violence in the workplace

Violence in the WorkplaceHow to Prevent and Defuse for Supervisors

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© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 0906

Session ObjectivesYou will be able to:•Identify the causes of workplace violence•Spot the signs of potential violence•Follow required security procedures•Respond effectively to violent acts•Recognize and respond to terrorist threats


Session Outline•The risks of workplace violence•Factors that contribute to violence•Symptoms of impending violence•Security measures to prevent violence•Proper response to violent incidents•Proper response to terrorist threats


Sources of Violence•Employees•Former employees•Customers•Other outsiders•Criminals•Terrorists


Who’s Affected by Violence?•Victims•Witnesses•Co-workers•Customers and others


Encounters with Violence•1/6 of violent crimes occur in the workplace•Violence is the second leading cause of

workplace deaths•18,000 are assaulted at work each week•Violence costs industry millions a year•Some employees face higher risks


Triggers of Violence•Layoff•Firing•Bad behavior warning•Poor performance review•Conflict with co-worker


Triggers of Violence (cont.)

•Domestic violence•Disputes with

ex-partners•Alcohol or drug abuse•Emotional problems•Financial difficulties


Triggers of Violence (cont.)

•Customer interactions•Robberies, muggings,

other crimes•Random acts of

violence


Background on Violence•Questions?


Spot the SignsOf potential for violence:•Threatening to get

even•Blaming others•Talking about violence

or weapons•Holding grudges


Spot the Signs (cont.)

Of immediate threat:•Threatening words or

moves•Raising voice level•Abusive language


First ResponseDo:•Remain calm•Show respect•Focus on problem•Alert co-workers•Report the incident


First Response (cont.)

Don’t:•Argue or raise your voice•Mimic an angry person’s behavior


Know Security Measures•Cameras, silent alarms•Locks, coded entry•Lighting•Reporting procedures•Conflict resolution

training•Counseling


Follow Security Procedures•Report strangers •Escort visitors•Wear ID•Lock valuables •Report missing items

or signs of break-in•Use danger signal


Work Safely After Hours•Let people know•Avoid being alone•Stay near phones•Lock office door


After Hours Work Safely (cont.)

•Let security know when you leave

•Walk out with someone•Check car before

getting in•Sit near driver on

public transportation


Personal Security•Keep vehicle doors

locked•Walk in busy, well-lit

areas•Walk purposefully•Make eye contact•Check your

surroundings


Personal Security (cont.)

•Go into store if you’re followed•Carry only the money you need•Divide valuables on your person•Carry items close to your body•Check your vehicle before entering


Background Checks•Prevent violent employees from entering

workforce•Conduct checks for a legitimate business

interest•Use the job application•Avoid negligent hiring claims


Progressive Discipline•Puts employee on notice, reducing

likelihood of violence•Object is to notify, punish appropriately, and

reform employee•Steps usually include:

• Informal/oral notice• Written notice• Suspension• Termination


Employee GrievancesEffective procedures resolve conflict: •Verbal discussions with

supervisor•Written explanation

from supervisor•Written decision from

personnel department•Appeals


Termination Meetings•Choose an office near an exit •Minimize furniture and other objects in the

room •Request security personnel •Obtain a restraining order, if necessary,

after a termination


Violent Confrontations•Don’t resist a robbery•Try to fight off physical

assault•Report the incident•Don’t clean up until

you’ve been examined•Deal with your reaction


Action Against Violence•Questions?


Terrorist Threats•Likely strikes•Potential targets


Cyberterrorism•Company measures

• Firewall• Virus protection

•Employee practices• Never install unlicensed

software• Delete suspicious e-mail• Never reveal passwords• Avoid illegal websites


CBRN•Chemical agents•Biological agents•Radioactive weapons•Nuclear strikes


Mail•Suspicious letters

• Don’t open• Place in plastic container• Isolate it from everyone• Report it

•Unexpected packages• Report unattended

objects• Look for bad or missing

addresses, oily stains, lopsided shapes


Response to Terrorism•Turn off ventilation

units•Leave the area•Close off area•Call 911•Notify your

manager/security•Make list of affected

people


Evacuate, If Necessary•Know evacuation signal•Listen for instructions•Shut down equipment•Close doors and windows•Follow exit route•Go to assembly area


Shelter in Place•Locate emergency kit•Turn off HVAC

equipment •Go to sheltering room •Shut windows and

doors•Seal windows, doors,

and vents•Listen to the radio


The Aftermath•Signs of distress

• Withdrawing from peers

• Calling in sick• Overworking• Difficulty concentrating

•Ways of coping• Talk about it• Spend time with loved

ones• Turn TV coverage off• Seek professional help


Key Points to Remember•Workplace violence can take many forms

and has numerous causes•Keep alert to signs of potential violence and

take immediate action when you recognize them•Make sure to follow security procedures and

encourage employees to do likewise

violence in the workplace

Documents

triggers of violence

response cont

signs cont

personal security cont

security measurescameras

security proceduresrespond

violent actsrecognize

signs of break