Did you know that more than one million workers were involved in reported non-fatal assaults in the workplace in 2001? Or that homicide is the third leading cause of job-related deaths? Most people don’t realize just how prevalent workplace violence actually is.
According to the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OSHA) of 1970, employers are obligated to provide a safe workplace “free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death and/or serious physical harm to its employees.” In 1992, this definition was interpreted to specifically address workplace violence.
ESI Senior Vice President Bill Bowler frequently presents seminars on “Preventing Workplace Violence: The Role of Human Resources.” Bowler suggests several concrete steps tht employers can take to reduce workplace violence:
- Create a “zero tolerance” written policy.
- Train superviors and managers so they understand the policy.
- Communicate the policy to all employees, including new hires.
- If a complaint is made, investigate it within two hours.
- Document each step of the process.
- Maintain appropriate confidentiality.
- Review your organization’s hiring and termination policies.
- Review disciplinary procedures to ensure they are consistently enforced.
- Train managers and supervisors in warning signs and red flags.
- Train all managers and supervisors in conflict resolution.
- Train managers and supervisors how to identify troubled employees and make “friendly” referrals to an EAP.
- Develop a crisis plan and a “worst case scenario” plan, and form a Violence Response Team.
If you are a Human Resources director and would like to learn more about how Public Safety EAP can help you to develop a workplace prevention program, or would like to get on a notification list to attend upcoming seminars, call 1-800-535-4841.