What is workplace violence?
Workplace violence ranges from
threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide. It can affect
and involve employees, clients, customers and visitors. Workplace violence
includes but is not limited to:
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Physical violence
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Harassment
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Intimidation
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Other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site
How can workplace violence hazards
be reduced?
Behaviors of concern can help workers
recognize potential problems with fellow employees. If a coworker begins acting
differently, determining the frequency, duration, and intensity of the new, and
possibly troubling, behavior can prove helpful. Specific behaviors of concern
that should increase vigilance for coworkers and supervisors include:
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Sadness or depression
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Threats
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Menacing or erratic
behavior
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Aggressive outbursts
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References to weaponry
Verbal Abuse
Inability to handle criticism
Hypersensitivity to perceived slight
Offensive commentary or jokes referring
to violence
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These
behaviors—when observed in clusters and coupled with diminished work
performance (as manifested by increased tardiness or absences, poor coworker
relations, and decreased productivity)—may suggest a heightened violence
potential. It must be pointed out, however, that no single behavior is more
suggestive of violence than another. All actions have to be judged in the
proper context and in totality to determine the potential for violence.
Care
must be taken when dealing with what can be highly charged situations. Certain
signs that may help determine if a coworker is experiencing such difficulties
include:
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Disruptive phone calls and e-mails
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Anxiety
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Poor concentration
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Unexplained bruises or injuries
Frequent absences and tardiness
Use of unplanned personal time
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Disruptive visit from current or former partners
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Remember
that all incidents are different and must be viewed on their own individual
merits.
What is the process if I witness or
experience workplace violence?
Report
concerns regarding workplace violence to your supervisors or Human Resources
Department.
Your
employer will investigate all threats, incidents of actual violence, and
suspicious individuals or activities.
The
identity of the individual making a report will be protected as much as
possible. Your employer will not retaliate against employees making good-faith
reports of threats, violence, or suspicious individuals or activities.
Following
an investigation, disciplinary action may be taken, up to and including
termination of employment.