Building A Safe Workplace:Preventing Workplace

Violence

Employee Responsibility

All employees are responsible for making and reporting observations and taking measures which help to facilitate and ensure a secure workplace which is

free from threats of violence.

Definitions

Workplace Violence Assault Domestic Violence Intimidating or Harassing behavior

Psychological Intimidation Harassment Physical

intimidation Harassment Threat

Types of Violent Episodes

Stranger Violence

Client Violence

Employee Violence

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence accounts for 27%of all workplace violence

Early warning signs include:

increased fear

emotional episodes

physical injury

phone calls

performance decline

If You Know a Victim ofDomestic Violence... AskAsk

Express concernExpress concern

ListenListen

Offer helpOffer help

SupportSupport

Continuum of Violence Early on in the process there may be:Refusal to cooperateRumors and gossipArguingBelligerenceSwearing Sexual comments

Continuum of Violence (2)

As feelings grow there may be:Increasing arguments RefusalSabotaging Threats to self/ othersSending sexual, violent,

or inappropriate notes Stalking

Continuum of Violence (3)

As behavior escalates there may be: Threatening/attempting/ committing suicide Physical fights Destruction of property Criminal activity Threatens to use/ uses weapons to harm

others.

What to Watch For

Everyone has his or her own “normal” behavior.

Be a good observer of unusual behavior, routine, and changes from the usual.

Warning Signs

History of violence Mental illness A romantic obsession Chemical dependency Chronic blaming Impaired neurological

functioning Increased frustration with

one’s circumstances Fascination with weapons Threats of revenge Absence of emotional control

Triggers of Workplace Violence

Domestic disputes Job performance counseling or disciplinary

action Job stress Harassment Racial, ethnic, cultural, gender or lifestyle

conflicts Furloughs Terminations

Possible Motivations

• Individuals exhibiting violent behavior may have the following motivations:

Face-saving Attention-seeking Manipulating Retaliating

Assault Cycle

First:First: A traumatic experience

Second:Second: Projection of responsibility; externalization of blame

Third:Third: Self-protection and self-preservation

Fourth:Fourth: Internal conflict followed by committing or attempting to

commit violence

Avoiding Victimization

Be alert.

Avoid unnecessary risks.

Always have a plan.

Let someone know where you are.

Report any potential or actual incidents to your supervisor.

Addressing Potential Violence

• Employees have a responsibility to maintain a safe workplace. We recommend the following process to assist employees in addressing uncomfortable situations: -Think before you act. -Assess your feelings. -Describe behavior observed. -Assess behavior. -Determine whether you need assistance. -Report the threat/behavior to your supervisor.

Responding to a Threat:During a Confrontation

When in physical jeopardy, seek safety and call law enforcement as soon as possible. Remain calm. Try not to escalate the situation. Establish an escape route. Involve witnesses. Activate response plan. Give your full attention. Restate/validate their concerns. Ask for their suggestions. Let them know what you can do. Follow through.

Preparing to Deal With Violence

Aggressive Behavior

Bomb Threats

Telephone Threats

Mail & Packages

The Obligation to Report Incidents

• Employees are to report any workplace situation which may contribute to the occurrence of violence to their supervisor in accordance with agency policy.

• Supervisors are to take appropriate action and report back to the employee in a timely manner.

The End