Violence in the Workplace Module 14

Objectives Define violence Identify the problems of violence Explain methods to resolve problems rather than through violence

So what exactly defines Violence? Violence is: Violent acts, including physical assaults and threats of assault, directed toward persons at work or on duty Violent acts, including physical assaults and threats of assault, directed toward persons at work or on duty

Introduction Recently, violence in the workplace has received considerable attention Press Press Safety and health professionals Safety and health professionals

Violence in the Workplace Examples of recent co-worker violence Killings of Killings of Taxicab drivers Convenience store clerks Security guards Police officers

What are the Hazards An average of 20 workers are murdered each week in the US Majority are robbery related Majority are robbery related Most assaults occur in service setting such as hospitals, nursing homes, and social service agencies Factors that place workers at high risk include interacting in the workplace, exchanging money, delivering goods or services, and dealing with violent people

How can I be exposed or put at risk? Anyone can become a victim of workplace violence Taxicab drivers have the highest risk or any occupational group Taxicab drivers have the highest risk or any occupational group For nonfatal workplace assaults, workers in health care, community services, and retail settings are at increased risk For nonfatal workplace assaults, workers in health care, community services, and retail settings are at increased risk

Risk Factors A number of factors may increase a worker’s risk for assault Contact with the public Contact with the public Exchange of money Exchange of money Delivery of passengers Delivery of passengers Working with unstable people Working with unstable people Working alone Working alone Working late night Working late night Working in high-crime areas Working in high-crime areas Guarding valuable property Guarding valuable property

3 Strategies to Offset Violence 1.Environmental designs 2.Administrative controls 3.Behavioral strategies Depends on workplace environment and violence problems Depends on workplace environment and violence problems Collecting and reporting violence data is helpful in determine what needs to be done Collecting and reporting violence data is helpful in determine what needs to be done

Prevention Strategies 1. Environmental Strategies Includes procedures while working in the retail industry Includes procedures while working in the retail industry Carrying small amounts of cashCarrying small amounts of cash Posting signs that small amount of cash is on handPosting signs that small amount of cash is on hand Working with cashless transactionsWorking with cashless transactions School School Locked doorsLocked doors Hallway camerasHallway cameras

Environmental Designs Visibility and lighting Making high risk areas visible Access to entrances and exits Making high risk areas visible Access to entrances and exits Where attackers can hide? Where attackers can hide? Unlocked doors? Unlocked doors? Security devices Cameras, alarms and two way mirrors, key card access Cameras, alarms and two way mirrors, key card access

Administrative Controls Staffing plans and work practices Escorting patients and prohibiting unsupervised movement Escorting patients and prohibiting unsupervised movement Increasing the number of staff on duty Increasing the number of staff on duty Use of security guards Use of security guards Work practices during exchange of money and open and close of business Work practices during exchange of money and open and close of business Policies for reporting threats Policies for reporting threats

Behavioral Strategies Training employees in nonviolent response and conflict resolution Training that addresses hazards associated with specific tasks Training that increases knowledge and awareness of the risk of workplace violence