Workplace violence is a serious and often underestimated threat that can affect any business, regardless of industry or size. While it may not be as visible as a chemical spill or a fall from a height, violence in the workplace can have devastating consequences, from physical injury and psychological trauma to legal action and a damaged company reputation. A proactive, preventative approach is the most effective way to safeguard your employees’ well-being and maintain a secure environment.
This guide will cover the essential steps to prepare for and prevent workplace violence.
1. Understand What Workplace Violence Is
Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the worksite. It can range from verbal abuse and threats to physical assaults and homicide. The perpetrators can be clients, customers, co-workers, or even family members.
Recognizing the signs of escalating behavior is the first step toward prevention. Be aware of behaviors such as:
- Excessive or unwarranted anger
- Verbal threats of harm
- Intimidation or bullying
- Destruction of company property
- Obsessive or paranoid behavior
- Bringing weapons to the workplace
2. Conduct a Comprehensive Risk Assessment
A risk assessment is the foundation of any effective prevention program. It helps you identify specific vulnerabilities in your workplace and tailor a plan to address them.
- Review Your History: Analyze any past incidents, near-misses, or threats. Identify common themes or triggers.
- Evaluate Your Environment: Assess physical security measures, such as lighting, access control systems (locks, keycards), and surveillance cameras. Consider the layout of your workspace, including exits and potential hiding spots.
- Analyze Work Practices: Look at job tasks that might increase risk, such as handling money, working with volatile clients, or working alone.
- Gather Employee Feedback: Conduct surveys or focus groups to understand employees’ concerns about safety. They often have valuable insights into potential threats.
3. Implement Preventative Measures and Policies
Once you’ve identified your risks, you can implement a combination of policies and procedures to mitigate them.
- Zero-Tolerance Policy: Establish and communicate a strict zero-tolerance policy for workplace violence. This policy should clearly define what constitutes violence and state that all incidents will be thoroughly investigated and addressed, with potential consequences up to and including termination.
- Security Measures: Enhance physical security based on your risk assessment. This could include installing security cameras, improving lighting in parking lots, or implementing a visitor sign-in process.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Offer and promote an EAP that provides confidential counseling and support for employees dealing with personal or professional stress that could lead to violent behavior.
- Training and Communication: All employees should receive regular training on recognizing the warning signs of violence, de-escalation techniques, and your company’s emergency procedures.
4. Create a Clear Emergency Response Plan
If an act of violence occurs despite your preventative measures, a clear and well-practiced emergency plan is crucial. The plan should include:
- Clear Reporting Procedures: Employees must know exactly how and to whom to report a threat or incident. This should be a confidential process to encourage reporting without fear of retaliation.
- Defined Roles and Responsibilities: Assign specific roles for an emergency, such as who calls 911, who triggers a lockdown, and who communicates with employees.
- Evacuation and Lockdown Procedures: Train employees on both how to evacuate the building and how to initiate a lockdown if an active threat is inside. The “Run, Hide, Fight” model is a widely recognized strategy for active shooter situations.
- Post-Incident Support: Have a plan for providing immediate and long-term support to employees after an incident, including trauma counseling and mental health services.
By proactively addressing the threat of workplace violence with a combination of risk assessment, prevention, and a clear emergency plan, you can create a safer environment where employees feel secure and can focus on their work.
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