1. Workplace Violence

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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!

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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