Avoiding Workplace Violence HRACC July 23, 2014 Tom O’Connor

What is Workplace Violence Violent acts, the threat of violent acts, and acts of intimidation against employees or company property and resources.

Scope of the Problem 2 million incidents of workplace violence annually Fourth leading cause of all workplace deaths, leading cause of death for women in the workplace. 506 workplace deaths in 2010 (declining) Majority of deaths instigated by strangers, 19% in law enforcement, 13% retail, 10% medical operations. Co-worker violence is about 5% U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA/CDC

Risk Factors for Workplace Homicide Contact with/access to the public Readily available escape routes Exchange of money Mobile workplace (delivery, police, taxi) Contact with unstable or volatile persons Working alone or small numbers Working in high crime areas Selling/holding/guarding high value items

Impacts Beyond the obvious victim(s): Impact on company reputation Impact on productivity Lower morale/Increased turnover Diminished job satisfaction Litigation Property damage Injury costs

Employee Warning Signs Early Signals (as much a performance issue as an early warning WPV concern) New/increased stress at work/home Memory problems Deterioration of grooming habits Greater use of alcohol Use of prohibited substances Expressions of anxiety

Employee Warning Signs Early Signals (cont.) Lack of concern for others Exhibiting unsafe behaviors Productivity and/or attendance issues Increasingly taking up supervisors time with behavior or performance issues Pushing rules to the limit

Employee Warning Signs Yellow Flags Changes in personality or behavior Irrational beliefs and/or ideas, paranoia Fascination with weaponry, acts of violence, or fringe groups Displays of unwarranted anger Chronically disgruntled Changes in productivity levels

Employee Warning Signs Yellow Flags Inability to take criticism/externalizing blame/inflexible positions Verbalizing feelings of being mistreated Depression Growing despondency Specifically talking about causing harm Conflicts

Employee Warning Signs Red Flags Verbal threats/intimidation Drastic changes in behavior Intensifying ongoing conflict Displays of rage Displays of contempt for authority

Employee Warning Signs Red Flags Violence toward inanimate objects Fear reactions among co-workers Expression of a plan to harm self or others Sabotage of project or equipment

Employee Warning Signs Domestic Violence No close friends Obvious physical injuries Has many “accidents” Checks with partner constantly Withdraws from social activity Wears heavy make-up, dark glasses

Warning Signs Domestic Violence Frequent absenteeism Frequent tardiness Increased error rate at job tasks Depression Regularly gets flowers/gifts at work

Possible Triggers Change in work status Unfavorable dispute resolution Unrealized promotion Downsizing/consolidation Personal problems Legal problems Financial crisis Health problems

9-Step Prevention Program Overview Crisis Team Supervisory & Employee Involvement Policy Development/Communications Risk Assessment Training Reporting Procedures Investigation/Intervention Procedures Management Commitment After Incident Review

Prevention Program Overview Management Commitment Communicated commitment by senior management Use the Golden Rule of Management Commit needed resources Provide motivation

Prevention Program Overview Crisis Team Establish procedures for evaluating/ investigating individual cases. Designate/train individuals to address incidents. Provide services. Empower team to act.

Prevention Program Overview Crisis Team Create a cross-disciplinary team. Review key documents. Train team in response objectives. Establish liaisons with outside resources.

Prevention Program Overview Supervisory/Employee Involvement Coordinate efforts Participate in Crisis Team Report concerns Enforce policies

Prevention Program Overview Policy Development/Communications Adopt a zero tolerance policy. Communicate the policy. Post policy prominently. Conduct drug/background screening. Conduct interviews/exit interviews. Establish termination procedures.

Prevention Program Overview Risk Assessment Conduct a full review of the workplace safety and security risks. Conduct periodic inspections. Identify hazards. Track and analyze incidents. Interview employees

Engineering/Administrative Controls Physical barriers Alarm systems/panic buttons Natural surveillance Bright effective lighting Adequate staffing Eliminate entrapment areas Restrictive “visitor” policy Cash-handling controls Emergency procedures Training CCTV Access controls/ID cards Employee escorts Safe rooms

Prevention Program Overview Training All employees, supervisors, managers Awareness of potential hazards Recognition of trouble signs How to intervene Schedule periodic training/policy reviews Document training

Prevention Program Overview Reporting Procedures All incidents no matter how small Hotline reporting No reprisals Confidentiality Documentation

Prevention Program Overview Investigation/Intervention Investigate all incidents. Determine all facts. Decide appropriate intervention. Follow set procedure for level of incident.

Prevention Program Overview After Incident Review Review program after an incident. Review/revise with all stakeholders. Communicate revisions to employees.

How to Survive a Violent Incident Video- City of Houston “Run, Hide, Fight”

After a Significant Event Assist victims, families, and associates. Provide counseling and interventions. Conduct and/or cooperate with investigations. Pay attention to public & business relations. Activate business continuation plans. Identify actions that can be taken (short term, medium term, long term).

Conclusion How you manage counts! It is unrealistic to believe you can make your company workplace violence-proof. It is also unrealistic to believe you can’t reduce your exposure.