© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources Violence in the Workplace How to Prevent and Defuse for...

© BLR®—Business & Legal Resources

Violence in the WorkplaceHow to Prevent and Defuse for Employees

Massachusetts Trade Self-Insurance Group, Inc.

Safety Awareness For Everyone from Cove Risk Services


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


What You Need to Know

• 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


Triggers of Violence

• Layoff• Firing• Bad-behavior warning• Poor performance review• Conflict with co-worker


Triggers of Violence (cont.)

• Domestic violence• Disputes with

ex-partners• Alcohol or drug abuse• Emotional problems• Financial difficulties


Triggers of Violence (cont.)

• Customer interactions• Robberies, muggings, etc.• 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

• 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


Work Safely After Hours (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 a 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


Violent Confrontations

• Don’t resist a robbery• Try to fight off physical

assault• 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, oily stains, lopsided shapes


Response to Terrorism

• Turn off ventilation units• Leave the area• Close off area• Call 911• Notify your supervisor

and 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– Seek professional help


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 co-workers to do likewise

Massachusetts Trade Self-Insurance Group, Inc.

Safety Awareness For Everyone from Cove Risk Services

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources Violence in the Workplace How to Prevent and Defuse for...

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