Think violence can’t touch your workplace?

Think again.

According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA):

• Homicide is the fourth-leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the U.S.
• Nearly 2 million American workers report having been victims of workplace violence each year – and an unknown number of additional cases go unreported.
• Working in small groups, in isolated areas, in jobs where money exchanges hands, in places where alcohol is served, in areas with high crime rates or late at night increases the risk of violence.

The truth is, no organization or individual is immune from violence. It can impact employees, customers, clients, visitors and contingent workers. And no matter how it manifests itself – threats, disruptive behavior, intimidation or physical violence – you should do everything within your power to prevent it.

Today, Exact Staff shares three practical tips for controlling and avoiding workplace violence:

Institute Sound Policies

• Include a zero-tolerance policy for violence in your employee handbook. Clearly define actions which constitute violence and spell out the consequences for violations.
• Conduct thorough background checks on all new hires.
• Train employees on policies, warning signs and personal safety.
• Create formal grievance procedures, so that disgruntled employees have a non-violent channel for airing complaints.
• Encourage employees to report incidents.
• Investigate threats and incidents immediately.
• Refer troubled employees to your company’s Employee Assistance Program (if you have one).
• Enforce consequences 100% of the time.

Know the Warning Signs

Every person has a breaking point – but how can you tell the difference between an individual who is merely stressed, and one who may actually get violent at work? Here are a few red-flag behaviors which you and your employees should look for:

• Extreme language or actions that are out-of-character.
• Refusing to take responsibility for actions and continually blaming others.
• Becoming fixated on an individual or situation – to the point where work, social skills or even hygiene suffer.
• “Acting out” when frustrated – instead of calmly resolving conflicts.
• Lying.
• Substance abuse.

Prevent Situations from Escalating

The best way to manage workplace violence is by preventing it from happening:

• Foster a culture of mutual respect, tolerance, patience and professionalism.
• If employees work in “high risk” environments for workplace violence, take proactive steps to ensure safety, such as: limiting cash on hand; installing surveillance equipment and alarm systems; and check-in/safety procedures for individuals who work alone or in small groups.
• Train employees to recognize the warning signs of impending violence, as well as how to respond to threatening situations.
• Notify and involve law enforcement (and your own security personnel, if you have them) at the first sign an employee may turn violent.

Although there’s no foolproof system for eliminating violence in the workplace, sound policies and proper training can often keep problems from escalating.

As a premier national employment agency, Exact Staff plays an important part in workplace violence prevention by carefully interviewing and screening each candidate referral.

We seek to keep our clients informed with the latest information on all critical issues in the workplace and will continue to bring you top tier ideas and solutions for preventing workplace violence as they become available.