Workplace Violence

Workplace Violence

It’s a sad fact that violence in the workplace has become a serious issue for all kinds of businesses. Homicide has become the second leading cause of death on the job, after motor vehicle accidents. For women, workplace homicide is the leading cause of workplace death.

Employees and employers can prevent situations that can result in violence by recognizing the circumstances and people most likely to pose a danger and by being alert to personal safety precautions.

Causes of Workplace Violence

Anger and frustration are normal feelings, but when people lose control of their feelings, the results can be deadly. As we know from the news, workplace violence can have work-related or personal causes. Sometimes job stress can make people desperate to get even for:

• Loss of a job or fear of losing a job
• A warning or reprimand from a supervisor
• Not receiving a raise or promotion
• Acts or words considered unfair or hostile
• Tension with co-workers or supervisors that are not resolved

Don’t ignore signs of violence in others such as vowing revenge, intimidating others, talking about weapons, holding grudges, blaming others for problems, and having angry outbursts.

Sometimes personal problems can spill over into the workplace. An abusive partner or one unable to accept the breakup of a romance or marriage may track an employee to work and trigger a physical attack. If there is a grudge or romantic obsession, the employee may be stalked or threatened at work. Alcohol or drug abuse can make a person who is upset become violent.

Reducing Tension

One of the most important ways to avoid violence is to know how to respond if you are faced with an attacker or someone who frightens you. If a co-worker or outsider confronts you, you should not argue, respond with a threat, or do anything else to increase the person’s anger. Remain calm.

If the person remains angry or if the situation gets worse, get help. Members of your department should decide on a warning signal for this purpose. Scream to alert if you have to. Do anything you can to avoid going somewhere with the attacker.

Co-workers should report any violence no matter who is involved. Don’t protect an attacker you know; it will leave the opportunity for future violence or implicate you in a crime.

Preventing Violence

Be responsible for your own safety by taking sensible, everyday precautions to prevent violence in your workplace.

• Cooperate with security guards, and know how to contact them (extension numbers, silent alarms, etc.).
• Pay attention to the emergency training your employer offers. Be familiar with ways to exit the building.
• Take any personal or work-related threatening or violent behavior seriously and report it. Don’t wait for things to get out of hand.
• Alert security to strangers or anyone who should not be in the workplace, such as a former employee. If there is a particular person you do not want let in to see you at work, tell your supervisor.
• Let someone know when you are working overtime, and try not to work alone.
• Leave the workplace with other co-workers.