Violence in the Workplace
Violence in the workplace is an unfortunate fact of life. Some occupations deal with this issue more than others, such as health care workers, teachers and retail employees. However, it is a problem that can affect anyone in any business even the work at home world. The definition of workplace violence can expand to include threats, intimidation, verbal abuse and cyber stalking or harassment.
What is Workplace Violence?
Workplace violence is a safety issue that much of the public is un-informed about. As a homicide, workplace violence is ranked as the fourth-leading cause of death at the workplace in the US. There are almost daily murders of cab drivers, police officers, military personnel and convenience store workers, which may be overlooked as they have become so common. Workplace violence is the threat made against any worker while they are at their job, whether it is from a stranger or from a workers family member or friend. It is not limited to assault; workplace violence can include verbal, physical or written threats, harassment and verbal abuse.
- CDC Information on violence in the workplace
- OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- All Business Workplace Violence information and articles
- CCOHS Excellent article on what it is and how to recognize, prevent, get help
Statistics on Workplace Violence
- In 2005, from a total of 5,702 fatal work incidents, 564 of them were homicides.
- 2 million or more Americans each year become victims of workplace violence.
- One out of every four employees at a company will end up a victim of workplace violence.
- Because of assaults that happen at work, about 1 million days of work are lost each year.
- This costs businesses more than $36 billion.
- There is no formal policy that informs employees about the dangers of workplace violence in more than 70% of American businesses.
Laws Concerning Workplace Violence
Many companies will include a listing in their OSHA handbook about the dangers of workplace violence. This helps employees and their companies recognize and understand the threat of workplace violence. Almost all jurisdictions in the country have laws against stalkers, harassment, terrorist threats and assault. If violence in the workplace occurs, employees have the legal right to call for help, or to leave the area until the threat has left. Companies who fail to properly provide a safe workplace for their employees could be threatened with legal action.
How to Prevent Workplace Violence
Information on violence in the workplace is the most crucial step to prevention, and all companies should have information outlined in their handbooks and manuals about it. Preventative measures can be taken to protect employees from violence. This includes giving all employees’ coded cards or a set of keys that allow them into a certain area, and cutting down the entrances that people can use to get into the building. Fences placed around the building can help keep access to the building at a minimum. Excellent lighting should be used in areas where it may become dark, such as near doorways and in garages. All employees and employers should be well-versed in the subject of workplace violence, so that everyone knows the signs of a problem.
- EhsToday Preventing workplace violence
- Anger Management Resource Tips to prevent workplace violence
What to Do and Where to Get Help
If you have been a victim of workplace violence, you can rest assured there is help for you. Any violence or threats from any person, whether they are an employee, friend, loved one or stranger, should be immediately reported to supervisors. The police should become involved, as the incident may call for a restraining order or further investigation.
- OPM Employee handbook and information
Violence in the workplace should not be tolerated on any level. If you think you are being targeted, talk to a supervisor, manager or local law enforcement to stop the violence before it becomes worse.
|
What is Workplace Violence? Workplace violence is a safety issue that much of the public is un-informed about. As a homicide, workplace violence is ranked as the fourth-leading cause of death at the workplace in the US. There are almost daily murders of cab drivers, police officers, military personnel and convenience store workers, which may be overlooked as they have become so common. Workplace violence is the threat made against any worker while they are at their job, whether it is from a stranger or from a workers family member or friend. It is not limited to assault; workplace violence can include verbal, physical or written threats, harassment and verbal abuse.
Statistics on Workplace Violence
Laws Concerning Workplace Violence Many companies will include a listing in their OSHA handbook about the dangers of workplace violence. This helps employees and their companies recognize and understand the threat of workplace violence. Almost all jurisdictions in the country have laws against stalkers, harassment, terrorist threats and assault. If violence in the workplace occurs, employees have the legal right to call for help, or to leave the area until the threat has left. Companies who fail to properly provide a safe workplace for their employees could be threatened with legal action. How to Prevent Workplace Violence Information on violence in the workplace is the most crucial step to prevention, and all companies should have information outlined in their handbooks and manuals about it. Preventative measures can be taken to protect employees from violence. This includes giving all employees’ coded cards or a set of keys that allow them into a certain area, and cutting down the entrances that people can use to get into the building. Fences placed around the building can help keep access to the building at a minimum. Excellent lighting should be used in areas where it may become dark, such as near doorways and in garages. All employees and employers should be well-versed in the subject of workplace violence, so that everyone knows the signs of a problem.
What to Do and Where to Get Help If you have been a victim of workplace violence, you can rest assured there is help for you. Any violence or threats from any person, whether they are an employee, friend, loved one or stranger, should be immediately reported to supervisors. The police should become involved, as the incident may call for a restraining order or further investigation.
Violence in the workplace should not be tolerated on any level. If you think you are being targeted, talk to a supervisor, manager or local law enforcement to stop the violence before it becomes worse. |