Workplace Violence Research has identified factors that may increase the risk of violence at worksites. Such factors include working with the public or volatile, unstable people. Working alone or in isolated areas may also contribute to the potential for violence. Handling money and valuables, providing services and care, and working where alcohol is served may also impact the likelihood of violence. Additionally, time of day and location of work, such as working late at night or in areas with high crime rates, are also risk factors that should be considered when addressing issues of workplace violence.

Prevalence of Workplace Violence The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) shows an average of 590 homicides a year from 2000 through 2009, with homicides remaining one of the four most frequent work-related fatal injuries. See the article linked to the course syllabus

Workplace Violence Prevention Several studies have shown that prevention programs can reduce incidents of workplace violence. A well written and implemented Workplace Violence Prevention Program, combined with engineering controls, administrative controls and training can reduce the incidence of workplace violence.

Types of Workplace Violence Classifications of workplace violence that describe the relationship between the perpetrator and the target of workplace violence are:  1. Type 1—Criminal Intent  Violent acts by people who enter the workplace to commit a robbery or other crime—or current or former employees who enter the workplace with the intent to commit a crime.  2. Type 2—Customer/Client/Patients  Violence directed at employees by customers, clients, patients, students, inmates or any others to whom the employer provides a service.  3. Type 3—Co-worker  Violence against co-workers, supervisors, or managers by a current or former employee, supervisor, or manager.  4. Type 4—Personal  Violence in the workplace by someone who does not work there, but who is known to, or has a personal relationship with, an employee.

Risk Factors Known risk factors to consider, listed by NIOSH in its report NIOSH Current Intelligence Bulletin #57: Violence in the Workplace: Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies (1996):  Working with unstable or volatile persons in certain healthcare, social service or criminal justice settings.  Working alone or in small numbers.  Working late at night or during early morning hours.  Working in high-crime areas.  Guarding valuable property or possessions.  Working in community-based settings, such as community mental health clinics, drug abuse treatment clinics, pharmacies, community- care facilities and longterm care facilities.  Exchanging money in certain financial institutions.  Delivering passengers, goods or services.  Having a mobile workplace such as a taxicab.

OSHA and Workplace Violence Can initiate inspections under certain conditions  The following are examples of requirements could be cited as appropriate for employee exposure to workplace violence incidents:  Section 5(a)(1) General Duty Clause; or  29 CFR (a) Executive Order 12196, Section 1-201(a) for Federal facilities (the General Duty Clause for Federal agencies).  29 CFR 1904 Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses.  29 CFR Medical Services and First Aid  29 CFR First Aid and Medical Attention  29 CFR Employee Emergency Action Plans

OSHA’s Elements of an effective violence prevention program Management commitment and employee involvement; Worksite analysis; Hazard prevention and control; Safety and health training; and Recordkeeping and program evaluation.

Controlling Workplace Violence in Health Care and Social Settings OSHA’s Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence for Health Care & Social Service Workers  Create and disseminate a clear policy of zero tolerance for workplace violence, verbal and nonverbal threats and related actions.  Ensure that no employee who reports or experiences workplace violence faces reprisals.  Encourage employees to promptly report incidents and suggest ways to reduce or eliminate risks.  Require records of incidents to assess risk and measure progress.  Outline a comprehensive plan for maintaining security in the workplace.  Establish a liaison with law enforcement representatives and others who can help identify ways to prevent and mitigate workplace violence.  Assign responsibility and authority for the program to individuals or teams with appropriate training and skills.  Affirm management commitment to the program.

Workplace Violence in Retail Trade Plan Components  Risk assessment—This includes documenting and evaluating instances of violence and threats, and holding meetings with affected workers.  Hazard prevention and control methods—Administrative and engineering controls should be taken to eliminate risks of violence.  Administrative policies—Increasing numbers of staff on duty, not allowing employees to work alone, increasing security, reducing numbers of late night and early morning hours worked, limiting patient or client access to certain areas and informing workers of patients or clients with violent histories are all policies that can make a workplace safer.  Engineering controls—Increasing lighting, installing alarm, communication, and surveillance systems, placing physical barriers between clients and employees and changing doors to entry only locking systems can help reduce violence.  Training and education—All workers should be trained about safety and security procedures.  Post incident counseling- Medical care and professional counseling should be available to victims of workplace violence or workers affected by violent incidents.  Recordkeeping—All incidents of workplace violence, however minor, should be reported and recorded. (Taken from the Retail, Wholesale, Department Store Union website)