Workplace Violence: Prevention Tips for Employers

It's a crime that shows up quite often in the newsthreats will not affect their job status.
media—employees and other innocent victims 
being killed at the hands of robbers, coworkers, andWorkplace Violence Policy
customers during an ugly act of criminal violence.  
According to data provided by the Bureau of LaborExperts believe that one of the first steps in
Statistics (BLS), workplace violence is the leadingpreventing employee violence is to provide
cause of death among employees afterdisgruntled employees with an outlet to vent their
transportation- and fall-related incidents.  frustrations, as well as a way to communicate their
Today's current statistics continue to illustrate thisgrievances to upper management.  Experts argue
ugly picture:that by providing such an outlet, employees can
 better deal with the stressors of their jobs.  As a
- More than 2 employees are killed each day as aresult, the negative emotions that lead to violent
result of workplace violence.rages are defused and problems are more properly
 addressed.
- 17% of workplace murders are committed by 
coworkers and customers/clients.Effective violence policies are also crucial in protecting
 employees and reducing the risk of employee
- 75% of workplace murders are committed byviolence.  The following are some tips that
thieves and theft-related crimes.employers should consider when devising policies
 against violence in the workplace:
In addition to these heinous murders, thousands of 
employees are injured every year as a result of- Implement a zero-tolerance policy against workplace
violent acts in the workplace.  With robbers,violence.  Your policy should also include a strict
employees and clients committing these violentno-weapons rule.
crimes, every employee is at risk—no matter 
where they work.  For this reason, employers should- Your policy should strictly prohibit all violent or
put in place the necessary safety measures to helpthreatening behavior, whether physical or verbal. 
protect the lives of their employees, as well as their 
own.- All employees, customers, and other visitors on
 company premises or engaged in company-related
Reducing Employer Liabilitybusiness should be required to adhere to the rules of
 your workplace violence policy
Workplace violence has added to employers' 
concerns over liability.  In an effort to address this- Ensure your policy includes procedures for reporting
concern, the following are some tips on howand investigating accusations of workplace violence. 
company's can lessen their liability, as well as create aAll violent behavior should be reported to
safer work environment for everyone:management immediately.
- Respond immediately to all reports of violence, 
threats, and/or weapons on company premises.- Have well-defined procedures for responding to and
 dealing with incidents of workplace violence.
- Investigate all reports of harassment and other 
physical or verbal misconduct immediately.Ensuring that managers and supervisors are
 thoroughly educated and trained in areas such as
- When dealing with unusual events, seek advicediversity, discrimination, drug and alcohol abuse,
from a higher authority within the company or legalemployment practices, and the common signs and
counsel.triggering factors of workplace violence is critical in
 reducing the risk of employer liability and workplace
- Conduct all investigations and counseling sessionsviolence.  Knowing how to discipline and terminate
discreetly and suppress any defamatory gossipproblem employees with respect and fairness is
among employees.extremely important.
  
- Put in place a written policy that thoroughlyMore Helpful Tips
addresses workplace violence.  Take the necessary 
action to prevent and correct all forms of misconductThe following are a few more helpful tips on reducing
and harassment.the risk of violence in the workplace:
  
- Follow up with each and every victim of- Set up a code word that receptionists can use to
harassment or misconduct.  Inform them of thealert a coworker if a potentially dangerous individual
corrective action taken and encourage them toarrives at the reception area.
report any future misbehavior or retaliation. 
 - Post signs throughout the office that communicate
- If an employee shows up at work impaired bythat company employes are working to maintain a
alcohol or drugs, have security personnel or lawsafe working environment.
enforcement remove the employee.  Do not allow 
another employee to remove the person!  Do not- Conduct regular training sessions to teach managers
allow the impaired employee to drive!and supervisors how to recognize the warning signs
 of violence and minimize potentially violent situations
- Thoroughly screen all job applicants.  Be sure toin the workplace.
verify all references and conduct a background 
check.- Conduct routine safety checks and maintenance of
 security features in and around the workplace,
- Train management and employees to recognize theincluding emergency exits, alarms, security lighting,
warning signs of potential workplace violence.surveillance cameras, and/or metal detectors.
  
- When faced with a threat, hire extra security andBeing prepared is the first step to avoiding the
provide employees with sufficient warning andnegative consequences of violence in the
instructions.workplace.  Taking time to educate yourself, as well
Make certain that all employees/victims know thatas the managers, supervisors, and employes of your
reporting workplace violence, harassment, and/orcompany is well worth the effort!