Preventing Workplace Violence 07-08-2009
- By Ann F. Kiernan, Esq.

Homicide is the third leading cause of death on the job in the US, accounting for 15% of all workplace fatalities. More than 1.8 million work days and $55 million in wages are lost every year due to workplace violence, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics.

Every workplace has the potential for violence, but in varying degrees. For instance, the overnight shift at a retail business that handles lots of cash has a higher likelihood of violence being perpetrated by a stranger, with robbery as the goal, than does the daytime shift at a call center or manufacturing facility. Other possible types of workplace violence include the following:

• Violence committed by a current or former employee;
• Violence perpetrated by a relative, spouse, ex-spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, or other individual with a personal relationship with an employee; and
• Violence performed by a customer, vendor, client, or contractor.

Although workplace violence might seem to happen at random, there are often patterns and warning signs that indicate when violent reactions are imminent. Experts say that it's a myth that "People just snap." Rather, people who become violent at work almost always telegraph their intentions beforehand. Therefore, the key to avoiding altercations is detecting those warning signs and recognizing threats. In other words, if someone says they intend to hurt someone else, believe it! Then call the experts: Human Resources, your supervisor, Security, your Employee Assistance Program, or even the police.

What this means to you: Federal law says that all companies have an obligation to provide a safe working environment. Have your managers and supervisors been trained to recognize the warning signs of violence? Do they know how to take preventive measures to keep violence from occurring in your workplace? You can help keep your organization from being the next victim of workplace violence by making sure all managers learn about the causes and warning signs of violence in the workplace, the employer's legal duty to provide a safe workplace, and responses to violent or threatening behavior at work.

Decision Makers are invited to preview Preventing Workplace Violence, a one-hour webinar taught live by Fair Measures' attorney-trainers on August 11th at 10:30 am PDT. Email us at training@fairmeasures.com to book your seat.

 

Information here is correct at the time it is posted. Case decisions cited here may be reversed. Please do not rely on this information without consulting an attorney first.