Tag: violence

Violence or the threat of violence against workers can range from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and homicide. It is one of the leading causes of job-related deaths.

About 2 million American workers are victims of workplace violence each year. No one is immune from workplace violence. Workers who exchange money with the public or deliver passengers, goods, or services are at increased risk for violence.

You can protect yourself from potential risky situations. Many high risk professions include healthcare staff, IT crew, and utility employees. While there are no guarantees, you may help reduce the odds of becoming a victim of violence by learning to recognize and avoid or diffuse potentially violent situations by attending personal safety programs. Alert Security to all concerns and make sure to document the situation.

You should be alert to potential behavior and attitude signs in coworkers and clients such as these:

• Upset about recent events at work or personal crisis.
• Recent major change in behavior, demeanor and appearance.
• Appears withdrawn from normal social activities.
• Intimidating verbally or abusive.
• Harasses or mistreats others.
• Challenges or resists authority.
• Blames others for problems in life or work; suspicious, holds grudges.
• Abuses drugs or alcohol.
• Shows unwelcome, obsessive romantic attention.
• Stalks targeted co-worker.
• Makes threatening reference to violence.
• Makes threats to harm self, others or property.
• Brings weapons or has a fascination with weapons.
• Has a known history of violence.
• Has communicated specific proposed acts of disruption or violence.
• Feels morally superior or self–righteous.
• Feels entitled; rules don’t apply to them.
• Feels wronged, humiliated, degraded and possibly wants revenge.
• Believes no options for action except for violence.
• Is isolated or a loner.

If you believe there is a chance for violence please report it to your supervisor, Human Resources, or Security so we can help the people involved.

For more information visit www.copperpoint.com.

Workplace violence is an unfortunate reality affecting hundreds of thousands of workers each year. It can result in injuries and death, property damage and lost profits. It can also cause emotional scars that can last for years. You can help prevent workplace violence by knowing how to spot the warning signs and how to respond to them.

Anyone is capable of violence but people who commit violence usually have one or more of the following traits:

• A history of violence
• Fascinations with weapons and violence
• Use of alcohol or other drugs
• Family and work problems
• Low self-esteem
• Physical and/or emotional problems

There isn’t one single motive for workplace violence however there are some factors that contribute to violent acts. Job related stress or frustrations, revenge for being fired or rejected for promotion, fear of losing your job, romantic interest that is rejected from your coworker, and family or money problems.

Again, anyone can become violent, depending on the circumstances. This includes visitors, customers, clients and coworkers. Paying close attention to what people say and do is key to preventing a potential act of workplace violence. Following are some possible warning signs to look for, but remember, not everyone who shows these signs will become violent; however it is best to be cautious if such behavior occurs. The person may use an angry or threatening tone, shout, scream, or curse, challenge rules or authority, make unreasonable demands, talk irrationally, pace nervously, make violent gestures, carry a weapon, stagger, slur their speech or would show other signs of being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

It is important to follow your employer’s guidelines when responding to workplace violence. Every situation is unique, and your response must depend on your training and judgement. Your goal is to prevent harm to yourself and others. Here are some helpful guidelines:

• Take immediate action to protect yourself. Stay calm and follow your employer’s procedures. If possible, leave the area and call for help. If you can’t easily call for help, use a prearranged warning signal to alert coworkers
• Stay calm and alert.
• Be supportive and listen to the person. Don’t interrupt or respond with defensive words or angry gestures. Maintain eye contact without staring.
• Offer the person choices. Suggest ways to solve the problem. Give the person an option out of the situation if possible.
• Do not try to disarm or restrain the person. Try to calm the person until security or the police arrive.

All acts of violence, physical and verbal, should be reported, according to our procedures. Provide as many facts as possible. Consider seeking counseling after a violent incident, even if your weren’t directly involved. Help is available through our chaplains and HR staff for counselors.

For more information you can visit www.scfaz.com.