Workplace Violence

What is it? Any physical assault, threatening behavior, or verbal abuse 4 main types of violence: By strangers By customers/clients By co-workers By personal relationships

Why Does it Matter? Homicide is second leading cause of death in workplace 18,000 people are assaulted each week at work Most often guns are involved 1 out of 6 violent crimes occur in workplace

Factors that Contribute to Workplace Violence Conflict with co-worker Arguments with family or friends Poor interactions with visitors, clients, and/or co-workers Emotional Problems

Factors that Contribute to Workplace Violence Failure to get that “big promotion” or even a raise Poor performance review Receiving disciplinary action Firing Layoff

Factors that Contribute to Workplace Violence Financial Troubles Divorce/break up Death of close family member or friend Robbery, mugging, or other crimes Alcohol or drug abuse

Areas Most at Risk Areas with a high prevalence of handguns or other weapons Waiting rooms Any areas with high flow of customers with minimal staffing Solo work, especially in remote or high crime areas Poorly lighted parking areas

Recognizing Warning Signs Visitor is anyone who is not an employee Watch for visitors who: Overreact to poor news Demonstrate excessive anger/frustration Use foul/abusive language Throw or punch objects

Recognizing Warning Signs Watch for visitors who: Have a history of violence Blame anyone but themselves for their problems Accuse people of taking sides against them Threaten employees or other visitors Appear to be under the influence Show or claim to have a weapon

Recognizing Warning Signs Watch for co-workers who: Are easily flustered Get defensive quickly when criticized Seem overwhelmed with finances, work, stress, etc. Carry grudges often

Recognizing Warning Signs Watch for co-workers who: Show signs of obsession with others Indicate a shift towards troubled behavior Abuse alcohol or drugs Are heavily involved with or talk often about weapons Blame others for work problems Are overly suspicious

Recognizing Warning Signs Watch for co-workers who: Are angered easily or often Believe others are “out to get them” Talk about revenge often Threaten boss/co-workers

How to Deal with Verbal Abuse If verbal abuse is not serious enough to immediately go to supervisor: Use “I” statements I don’t like shouting. Please lower your voice I don’t like it when you put me down in front of my peers I feel put down when you… I don’t like it when you gesture at me like that I want to have a good working relationship with you If this doesn’t work, report co-worker to supervisor

Tactics for Handling Violence Try to get help/assistance Acknowledge persons feelings Show respect Maintain your calm Relax your posture Try to get person to talk Ask them for small favors Will you sit down with me Try to delay them

Tactics for Handling Violence Give the individual their space Refrain from making sudden movements Don’t confront anger with anger Never criticize or challenge the person Only make promises that you can keep Never take sides

Night Safety Try to stay in well lit areas whenever possible If don’t carry a cell phone, try to stay close to a phone Use buddy system if available Always lock your vehicle If taking public transportation, sit near driver

If Confronted with a Weapon… Never attempt to disarm person Follow any and all instructions person gives you Hand over any valuables the person may ask for Your life is far more important than any money

Reporting Violence Workplace violence must be reported to supervisor, even if minor Immediately report all serious incidents if able to Reporting helps establish patterns Be aware of any and all alarms in workplace Take all threats seriously!

Tips for Preventing Violence Report any and all threats Keep alert for suspicious activity or people Bring any safety concerns to supervisor Report any lighting problems to maintenance immediately Monitor any co-workers whose mood seems to have shifted or have increased stress

Tips for Preventing Violence Always follow all security procedures Don’t allow visitors access to extra locations or to stay past designated hours Never lend anyone your ID badge Keep restricted areas off limits Take extra care when working alone

Aftermath of Violence Important to recognize that victims may have issues after an workplace violence incident If victim unable to cope, they can often respond with more violence Look for signs of not coping well: Calling in sick often Showing excessive fear in everyday activities Withdrawal Overworking Appearing distracted often

Aftermath of Violence Several ways to help victim cope: Spend time with family/loved ones Talk about incident If necessary, seek professional help Important that co-workers remain supportive and understanding

Key Points Homicide is second leading cause of death in workplace Knowing and recognizing factors that contribute to workplace violence is an important prevention tool Can use “I statements” to combat verbal abuse If confronted with violence, try to remain calm and never confront anger with anger Report any and all workplace violence Important to remain supportive of victims of workplace violence