department. 4 Stay with and comfort the injured/ill person. 5 If you are trained and willing, apply first aid.
How is domestic violence a problem in the workplace?
Domestic violence accounted for 27% of violent events in the workplace. If the victim has sought shelter or a restraining order, the workplace is frequently the place s/he can be found. It is not uncommon for the perpetrator to show up at the work site to carry out acts of violence against the partner or anyone trying to protect that person.
Who are the victims of workplace violence in the US?
When a fifth victim fell, police surrounded the building, but Cowan fired his assault rifle through the window and shot two of them—a patrolman named Allen McLeod and another officer named Ray Saltiro. The situation turned into an intense standoff, as police formulated a plan to rescue employees who were still hiding inside the building.
What is considered workplace violence?
Workplace violence is defined as any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation or threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site. With this definition, workplace violence incidents can range anywhere from a theft or a robbery at a convenience store to a full blown terrorist attack that impacts your organization.
How is the employer liable for workplace violence?
Employers have a duty to exercise ordinary care. If workplace violence occurs, they may be liable for negligence if they knew or should have known of a potentially dangerous situation. Lawsuits could be based on negligent hiring, retention, training, or supervising of an employee who went on to commit violence at the workplace.
What can be done about workplace violence?
Educate employees on what to do if they witness or are victims of workplace violence, as well as how they can best protect themselves. Keep the workplace secure by installing video surveillance, alarm systems and extra lighting. Minimize outsiders’ access by using identification badges, electronic keys and even security guards.
What do you need to know about workplace violence?
Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site. It ranges from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide. It can affect and involve employees, clients, customers and visitors.