| The workplace can be a dangerous place. Many | | | | As a Manager You May Think you've "Seen it All" |
| employees are walking "time-bombs," not that they | | | | You haven't seen it all! - And neither have I. I've |
| have a bomb-but they could. Customers and former | | | | never been taken hostage, had someone shoot at |
| employees can also pose a threat. I'm not an | | | | me, or been injured. However, I have felt threatened: |
| alarmist, but I think it's wise to take proactive | | | | once by an employee who brought a gun to work, |
| measures and reasonable precautions to avoid being | | | | and another time by an erratic drugged-out |
| a victim. | | | | employee. I've been yelled at, called names, verbally |
| The Extent of the Problem | | | | abused, threatened, etc. I worked in a facility |
| The extent of workplace violence may surprise | | | | where several people were shot, and one killed (in |
| you. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics | | | | the Emergency Room at LAC+USC hospital). I've had |
| 2008-2009 report on "Fatal Occupational Injuries" the | | | | people throw things at me and punch-out |
| Assaults and Violent Acts in 2009 included 521 | | | | co-workers. I've had to: call security or the police, |
| homicides, 420 shootings, 48 stabbings, and 237 | | | | restrain people, sign complaints, reprimand employees, |
| self-inflicted injuries. Deaths by homicide and other | | | | discharge people, suspend employees, implement |
| violence was the second leading cause of workplace | | | | layoffs, physically remove people from the premises, |
| fatalities, behind only transportation (highway | | | | etc. |
| collisions, accidents, etc.). | | | | After discharging an employee from work for |
| The statistics on non-fatal workplace violence are | | | | stealing, and carrying a weapon, this individual parked |
| even more alarming. The U.S. Office of Justice | | | | his car across the street for days, just looking up at |
| Programs Bureau of Justice Statistics reports "U.S. | | | | my office window. One night after leaving work I |
| residents suffered an annual average of 1.7 million... | | | | went to my car, turned on the ignition, and heard |
| [non-fatal]... violent workplace victimizations" | | | | "tick," "tick," "tick." My imagination ran wild, when |
| (1993-1999). | | | | actually I had just left the turn signal on. |
| The Workplace is More Volatile | | | | As a manager, for any length of time, you've |
| With the economy faltering and employers initiating | | | | probably experienced similar situations. Fortunately, |
| workforce reductions, layoffs, cut-backs, | | | | like my car experience, most situations do not |
| curtailments, cost-containment, salary "freezes," and | | | | escalate into violence. However, it's normal to be |
| a host of other unpleasant actions to reduce labor | | | | concerned, apprehensive, and stressed. |
| expenditures, many employees are "on edge." And, | | | | Preventative Actions |
| with so many on edge, some will inevitably go over | | | | Prevention and preparation are the most practical and |
| the edge. How an employee reacts to the | | | | effective measures. Strict "zero tolerance" polices |
| increasing workplace stresses, uncertainties, and | | | | must be put in place and enforced. Employee |
| challenges, depends on how management handles the | | | | education and training sessions, along with regular risk |
| situation, the employee's maturity, mental health, | | | | evaluations need to be scheduled. These sessions |
| perceptions, support network, and importantly; | | | | should include personal safety advice regarding |
| indeed a whole range of factors. | | | | parking lots, automobile entry/exit, driving, home |
| Most of Us aren't Psychologists | | | | safety, etc. |
| The typical manager, employee or co-worker doesn't | | | | Promoting a culture of violence prevention, |
| have the knowledge or skills to assess the risks | | | | avoidance, awareness, and responsiveness in your |
| surrounding an unbalanced, irrational, vindictive, or | | | | workplace and among your employees should be the |
| angry co-worker or customer. Since we lack the | | | | goal. |
| credentials, and knowledge-base to make these | | | | Survival Tips |
| analyses, it is prudent to develop a more aware, | | | | Occasionally circumstances will get out of hand. |
| proactive, and realistic mindset. | | | | |