Preventing Violence in the Workplace

We've all seen the disturbing headlines related to violence in the workplace: "Six Die in Workplace Shooting," "Gunman on Rampage -- Kills 12 and Then Himself." We all deserve a safe work environment. Yet the sad reality is that no workplace is safe from violence in today’s world. You can protect yourself by understanding more about how workplace violence starts.

What is “Workplace Violence?"
Many workplaces are extremely dangerous because of lack of security -- convenience stores, for example, are susceptible to robberies. But this is not what we mean when we talk of workplace violence. Generally workplace violence occurs when present or former employees attack one another. It can occur at the work site or somewhere else as a result of work-related tensions.

Understanding the Cause of Violence in the Workplace
According to statistics, violence in the workplace is on the rise. Homicide is the third leading cause of death in the workplace.

Most experts agree that social issues, especially drug abuse, layoffs, and poverty, are the major contributors to workplace violence. In addition, the ease with which guns can be obtained, excessive graphic violence on TV and in movies, and ethnic differences among workers are other causes frequently cited as part of the problem.

Prevention is Key
It has been proven that workplace violence prevention programs are effective. This includes employee education and training on how to recognize potentially violent behavior and to report it before it's too late. There is no good reason for a business, large or small, not to have a workplace violence prevention program in place. It protects the employees, avoids costly lawsuits between employees and the company, preserves the company’s reputation. Most importantly, it is the right thing for a company to do to protect the people that work for it. Find out if your company has a violence prevention program.

Proper screening procedures during the hiring process will help keep potentially dangerous people from joining a company. There should be a clear warning to all job applicants that the company will conduct background checks as well as drug and alcohol testing. In addition, each applicant should be interviewed individually by at least two members of the company. When firing or laying off an employee, the company should take extra care to make sure that employee isn’t unnecessarily angry about being let go.

Responding to Violence at Work
If violence does occur at your workplace, and your company hasn't already taught you how to handle it, do the following:

• Contact local law enforcement and follow their instructions
• Notify building security
• Evacuate the scene as quickly as possible
• Remain calm
  

Original article found at http://www.safety.com/articles/preventing-violence-in-the-workplace.html