Violence in the Workplace How to Prevent and Defuse

							Violence in the
Workplace
How to Prevent and Defuse For
Supervisors
Session Objectives

   You will be able to:
    – Identify the causes of workplace violence
    – Spot the signs of potential violence
    – Follow required security procedures
    – Respond effectively to violent acts
    – Recognize and respond to terrorist
      threats
Session Outline

 – The risks of workplace violence
 – Factors that contribute to violence
 – Symptoms of impending violence
 – Security measures to prevent violence
 – Proper response to violent incidents
 – Proper response to terrorist threats
Sources of Violence

 – Employees
 – Former employees
 – Customers
 – Other outsiders
 – Criminals
 – Terrorists
Who’s Affected by
Violence?
 –   Victims
 –   Witnesses
 –   Co-workers
 –   Customers and
     others
Encounters with Violence

 – 1/6 of violent crimes occur in the
   workplace
 – Violence is the second leading cause of
   workplace deaths
 – 18,000 are assaulted at work each week
 – Violence costs industry millions a year
 – Some employees face higher risks
Causes of Violence

 – Layoff
 – Firing
 – Bad behavior warning
 – Poor performance review
 – Conflict with co-worker
Causes of Violence (cont.)
 – Domestic violence
 – Disputes with ex-
   partners
 – Alcohol or drug
   abuse
 – Emotional problems
 – Financial difficulties
Causes of Violence (cont.)
 – Customer
   interactions
 – Robberies,
   muggings, other
   crimes
 – Random acts of
   violence
Background on Violence
 – Questions?
Spot the Signs

   Of potential for
    violence:
    – Threatening to get
      even
    – Blaming others
    – Talking about
      violence or weapons
    – Holding grudges
Spot the Signs (cont.)

   Of immediate
    threat:
    – Threatening words
      or moves
    – Raising voice level
    – Abusive language
First Response

   Do:
    – Remain calm
    – Show respect
    – Focus on problem
    – Alert co-workers
    – Report the incident
First Response (cont.)

   Don’t:
    – Argue or raise your voice
    – Mimic an angry person’s behavior
Know Security Measures
 – Cameras, silent
   alarms
 – Locks, coded entry
 – Lighting
 – Reporting
   procedures
 – Conflict resolution
   training
 – Counseling
Follow Security Procedures

 – Report strangers
 – Escort visitors
 – Wear ID
 – Lock valuables
 – Report missing
   items or signs of
   break-in
 – Use danger signal
Work Safely After Hours

 – Let people know
 – Avoid being alone
 – Stay near phones
 – Lock office door
After Hours Safety (cont.)
 – Let security know
   when you leave
 – Walk out with
   someone
 – Check car before
   getting in
 – Sit near driver on
   public
   transportation
Personal Security
 – Keep vehicle doors
   locked
 – Walk in busy, well-
   lit areas
 – Walk purposefully
 – Make eye contact
 – Check your
   surroundings
Personal Security (cont.)

 – Go into store if you’re followed
 – Carry only the money you need
 – Divide valuables on your person
 – Carry items close to your body
 – Check your vehicle before entering
Background Checks

 – Prevent violent employees from entering
   workforce
 – Conduct checks for a legitimate business
   interest
 – Use the job application
 – Avoid negligent hiring claims
Progressive Discipline

 – Puts employee on notice, reducing
   likelihood of violence
 – Object is to notify, punish appropriately,
   and reform employee
 – Steps usually include:
     Informal/oral notice
     Written notice

     Suspension

     Termination
Employee Grievances

   Effective
    procedures resolve
    conflict:
    – Verbal discussions
      with supervisor
    – Written explanation
      from supervisor
    – Written decision
      from personnel
      department
    – Appeals
Termination Meetings

 – Choose an office near an exit
 – Minimize furniture and other objects in
   the room
 – Request security personnel
 – Obtain a restraining order, if necessary,
   after a termination
Violent Confrontations
 – Don’t resist
 – Report the incident
 – Don’t clean up until
   you’ve been
   examined
 – Deal with your
   reaction
Action Against Violence
 – Questions?
Terrorist Threats
 – Likely strikes
 – Potential targets
Cyberterrorism
 – Company measures
       Firewall
       Virus protection
 – Employee practices
       Never install
        unlicensed software
       Delete suspicious e-
        mail
       Never reveal
        passwords
       Avoid illegal
        websites
CBRN

 – Chemical agents
 – Biological agents
 – Radioactive weapons
 – Nuclear strikes
Mail
 – Suspicious letters
       Don’t open
       Place in plastic
        container
       Isolate it from
        everyone
       Report it
 – Unexpected
   packages
       Report unattended
        objects
       Look for bad or
        missing addresses,
Response to Terrorism
 – Turn off ventilation
   units
 – Leave the area
 – Close off area
 – Call 911
 – Notify your
   manager/security
 – Make list of affected
   people
Evacuate, If Necessary

 – Know evacuation signal
 – Listen for instructions
 – Shut down equipment
 – Close doors and windows
 – Follow exit route
 – Go to assembly area
Shelter in Place
 – Locate emergency
   kit
 – Turn off HVAC
   equipment
 – Go to sheltering
   room
 – Shut windows and
   doors
 – Seal windows,
   doors, and vents
 – Listen to the radio
The Aftermath
 – Signs of distress
     Withdrawing from
      peers
     Calling in sick
     Overworking
     Difficulty
      concentrating
 – Ways of coping
     Talk about it
     Spend time with
      loved ones
     Turn TV coverage
      off
Key Points to Remember

 – Workplace violence can take many forms
   and has numerous causes.
 – Keep alert to signs of potential violence
   and take immediate action when you
   recognize them.
 – Make sure to follow security procedures
   and encourage employees to do likewise.