Preventing Workplace Violence Investigate and Assess the Threat 1
You Never Think It will Happen CNN Video https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=cnn+workplace+vi olence+video&&view=detail&mid=5338200ca2626d4ca1 DA5338200CA2626D4CA1DA&&FORM=VDRVRV 2
Agenda 1 2 3 4 5 The Facts Are Your Right to a Safe Workplace Workplace Violence Defined Defusing a Threatening Situation Preventing Workplace Violence 3
1 The Facts Are No workplace is immune to violence 4
How big is the problem? Every week, 18,000 American workers are assaulted. About 20 Americans are murdered each week while at work. Homicide is the second leading cause of death in the workplace in the U.S. and the number one cause of death in the workplace for females. American business and government offices spend over $36 Billion each year on costs related to workplace violence including medical and psychiatric care, lost productivity, repairs, insurance premiums, and security. 5
2 Your Right to a Safe Workplace Enhanced Workplace Security 6
Employer s Responsibilities You have a right to a safe workplace, free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. OSHA states employers must take precautions to identify, minimize and prevent the risks of workplace violence. 7
3 Workplace Violence Defined Sources of Workplace Violence 8
What is Workplace Violence? Intimidation Threats Physical attacks Domestic violence Property damage Can be committed by: Co-workers Clients Customers Relatives Strangers 9
Worker on Worker Violence against co-workers, supervisors or managers by a present or former employee. 10
What is Harassment? Insulting or degrading remarks Unsolicited gestures Unsolicited physical Contact Hostile acts Display or circulation of derogatory or offensive written materials or pictures 11
Prohibited Types of Harassment Race Religion National origin/ethnicity Disability Gender Sexual orientation Age Veteran status Marital Status Citizenship 12
Am I stepping over the line? Intent vs. Impact Is my behavior welcome? Is my intent the same as the impact? 13
Criminal Intent Violent acts committed by criminals who have no connection with the workplace They enter the property to commit a specific crime such as robbery, shoplifting or trespassing 14
Customer/Client Violence directed at employees by customers, clients, patients or any others for whom an organization provides services 15
Take Steps to Detour Theft and Criminal Activity Develop a Protocol for Securing Tools, Equipment and Vehicles Inventory tools as they are being stored each night Gangboxes should be enclosed with recessed locking points and non-drillable locks, gangbox should be locked down and wheels removed Ensure adequate security for tools taken home at night, alarm systems on vehicles adequate lighting, cameras at the hotel Never leave the keys in a vehicle/equipment while running. 16
Keep the Site Secure Using Several Methods No One Works Alone. Have a closing and opening procedure 17
Personal Relationship Violence committed in the workplace by someone who does not work there, but has or had a personal relationship with the employee. Examples would be an estranged spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend 18
Most Common Warning Sign The most common warning sign is a Third Party Threat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8boz6gwx6a0 19
4 Defusing a Threatening Situation Your safety is the primary concern 20
Identifying Potential Violent Actions 21
Cues of Violent Behavior Personal space violations Loud talking or yelling Shallow, rapid breathing Abusive language Avoidance of eye contact Changes in voice or tone Profuse sweating Repetitive motions, such as pacing Clenched jaw or fists Trembling or shaking Glaring, scowling or sneering 22
Behavioral Strategies / Helpful Hints Defuse the Situation Stay calm and listen attentively Practice active listening Avoid confrontation or aggressive body language Allow for total airing of grievance Allow aggrieved party to suggest a solution Move toward a Win-Win resolution Signal a co-worker to call security or 911 if necessary 23
5 Preventing Workplace Violence Recognize patterns of behavior to prevent incidents of violence. 24
If You See Something Say Something If You See Something Say Some Thing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foxpjc_bco0 Always report the following: Verbal or physical harassment Verbal or physical threats Assaults or other violence Any behavior that causes you to feel unsafe 25
No Clear Profile, but there are Some Shared Patterns of Behavior Changes in attitude Excessive absences or lateness, tardiness Changes in work habits Inability to concentrate Lack of performance Increased personal stress A fascination with weapons or violence Sudden changes in energy History of violence 26
Patterns of Behavior Increased use of drugs or alcohol Inability to take responsibility for their actions Making inappropriate statements Social isolation Complaints of unfair treatment Overreacting to criticism Poor hygiene 27
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Together we can gently remind the world that peace is possible, because peace is a choice Mattie J.T. Stepanek. 29
Thank you. 30