Workplace Violence: What to know and what can you do

Introduction Today, businesses are finding that workplace violence situations are becoming more and more commonplace. Dealerships are not exempt from these types of situations. Arguments and sometimes fights between employees, verbal threats, written symbols and threatening actions and gestures are occurring with frequency. Some dealerships have had threats from customers, or threats from spouses or significant others, as to the extra-relationship activities of a partner The situation is fueled by publicity surrounding various shootings and stabbings in the workplace, school houses, etc.

Workplace Violence Workplace Violence is: An assault or other violent act/threat that occurs in or is related to the workplace and entails a substantial risk of physical or emotional harm to individuals or damage to company resources or capabilities.

Workplace Violence Defined Workplace Violence is NOT: Annoying behavior. Disliking a coworker. A rude customer.

The Dealership Policy All employees, including managers and temporary employees, should be treated with courtesy and respect at all times. Employees are expected to refrain from fighting, "horseplay," or other conduct that may be dangerous to others. Firearms, weapons, and other dangerous or hazardous devices or substances are prohibited at the worksite without proper authorization. Conduct that threatens, intimidates, or coerces another employee, a customer, or a member of the public at any time, including off‑duty periods, will not be tolerated. This prohibition includes all acts of harassment, including harassment that is based on an individual's sex, race, age, or any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

The Dealership Policy The Company will promptly and thoroughly investigate all reports of threats of (or actual) violence and of suspicious individuals or activities. The identity of the individual making a report will be protected as much as is practical. In order to maintain workplace safety and the integrity of its investigation, the Company may suspend employees, either with or without pay, pending investigation. Anyone determined to be responsible for threats of (or actual) violence or other conduct that is in violation of these guidelines will be subject to prompt disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Any employee who, while engaged in Dealership business off the premises, commits or threatens to commit any violent act against any person will be subject to immediate termination. Even when off the premises and not involved in Dealership business, an employee who commits or threatens to commit a violent act against another person will be subject to immediate termination, if that threat or violence could adversely affect the Dealership or its reputation in the community. We encourages employees to bring their disputes or differences with other employees to the attention of their Manager before the situation escalates into potential violence. The company is eager to assist in the resolution of employee disputes, and will not discipline employees for raising such concerns.

Workplace Security Procedures Tips on How to Respond to Emergency Situations: All threats of (or actual) violence, both direct and indirect, should be reported as soon as possible to your immediate manager or any other member of management. This includes threats by employees, as well as threats by customers, vendors, solicitors, or other members of the public. When reporting a threat of violence, you should be as specific and detailed as possible. All suspicious individuals or activities should also be reported as soon as possible to a manager. Do not place yourself in peril. If you see or hear a commotion or disturbance, do not try to intercede or see what is happening. Remove yourself from any potentially violent situation and stay calm.

Tip 1. Recognize potential workplace violence incidents Recognize signs and behaviors of violence in others, such as: Angry outbursts; Intimidating behavior toward one or more people; Talk about weapons, especially if it seems obsessive; Blaming others for their own problems; and Holding grudges. Tip 1. Recognize potential workplace violence incidents

Take potential workplace violence threats seriously and take precautions. Key precautions you should take are: Don’t let any unauthorized people (termed employees; voluntary or involuntary) into the facility. Alert management about strangers or anyone else, such as a former employee, who should not be in the workplace. Do not confront these people yourself! Tell your supervisor about any people you do not want to see at work. Tell your supervisor if you are dealing with domestic violence. Be familiar with all facility exits and note the one you would use if need be when you move around the facility. Let someone know if you are working overtime. Try not to work alone. Don’t leave your workplace alone, if at all possible(partner walks out). Tip 2. Take It Seriously

Tip 3: Avoid Confrontation Avoid and/or de-escalate a violent situation by: Remaining calm; Not arguing; Not responding to threats; Avoiding anything that would increase the person’s anger; Screaming to alerting other people, if need be; and Doing anything to avoid going somewhere with the violent person. Tip 3: Avoid Confrontation

It is critical that you take any work-related violence or threatening behavior seriously. You must report these incidents immediately before situations can get out of hand. If you report anything suspicious, you are protected from any possible retaliation. Tip 4 Report It 

Tip 5 Run Always being alert to your workplace surroundings Knowing the location of the two exits nearest your workspace Being aware of possible obstacles and having a plan to overcome them Tip 5 Run 

Identifying potential places for hiding if my escape is blocked Mentally rehearsing for the worst-case scenario Act quickly to get out of harm’s way. Leave belongings behind. They can be replaced. You can’t. Silence cell phones, including the vibrate option so your whereabouts are not discovered. If hiding inside, lock your door, blockade it and get behind a large object. Tip 6 Hide 

Be prepared to act, preferably with the aid of other people Be prepared to act, preferably with the aid of other people. Shooters don’t expect resistance. Fight with improvised weapons, using whatever is available. Call 911 when you can do so safely. Tip 7 Fight

Always Think Safety Remember Fear is a gift and You should not ignore it Always Think Safety