Building A Safe Workplace: Preventing Workplace Violence

1. Building A Safe Workplace:Preventing Workplace Violence

2. Employee Responsibility All employees are responsible for making and reporting observations and taking measures which help to facilitate and ensure a secure workplace which is free from threats of violence.

3. Workplace Violence Assault Domestic Violence Intimidating or Harassing behavior Psychological Intimidation Harassment Physical intimidation Harassment Threat Definitions

4. Typesof Violent Episodes  Stranger Violence  Client Violence  Employee Violence  Domestic Violence

5. DomesticViolence • Domestic violence accounts for 27% of all workplace violence • Early warning signs include: • increased fear • emotional episodes • physical injury • phone calls • performance decline

6. If You Know a Victim ofDomestic Violence... • Ask • Express concern • Listen • Offer help • Support

7. Continuum of Violence • Early on in the process there may be: • Refusal to cooperate • Rumors and gossip • Arguing • Belligerence • Swearing • Sexual comments

8. Continuum of Violence (2) • As feelings grow there may be: • Increasing arguments • Refusal • Sabotaging • Threats to self/ others • Sending sexual, violent, or inappropriate notes • Stalking

9. Continuum of Violence (3) • As behavior escalates there may be: • Threatening/attempting/ committing suicide • Physical fights • Destruction of property • Criminal activity • Threatens to use/ uses weapons to harm others.

10. What to Watch For • Everyone has his or her own “normal” behavior. • Be a good observer of unusual behavior, routine, and changes from the usual.

11. Warning Signs • History of violence • Mental illness • A romantic obsession • Chemical dependency • Chronic blaming • Impaired neurological functioning • Increased frustration with one’s circumstances • Fascination with weapons • Threats of revenge • Absence of emotional control

12. Triggers of Workplace Violence • Domestic disputes • Job performance counseling or disciplinary action • Job stress • Harassment • Racial, ethnic, cultural, gender or lifestyle conflicts • Furloughs • Terminations

13. Individuals exhibiting violent behavior may have the following motivations: Face-saving Attention-seeking Manipulating Retaliating Possible Motivations

14. Assault Cycle • First: • A traumatic experience • Second: • Projection of responsibility; externalization of blame • Third: • Self-protection and self-preservation • Fourth: • Internal conflict followed by committing or attempting to commit violence

15. Avoiding Victimization • Be alert. • Avoid unnecessary risks. • Always have a plan. • Let someone know where you are. • Report any potential or actual incidents to your supervisor.

16. Addressing Potential Violence • Employees have a responsibility to maintain a safe workplace. We recommend the following process to assist employees in addressing uncomfortable situations: • -Think before you act. • -Assess your feelings. • -Describe behavior observed. • -Assess behavior. • -Determine whether you need assistance. • -Report the threat/behavior to your supervisor.

17. Responding to a Threat:During a Confrontation • When in physical jeopardy, seek safety and call law enforcement as soon as possible. • Remain calm. • Try not to escalate the situation. • Establish an escape route. • Involve witnesses. • Activate response plan. • Give your full attention. • Restate/validate their concerns. • Ask for their suggestions. • Let them know what you can do. • Follow through.

18. Preparing to Deal With Violence • Aggressive Behavior • Bomb Threats • Telephone Threats • Mail & Packages

19. The Obligation to Report Incidents • Employees are to report any workplace situation which may contribute to the occurrence of violence to their supervisor in accordance with agency policy. • Supervisors are to take appropriate action and report back to the employee in a timely manner.

20. The End