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Violence in the Workplace How to Prevent and Defuse for Healthcare Workers

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Session Objectives You will be able to: Identify the risks and causes of workplace violence Recognize potential perpetrators of violence Spot the signs of violence Respond effectively to threats and violent acts Help prevent violence in the facility

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc What You Need to Know Risks of workplace violence Potential perpetrators of violence Factors that contribute to violence Symptoms of impending violence Effective response to threats and acts of violence Measures to take to prevent workplace violence

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc What Are the Risks? 1/6 of violent crimes occur in the workplace Violence is a leading cause of workplace deaths 18,000 are assaulted at work each week Guns are often involved

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Why Are Healthcare Facilities at Risk? Public places People under stress Availability of drugs People working at night

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Who’s Affected by Violence? Victims Witnesses Co-workers Patients and visitors

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Who Is Responsible for Workplace Violence? Co-workers and former co-workers Patients and visitors Family and friends of employees Other outsiders Criminals

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc What Causes Workplace Violence? Layoff Firing Poor performance review Failure to receive promotion or raise Bad behavior warning Conflict with a co- worker

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc What Causes Workplace Violence? (cont.) Domestic violence Disputes with family and friends Alcohol or drug abuse Emotional problems Financial difficulties

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc What Causes Workplace Violence? (cont.) Interactions with patients and visitors Robberies, muggings, etc. Random acts of violence

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Identify the Signs of Potential Violence Be alert to patients or visitors who: Have a history of violence Overreact to uncertainty or delay Threaten staff members Accuse staff of being against them Demonstrate excessive anger or frustration

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Identify the Signs of Potential Violence (cont.) Be alert to patients or visitors who: Blame others for their problems Use abusive language Throw or punch objects Appear to be under the influence Show or claim to have a weapon

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Identify the Signs of Potential Violence (cont.) Be alert to current or former co-workers who: Threaten bosses or other workers Blame others for job problems Believe others are out to “get” them and vow to get even Carry grudges or are overly suspicious Become angry easily and often Are defensive when criticized

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Identify the Signs of Potential Violence (cont.) Be alert to current or former co-workers who: Are easily frustrated Seem overwhelmed by financial or other personal problems Abuse alcohol or drugs Show a shift toward troubled behavior Are involved with weapons Indicate obsessions with others

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Signs of Violence Do you understand the information that has been presented so far?

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Respond Effectively to Threats of Violence Project calmness Maintain a relaxed posture Encourage the person to talk Show respect and acknowledge feelings Ask for small favors Use delaying tactics

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Respond Effectively to Threats of Violence (cont.) Don’t meet anger with anger Don’t invade the individual’s space Don’t make sudden movements Don’t challenge, criticize, or dare Don’t make promises you can’t keep Don’t take sides

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Respond Effectively to Threats of Violence (cont.) If you are threatened with a weapon: Do exactly as the person tells you Don’t try to disarm the person Hand over your wallet, jewelry, etc.

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Respond to Workplace Violence Do you understand the information presented in the previous slides?

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Prevent Situations That Could Invite Violence Report any suspicious people or activities Report lighting problems Report security problems Report any threats Arrange a “danger” signal with co-workers

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Prevent Situations That Could Invite Violence (cont.) Know and follow all security procedures Keep restricted areas locked Limit visitors to permitted hours and locations Don’t lend anyone your ID badge Be extra careful when working alone

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Work Safely at Night Avoid being alone Stay near a phone or carry a cell phone Avoid dark, unpatrolled areas Walk with someone coming and going Lock your car Sit near the driver on public transportation

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Dealing with the Aftermath of Workplace Violence Look for these signs of distress Withdrawal Calling in sick Overworking Difficulty concentrating Living in fear

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Dealing with the Aftermath of Workplace Violence (cont.) Look for ways of coping: Talk about it Spend time with loved ones Tune out bad news Seek professional help

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Key Points to Remember Be prepared to deal effectively with threats and incidents of violence on the job Keep alert to signs of potential violence, and take immediate action when you recognize them Make sure to follow security procedures and prevent situations that invite violence Report any threats, disturbing behavior, or violent incidents right away