Is your office, shop, or plant prepared to deal with a workplace violence incident? Are your field workers? If you aren’t sure or think it is unlikely to occur, consider this: According to OSHA, some 2 million American workers are victims of workplace violence every year. Workplace violence can strike anywhere and anytime, and no one is immune.
Workplace violence can take place at or outside of work. It is defined as violence or the threat of violence against workers. Violence in the work environment can range from threats, verbal abuse, harassment, to physical assault and homicide.
Certain workers are at higher risk according to OSHA. These include, but are not limited to, workers who exchange money with the public, who work alone or in small groups, and who work early in the morning or late at night. Also, workers in certain industries (healthcare, social services, municipal utilities, law enforcement, retail, and in-home installations) are at increased risk.
It is important to acknowledge workplace violence as a real threat and take it seriously. The best protection employers can offer is to establish a zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence against or by employees. OSHA advises employers to create a Workplace Violence Prevention Program (OSHA/PEOSH standards) and ensure all employees are trained on it and thoroughly understand policies and procedures concerning it.
Here are some other tips for keeping workers safe:
Provide safety education for employees so they know what behavior is and isn’t acceptable in the workplace environment.
Consider installing video surveillance, extra lighting, and alarm systems.
Minimize access by outsiders to your facilities by using ID badges, electronic keys, and if necessary, security guards.
Recommend field staff and employees working alone have cell phones and handheld alarms, requiring them to check in regularly.
Instruct workers to never enter a location that they feel may be unsafe.
Train employees on your workplace violence procedures annually and remind them frequently to keep their eyes and ears open and report anything that makes them feel awkward, uncomfortable, or unsafe. Even if they don’t experience it but saw or heard it they must report it!
Workers need to know employers have a system in place for their protection. It is critical to ensure all employees know the policy and understand that all claims of workplace violence will be investigated and dealt with promptly.
