PREVENTING WORKPLACE VIOLENCE

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While everyone's goal is to provide a safe workplace for employees, violence in the workplace is a serious safety and health issue. It can occur inside or outside the workplace, and can range from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and homicide. In fact, according to the United States Department of Labor, workplace violence is the fourth-leading cause of fatal occupational injury in our country.

Violence in the workplace can happen anywhere, and no one is immune. Through a Workplace Violence Prevention Program, you should clearly state that management doesn't tolerate threats, bullying, harassment or any other form of workplace violence. Here are some tips to help everyone identify workplace violence and how to stay safe.

Identifying Your Risk

Workplace violence can include actions or words that endanger or harm you, or result in other workers believing they may be in danger, including:

• Verbal or physical harassment.
  


• Verbal or physical threats.
  


• Assaults or other violence.
  


• Any other behavior that causes you to feel unsafe, like bullying or sexual harassment.
  

Staying Safe

Nothing can guarantee you will not become a victim of workplace violence, but you do have the right to expect a workplace that promotes safety from violence, threats and harassment. To contribute to the safety measures and other efforts you have in place, you can also actively contribute to reduce your odds of experiencing violence in the workplace as follows:

• Become aware of and report violent or threatening behavior by co-workers or other warning signs.
  


• Take all threats seriously.
  


• Follow procedures established by our Workplace Violence Prevention Program, including those for reporting incidents.
  


• Learn how to recognize, avoid or diffuse potentially violent situations by attending personal safety training programs.
  


• Alert supervisors to any concerns about safety or security and report all incidents immediately in writing.
  


• Avoid traveling alone to unfamiliar locations or being in unusual situations whenever possible.
  

Overall, stay alert and aware. Make sure you are effectively trained in how to handle a potentially dangerous situation, including conflict resolution. Adhere to all policies and be aware of the hazards to reduce your risk of being involved in volatile situations that may escalate to dangerous physical violence.