Presented by RiskSOURCE Clark-Theders

Preventing Workplace Violence

© 2008, 2012 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved

• Fast facts: the prevalence of workplace violence

• Your right to a safe workplace• The warning signs of trouble and

immediate signs of danger• What to do in case of an incident or an

emergency• Post-incident analysis

Agenda

Facts About Workplace Violence

• 2 million American employees report being victims of workplace violence each year

• Hundreds of worker fatalities every year are workplace homicides

• Homicide is the leading cause of death in the workplace for women

No workplace is immune to workplace violence!

“You have a right to a safe workplace, free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees.”

OSHA states employers must take precautions to identify, minimize and prevent the risks of workplace violence.

Your Employer’s Responsibility

Preventing an Incident

• If you work with high-risk clients or those that are prone to violence, have a plan in place and take extra precaution when those individuals are on-site

• Know the warning signs of violent behavior

• Always report the following:– Verbal or physical harassment– Verbal or physical threats– Assaults or other violence– Any behavior that causes you to feel unsafe

Your safety is the primary concern!

Warning Signs of Violent Behavior

Take note of customers or co-workers whose:

• Behavior patterns change rapidly

• Behavior changes disrupt the work environment

• Signs of stress are more elevated than normal

Warning Signs of Violent Behavior

• Changes in attitude• Excessive absences or lateness, tardiness• Changes in work habits• Inability to concentrate• Lack of performance• Increased personal stress• A fascination with weapons

or violence• Sudden changes in energy• History of violence

• Increased use of drugs or alcohol

• Inability to take responsibility for their actions

• Making inappropriate statements

• Social isolation• Complaints of unfair

treatment• Overreacting to criticism• Poor hygiene

Keep in mind…

• These warning signs don’t always lead to violence

• Warning signs could also be just normal changes in mood. However, drastic personality changes, or changes in situation, may bring out violent tendencies

• Use your best judgment before reporting issues to a supervisor

Nonverbal Cues of Potential Violence

• Personal space violations• Loud talking or yelling• Shallow, rapid breathing• Abusive language• Avoidance of eye contact• Changes in voice or tone• Profuse sweating• Repetitive motions, such as

pacing• Clenched jaw or fists• Trembling or shaking• Glaring, scowling or sneering

In Case of an Incident

If an incident occurs, do the following:• Call 911 immediately, if you can• Remain as calm as possible; do not scream or

panic• Look the person directly in the eye and talk to

them to gain time and calm them down• Do not provoke or argue with the potential

assailant• Do not try to disarm the assailant• Report all incidents, even minor ones, to security

and management as soon as possible

During an Emergency

• Ensure your personal safety before helping others

• When you are safe, alert the proper authorities

Post-Incident Analysis

If an incident occurs, learn from it:

– Were there warning signs that may have been missed?– How did the individual enter the facility? Were they granted

unauthorized access?– Were authorities alerted promptly, and were customers and

employees kept safe in the interim?– Did employees follow the emergency action plan? Did the plan

work, as intended, to keep everyone safe?– What can be done, moving forward, to better discourage

violence in our workplace?

Use Lessons Learned to Prevent Violence from Happening Again!

Thank You

This presentation was created for by the safety professionals at RiskSOURCE Clark-

Theders