What is Workplace Violence?

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Workplace violence is an issue that many employers must face. EHS managers must be aware of the potential dangers and be prepared to take preventative measures to ensure the safety of their employees.

It can include physical aggression, harassment, or even psychological harm. Violence in the workplace can be caused due to many reasons, and it’s often difficult to identify critical factors and prevent it beforehand. 

Because of its sudden nature, it’s important for employers to define the repercussions of workplace violence, including suitable corrective action that they intend to take. 

The Dangers of Workplace Violence

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Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical or psychological harm that occurs in the workplace or in connection with work activities. 

This includes threats, verbal abuse, physical assaults, intimidation, harassment, bullying, stalking and even homicide/suicide. It can occur between co-workers, customers or clients and supervisors/managers.

Regardless of its form, workplace violence can have serious consequences for the victims and their families, as well as for the organization itself. 

It can lead to increased stress levels among employees, decreased morale and productivity, and potential legal liabilities if not properly addressed by management.

It is not just large corporations that are at risk; small businesses are vulnerable too. In fact, small businesses often suffer more from workplace violence due to their limited resources for responding to incidents and implementing preventive measures. 

As such, it is important for both large and small organizations to understand the full scope of workplace violence threats they face so they can properly prepare for them.

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How to Prevent Workplace Violence

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The best way to protect your workforce from workplace violence is through proactive prevention strategies. Here are a few that can be used to mitigate the threat of workplace violence.

Creating a Zero-Tolerance Policy 

The first step in preventing workplace violence is creating a zero-tolerance policy. This means that any form of aggressive behavior or threatening language will not be tolerated in the workplace, regardless of who it comes from. 

The policy should also include consequences for violation of the policy, such as suspension or even termination. It is important to ensure that all employees understand the policy and know what behavior is expected of them at all times.

Education on Warning Signs of Potential Violence

One of the most important steps in preventing workplace violence is educating employees on the warning signs of potential violence. It's important that staff members know how to recognize potential threats before they occur, so they can take appropriate action if necessary. 

This could include being aware of changes in an individual’s behavior, such as sudden mood swings or bouts of aggression, as well as physical signs such as changes in posture or body language. It is also essential for employees to be trained on how to de-escalate situations before they become violent.

Creating an Emergency Response Plan

In addition to preventing workplace violence, it's important for employers to have an emergency response plan in place in case an act of violence does occur. 

This plan should outline specific procedures for responding quickly and safely when a violent incident occurs, including who should be contacted first, and what steps should be taken for employee safety (i.e., evacuation protocols). 

Establishing an emergency response plan gives employees peace of mind knowing that their safety is top priority for their employer if a situation arises where their safety is threatened by another person's violent behavior.

Regular Threat Assessments

Threat assessments are another key component of preventing workplace violence. These assessments involve evaluating potential risks to the organization and taking steps to mitigate those risks before they become an issue. 

Employers should consider factors such as employee mental health, past incidents, and other warning signs when conducting threat assessments. They should also document all threats made by employees or visitors and take appropriate action if necessary.

Implementing Safety Measures 

In addition to developing policies and conducting threat assessments, employers should also implement safety measures in their workplaces. 

This may include installing security cameras and access control systems, hiring security personnel, providing self-defense training for employees, and ensuring that exits are clearly marked.

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