Tips to help avoid workplace violence.

HOW TODE-ESCALATE

A THREATENINGSITUATION

THE STATS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES:

FOR THE LAST FIFTEEN YEARS…

Workplace violence homicides have ranked among the TOP 4 causes of

occupational fatalities.Bureau of Labor Statistics

15 years.

What else?

Nearly TWO MILLION American workers are victims of workplace

violence each year.Occupational Health and Safety Administration

THAT’S 5500 VIOLENT INCIDENTS

EACH DAY.

APRIL IS WORKPLACE VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH.

Sad that workplace violence is so prevalent that there is an entire month

dedicated to the topic.

Nonetheless, workplace violence should always be top of mind and an area of focus

for all of us.

Sometimes workplace violence can be avoided. Learn tips for doing so.4

YOU’LL NEED THREE COMPONENTS:

RECOGNITION NONVERBALDE-ESCALATION

VERBALDE-ESCALATION

RECOGNITION:Knowing the signs of a potentially

dangerous situation

Here are some of the tell-tale signs that someone is agitated and that the situation

may become dangerous.

RECOGNITIONPHYSICAL SYMPTOMS

RECOGNITION

Shaking(physiological- i.e. shaking hands)

RECOGNITION

Heavy breathing

RECOGNITION

Muscle tensing

RECOGNITION

Flushed Skin

RECOGNITIONBEHAVIORAL SYMPTOMS

RECOGNITION

Flushed Skin

RECOGNITION

Shaking(behavior- i.e. shaking of head, foot, finger,

etc.)

RECOGNITION

Sudden, unpredictable movements

RECOGNITION

Arguing

RECOGNITION

Raised voice

RECOGNITION

Fixed stare

RECOGNITION

Scanning of the area for doors and/or weapons

* Of course, we must always consider these items within context.

Example: just because someone is breathing heavy or has flushed skin does not mean that they are agitated. It could also mean that the person just finished a good

workout! This is when you must use context to assess the situation.

More Recognition Tips with Specifics

VERBAL DE-ESCALATION:Communicate to gain an

understanding

In order to diffuse a potentially violent situation, issues must be communicated and understood.

Consider the following:

VERBAL DE-ESCALATIONPractice active listening- clarify

and paraphrase.

VERBAL DE-ESCALATION

Practice active listening- clarify and paraphrase.

This sets a respectful tone and shows the person that you want to understand their problem.

VERBAL DE-ESCALATIONFocus on feelings rather than

facts.

VERBAL DE-ESCALATIONFocus on feelings rather than

facts.You may not always be able to change a

fact/occurrence that made someone angry, but you can communicate to change how they feel

about it.

VERBAL DE-ESCALATION

Allow for pauses to reflect.

VERBAL DE-ESCALATION

Allow for pauses to reflect.This lets both you and the other individual process

your feelings and avoid any rash reactions.

More Verbal Tips with Specifics

NONVERBAL DE-ESCALATION:Use body language to diminish

threats

You can use more than just your words to influence the way that someone behaves toward

you. See the following:

NONVERBAL DE-ESCALATION

Consider your stance.

NONVERBAL DE-ESCALATION

Consider your stance.Stand so that the individual knows that you are

open to them without seeming threatening.(i.e.: No crossed arms!)

NONVERBAL DE-ESCALATION

Keep your tone of voice appropriate.

NONVERBAL DE-ESCALATION

Keep your tone of voice appropriate.

Try to speak softly (especially if they have raised their own voice) while maintaining a tone of

authority so you can bring them back to your level.

NONVERBAL DE-ESCALATION

Keep your tone of voice appropriate.

Pace of voice can matter too. Speaking too quickly may further agitate the individual.

NONVERBAL DE-ESCALATION

Maintain control of your facial expressions.

NONVERBAL DE-ESCALATION

Maintain control of your facial expressions.

Maintaining eye contact, nodding and raising eyebrows when appropriate can all convey

understanding and empathy.

More Nonverbal Tips with Specifics

WANT MORE INFORMATION?

Our free guide offers additional tips to this presentation’s info along with more specifics, including using your surrounding area to your

advantage and steps to take if a situation moves past the point of de-escalation.

Download Now

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