Tag Archives: workplace violence

General Safety Issues

IS YOUR COMPANY PREPARED TO PREVENT WORKPLACE VIOLENCE?

Each and every working person deserves to have a job where they feel safe.  There was a time that life was easier:  you could go to work and do your eight hours, and return home safely.  But times have changed; we see more senseless violence in workplaces, schools and even movie theaters.  Companies now must train their employees to recognize threatening situations and know what to do should something happen. 

There are all types of workplace violence:

  • Violence by strangers;
  • Violence by customers;
  • Violence among co-workers;
  • Violence as the result of personal relationships. 

Assaults and threats of violence number almost two million per year in the United States.  After workplace accidents, homicide is the second leading cause of death in the workplace.  The workplace can be any permanent or temporary location where employees perform any job-related duty.  A physical assault, threatening behavior, or verbal abuse in the workplace is considered violence. 

Employees should be trained to recognize signs of workplace hostility and report them immediately to their supervisor.  Threats, obscene phone calls or emails, harassment of any type, being pushed or shoved, or any aggressive physical acts are considered violent behavior.  Offensive gestures, shouting, punching walls, slamming doors, or discourteous conduct toward customers or co-workers are not to be tolerated.  Those who tell false malicious statements against co-workers or others to damage their reputations or undermine authority should also be turned in.  

If a worker shows an abnormal fascination with guns or weapons, or brings them to work, there is trouble lurking.  Police should be notified immediately.  Companies should establish a good relationship with local law enforcement. 

Our children have to attend school, and many school districts have changed their policies to screen any visitors that come into the building, and make the entrances more visible to the office staff when someone approaches the school.  Teachers have given their lives to save children; this should never happen to the most innocent of victims – our children and teachers. 

Hospital workers also come to mind when it comes to workplace safety.  One never knows when a patient or family member or person trying to steal drugs will enter a hospital.  Most hospitals have taken security measures to prevent violence in their facility; however, terrible things still could happen. 

As mentioned earlier, any permanent or temporary place where people are doing their job should be a safe haven for them.  Where appropriate, alarm systems, metal detectors, or closed-circuit video recording cameras, should be installed.  In large buildings, a “safe room” should be designed.  If it takes bullet-resistant glass in certain businesses, it would be worth keeping employees safe. 

Employees must be committed to safety and health in the workplace.  They should know how to manage escalated hostile and aggressive behavior without risking their own life.  Sometimes that isn’t possible, and any worker or supervisor should not give up their life.  There should be no reprisals against an employee who reports a suspicious incident or threatening situation.  Be sure that parking lots and all areas around your worksite have adequate lighting for safety of workers.  

Workplace violence has had the following economic impact:

  • 500,000 employees lose 1,175,100 work days each year;
  • $55 million annual lost wages;
  • Security increases costs billions of dollars;
  • Legal expenses;
  • Property damage;
  • Lost productivity;
  • Diminished public image. 

Businesses should assign a “Threat Assault Team” or “Patient Assault Team” to assess vulnerability to workplace violence and determine appropriate actions.  Requiring employees to report all assaults and threats to this team will be invaluable.  The  Team then should respond to their employees.  Whatever is required, workplace violence should be stopped. 

Source: OSHA; osec.doc.gov

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

NEARLY ONE-FIFTH OF OCCUPATIONAL INJURY RESULTS FROM WORKPLACE VIOLENCE (GUEST POST)

by Michael Pines

There’s no doubt that our work can contribute to a great degree of satisfaction – or dissatisfaction – in our lives. The people we work with a large part of our world, whether we like it or not. So when work life is disrupted, our tolerance is tested – and, at times, broken. But sometimes the job itself is bad and can present opportunities for violence if the job is high-risk for robbery, theft, or other crimes. 

A new report issued by the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) says that nearly 17 percent of occupational injury in 2011 resulted from violence accounted by persons in the workplace. Included in the findings are fatalities based on homicides or suicides due to the individual’s working environment. 

