Safety Tidbit 8.03 – Workplace Violence – A Primer

Safety Tidbit 8.03 – Workplace Violence – A Primer

 

Reference:       USDOL-DOL Workplace Violence Program

 

This Safety Tidbit is brought to you by my student, Ms. Courtnie Piper– a Senior in the Safety, Health, and Environmental Applied Sciences Program at the Indiana University of PA, graduating in the Spring of 2023.

 

Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site, according to OSHA. Repercussions of workplace violence can include physical or psychological damages felt by the victim, as well as those close to the victim; a loss of productivity and morale of the organization; and an impact on public relations when news of violence reaches the media.

 

A workplace violence program can reduce types of violent behaviors by addressing violent situations with a focus on prevention. An effective program allows an employee to understand the problem, how to respond to it, and how to prevent it. All organization members should be actively aware and preventive of any acts of violence. 

 

Maintaining an environment that discourages negative feelings is the best prevention strategy; negative feelings among employees can be feelings of isolation, resentment, and hostility. Management can promote sincere, open, and timely communication among all departments and levels of the company. They can offer opportunities for professional development, along with facilities that promote “quality of life” and job satisfaction. Implementing and maintaining mechanisms for complaints and concerns allows employees to express their feelings in a non-judgmental forum. The work environment can also be positively organized when management enforces consistent discipline for employees who execute improper conduct and poor performance. 

 

Any sense of security will promote feelings of safety in employees and will decrease violence. Utilizing the Federal Protective Service, designated security personnel, and on-site guard services are resources to respond to assistance requests. As for security at the entrance of a facility, the guard force can assist in registering, badging, and directing visitors. Other measures include installing metal detectors, identification badges, and coded card keys to access secure areas. Additionally, employees should know local law enforcement's presence, and notification means. 

 

All departments should be aware of the performance and conduct problems that can be potential warning signs of potential concerns. These signs can be among perpetrators of violence or victims of violence. Shifts in typical behavior or patterns about attendance issues, adverse impact on a supervisor’s time, decreased productivity, concentration problems, safety issues, poor health and hygiene, severe stress, continual excuses, blame, and possible drug use are all to be monitored. 

 

It is essential for employees, supervisors, and managers to understand their roles, responsibilities, and means of communication. They should know the program’s aspects, including what to do when faced with possible problems, early intervention techniques, whom to contact for assistance, etc. Supervisors and managers must be willing to act when necessary. 

 

I hope this was helpful, and thank you for reading my Safety Tidbits! Comments and questions are always welcome. ~ Bryan

 

P.S. Please let me know if you have a new safety or health question.