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While previously I referred directly to schools, adults in the workplace face similar problems. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 551 workplace homicides in 2004 alone.1 The same rules of thumb that apply to dealing with and preventing school violence also apply to workplace violence. Specifically, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends that all workplaces have in place certain measures for the prevention of workplace violence and injury through assault.
The circumstances of workplace violence differ significantly from those of other types of homicides. While most workplace homicides are robbery-related, less than 10% of homicides in the general population occur during a robbery. Additionally, in the general population about 50% of all murder victims were related to their assailants whereas the majority of workplace homicides are believed to occur among people who do not know each other. These differences call for unique prevention measures targeted specifically to the workplace.2
Prevention strategies include: Environmental design, including counters, bulletproof windows, controlling access to the workplace by non-employees and other design that introduce physical space between customers and employees Cash handling procedures such as drop-safes, signs that indicate little cash is kept on hand, and other security measures related to cash transactions Visibility and lighting used as a deterrent in high risk areas The use of security devices, including panic bar lock doors, closed circuit cameras and alarm systems Staffing plans and work practices to reduce risk of attack or assault Policies and procedures for reporting and assessing the risk of violent behavior An Employee Assistance Program to help employees deal with stress and substance abuse problems and teach anger management Training all employees in non-violent response and conflict resolution If a threat is made, it should be dealt with by ensuring the safety of all employees, and reported to the appropriate authorities. A zero tolerance policy toward all forms of workplace violence should be implemented
Recognizing potentially violent employees is one of the major components of a workplace safety plan, as is impressing on all employees the importance of reporting behavior that makes them uncomfortable. Signs to watch for in assessing the potential risk of violent behavior from an employee include:
Unresolved anger Changes in workplace behavior or personal hygiene A history of harassing behavior toward others A tendency to blame others for all their problems Increasing frustration Escalation of verbal threats Physical intimidation Social isolation Seemingly random comments about ‘bad things happening’ Bringing a weapon to the workplace Alcohol or drug abuse Statements of desperation Frequent conflicts with supervisors and other staff Extreme changes of behavior3
In addition, experts in workplace violence believe that there is often a triggering incident that tips an already unstable individual into violence. Those triggers may include, but aren’t limited to:
Bad work performance evaluations Layoff or other termination Being passed over for a promotion
Every workplace should have a procedure in place for dealing with potentially risky employees and attempting to defuse a situation before it becomes violent. Sometimes, though, the red flags are less obvious, or not seen. The guidelines for dealing with a potentially violent, or already violent situation are:
Any employee who sees another with a gun on work premises should report it immediately to supervisors. Respond promptly to immediate dangers to personnel and workplace Take threats and threatening behavior seriously Do not shout or threaten. It’s likely to provoke further violence. Remain as calm as possible and follow the assailant’s directions. Keep speaking to the assailant in a calm voice. Maintain eye contact if it doesn’t agitate the assailant. If possible, alert others to the situation immediately. Sound an alarm or call the police the moment that you can. Never attempt to disarm the assailant. Watch for an opportunity to escape to a safer area.
Dealing with workplace violence involves prevention, planning and training. By being sure that all of your employees are aware of the procedure they should take in a threatening or violent situation, you could be saving lives and making your workplace a safer place for all your employees.
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