By: Michaela Cilley
The threat of workplace violence has become a serious concern. In some instances, workplace violence has been linked to environmental conditions or the worker’s mental state of mind. Companies are taking action in addressing the issues surrounding this type of violence in the workplace.
In order to address workplace violence, you must know what it is. OSHA defines workplace violence as violence or the threat of violence against workers. It can occur inside or outside of the
workplace and can range from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide. Why is workplace violence such a hot-button issue now? Because it has become one of the leading causes of job-related deaths and it is a concern for employers and workers nationwide.
Being that workplace violence can strike anywhere, no one is immune and approximately 2 million American workers are victims of workplace violence each year. Workplace violence can be worker on worker violence or an outside source that enters the workplace.
Your best protection against internal workplace violence is to know your employees. Figure out their stress-levels, any issues they may be having outside of work, keep an eye on coworker relationships and prohibit bullying in the workplace. Make sure you have a zero-tolerance policy on violence set in place and establish a workplace violence prevention program. If someone reports threats of workplace violence, make sure you are taking the report seriously and thoroughly investigating the claim. The best thing you can do for outside risks of workplace violence is to make sure that your facility is secure. Know who is coming and going from your building(s). You can never be too safe.
For more information on workplace violence, feel free to contact Cardinal Compliance Consultants, 419.882.9224