Workplace Violence Rich Lobdell 4/8/2019
Introduction What is Workplace Violence? Workplace violence is any act or action either physical or verbal that endangers or harms an employee or results in an employee having a reasonable belief that they are in danger. 4/8/2019
4 Types of Workplace Violence Type 1: Violent acts perpetrated by criminals with no connection to the workplace other than to commit robbery or other crime including terrorist acts. Type 2: Violence directed at an employee by a customer for any reason. 4/8/2019
4 Types of Workplace Violence Type 3: Violence directed at a coworker by a past or present employee. Type 4: Violence in the workplace committed by a person who does not work there but has a relationship to an employee. 4/8/2019
Type 1 Motive is usually robbery Vast majority of workplace homicides (nearly 80%) Mostly high vulnerability job groups (taxi drivers, late night convenience store clerks, etc.) Prevention through physical security 4/8/2019
Type 2 Occurs during the performance of normal duties Usually triggered by argument over service Nurses, EMS, police and correctional officers are the most frequent victims 4/8/2019
Type 3 More highly publicized More predictable due to interpersonal history 4/8/2019
Type 4 Also highly publicized Interpersonal history Usually perpetrated by domestic abusers 4/8/2019
Workplace Violence 84% of workplace homicides are perpetrated by strangers 7% by coworkers or former coworkers 4% by customers 3% by husbands or boyfriends 2% by other relatives or acquaintances 4/8/2019
Workplace Violence Mitigation through physical security Employee training Employee awareness Employee “buy in” 4/8/2019
What is a Threat? Any verbal or physical conduct that threatens property or physical safety or that could be interpreted as an intent to cause harm Threats can be subjective 4/8/2019
The Golden Rule Do unto others We must all be responsible for a reasonable regard for the feelings of coworkers and customers alike 4/8/2019
Behaviors that may indicate risk factor in current employees Drug or alcohol abuse Conflict with coworkers Increasing belligerence Ominous, specific threats Hypersensitivity to criticism Recent fascination with or acquisition of weapons 4/8/2019
Behaviors continued Apparent obsession with a supervisor or coworker or employee grievance Preoccupation with violent themes Interest in recently publicized violent events Outbursts of anger 4/8/2019
Behaviors continued Extreme disorganization Noticeable changes in behavior Homicidal or suicidal comments or threats 4/8/2019
Victims Usually the victim of domestic abuse Sometimes the victim is punished Most likely to confide in coworker 4/8/2019
Behaviors of victims Tardiness or unexplained absences Frequent and unplanned use of leave time Anxiety Lack of Concentration Change in job performance 4/8/2019
Behaviors continued A tendency to remain isolated from coworkers or reluctance to participate in social events Discomfort when communicating with others Disruptive email or phone calls Sudden or unexplained requests to be moved from public locations in the workplace, such as the reception area 4/8/2019
Behaviors continued Frequent financial problems indicating lack of access to money Unexplained bruises or injuries Noticeable change in use of makeup (to cover up injuries) Inappropriate clothes (sunglasses worn inside or turtlenecks in summer) 4/8/2019
Behaviors continued Disruptive visits from current or former partner Sudden changes in address or reluctance to divulge where she is staying Acting uncharacteristically moody, depressed or distracted 4/8/2019
Behaviors continued In the process of ending an intimate relationship; breakup seems to cause undue anxiety Court appearances Being the victim of vandalism or threats 4/8/2019
Employee Responsibility Be aware Reasonable regard Report to supervisor any acts of violence (this includes sexual harassment) Be proactive 4/8/2019