Workplace violence is an issue that everyone who is in the labor force should be aware of. Regardless of the industry or the organization, employees, supervisors, managers and owners should take precautions and take note that workplace violence has many forms and can happen at any time.

/>Violence in the workplace is a serious safety and health issue. Its most extreme form, homicide, is the third-leading cause of fatal occupational injury in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), there were 639 workplace homicides in 2001 in the United States, out of a total of 8,786 fatal work injuries. A total of 2,886 work-related fatalities resulted from the events of September 11th. Excluding these fatalities, the overall workplace fatality count was 5,900 for 2001 (Bureau of Labor Statistics (2002)). National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, 2001).

What is workplace violence? Workplace violence is violence or the threat of violence against workers. It can occur at or outside the workplace and can range from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and homicide, one of the leading causes of job-related deaths. However it manifests itself, workplace violence is a growing concern for employers and employees nationwide (www.osha.gov).

Who is vulnerable to workplace violence? Some 2 million American workers are victims of workplace violence each year. Workplace violence can strike anywhere, and no one is immune. Some workers, however, are at increased risk. Among them are workers who exchange money with the public; deliver passengers, goods, or services; or work alone or in small groups, during late night or early morning hours, in high-crime areas, or in community settings and homes where they have extensive contact with the public. This group includes health-care and social service workers such as visiting nurses, psychiatric evaluators, and probation officers; community workers such as gas and water utility employees, phone and cable TV installers, and letter carriers; retail workers; and taxi drivers (www.osha.gov).

What can and should employers do to protect against workplace violence? The best protection employers can offer is to establish a zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence against or by their employees. The employer should establish a workplace violence prevention program or incorporate the information into an existing accident prevention program, employee handbook, or manual of standard operating procedures. It is critical to ensure that all employees know the policy and understand that all claims of workplace violence will be investigated and remedied promptly.

In addition, employers can offer additional protections such as the following: 1. Provide safety education for employees so they know what conduct is not acceptable, what to do if they witness or are subjected to workplace violence, and how to protect themselves. 2. Secure the workplace. Where appropriate to the business, install video surveillance, extra lighting, and alarm systems and minimize access by outsiders through identification badges, electronic keys, and guards. 3. Provide drop safes to limit the amount of cash on hand. Keep a minimal amount of cash in registers during evenings and late-night hours. 4. Equip field staff with cellular phones and hand-held alarms or noise devices, and require them to prepare a daily work plan and keep a contact person informed of their location throughout the day. Keep employer-provided vehicles properly maintained. 5. Instruct employees not to enter any location where they feel unsafe. Introduce a “buddy system” or provide an escort service or police assistance in potentially dangerous situations or at night. 6. Develop policies and procedures covering visits by home health-care providers. Address the conduct of home visits, the presence of others in the home during visits, and the worker’s right to refuse to provide services in a clearly hazardous situation (www.osha.gov).

How can and should employees protect themselves from workplace violence? Nothing can guarantee that an employee will not become a victim of workplace violence. These steps, however, can help reduce the odds: 1. Learn how to recognize, avoid, or diffuse potentially violent situations by attending personal safety training programs. 2. Alert supervisors to any concerns about safety or security and report all incidents immediately in writing (www.osha.gov).

As noted in the previous paragraphs, workplace violence is a serious matter. There is no industry, person, job or position that is not vulnerable to the negative physical, emotional and verbal abuse that is associated with workplace violence. As employees, we should do everything in our power to avoid situations of workplace violence and as employers we should do everything possible to combat workplace violence in our business.

References

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2002. National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, 2001.

2. www.osha.gov