The study further explained that the occupations themselves were a large contributing factor in whether the job was at risk for workplace violence. Sales positions were mostly cited with first-line supervisors and retail employees including cashiers as the most common type of occupation to experience workplace violence. 

Occupations such as law enforcement and management were also cited as common industries where workplace violence is sustained. 

How does workplace violence occur? 

The most common reason workplace injury occurs is because of robbery, theft, or other crimes that can put the employee at risk. Convenience stores, banks, and gas stations are most commonly at risk for workplace violence or injury. 

But those are not the only kinds of occupations that can put employees at risk. Bad working conditions, altercations with coworkers, or just being someone’s boss can contribute to workplace violence. 

Creating a pleasant and safe working environment. 

Finding a good job in all aspects is the first and most obvious step in creating a pleasant work environment. But, if for whatever reason you are unable to find another job right now, consider the following ideas to help make the most of your work situation. 

Keep to yourself. The Golden Rule applies in this instance, and if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Office gossip can lead to a difficult working environment not only for you, but especially for the recipient. Show up to work, do your job, and do your best to keep away from the “juicy stuff.” 

Speak up to your supervisor. If your working environment is causing stress or presents a danger, it’s important to speak up to your supervisor. Physical dangers like cutting corners or not following safety protocols should immediately be brought to the attention of your supervisor. If no action is taken, you can escalate your concerns to the Occupation Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). 

Follow safety procedures. Safety protocols for cash deposits or closing out a register are created with your safety in mind. Employees with high-risk jobs like convenience store cashiers or gas station clerks should always follow safety protocols. Minimize the cash available after dark and post notices. Maintain adequate lighting throughout your surroundings including the parking lot. Know your escape route if a robbery should occur. Safety measures like these are designed to keep you safe and to ultimately save your life. 

About Michael Pines

Michael Pines founded the Law Offices of Michael Pines, APC, in San Diego in 1992. He is an accident and injury prevention expert in San Diego, and on a campaign to end senseless injury one blog at a time.

 

General Safety Issues

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE IS A MAJOR CONCERN

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Almost two million American workers report having been victims of workplace violence each year.  Do you feel safe in your workplace?  Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that happens at the worksite.  Currently, homicide is the fourth-leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the U.S.  We know from the past that violence can happen at any time.  Factors that may increase the risk of violence for some workers include exchanging money with the public and working with volatile people.  Those who work alone, especially in isolated areas are more vulnerable to robbery or assault.  Working where alcohol is served may also lead to fighting or aggressive behavior.  

Some occupations that may be susceptible to violence include:

  • Social care workers
  • Employees of late-night establishments: bars, restaurants, convenience stores
  • Taxi drivers
  • Law Enforcement personnel
  • Delivery drivers
  • Public Service employees
  • Healthcare Professionals 

Of course, we never know where workplace violence may happen.  These are just a few of the occupations that come to mind when thinking of the risks that are involved.  Healthcare professionals, especially those who must enter a home to care for someone, have the right to refuse to enter the home, if they feel it is unsafe.  Emergency room staffs are prepared to see almost all types of violent behavior, and should have adequate security.  Sadly, tragedies happen in the least expected places, as well, such as public schools, colleges, and military bases.  

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than 3,000 people died from workplace homicide between 2006 and 2010.  Their data also shows that more than 15,000 nonfatal workplace injury cases were reported annually during this time.  BLS statistics show that in 2009, there were 542 workplace homicides and 15,450 workplace assaults, resulting in lost days.  

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

If employers take the appropriate precautions, the risk of assault can be prevented or minimized.  The best protection employers can offer their workers is to establish a zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence.  This should cover all workers, patients, clients, visitors, contractors, and anyone else who may come in contact with company personnel.  Employers should identify methods for reducing the likelihood of incidents  by assessing their worksites.  It can be a separate workplace violence prevention program or  incorporated into an injury and illness prevention program.  All workers should know the policy and understand that all claims of workplace violence will be investigated and remedied promptly.  Employers should develop additional methods as necessary to protect employees in high-risk industries. 

Employees should receive workplace violence safety education and know how to avoid or defuse a situation.  They should also be encouraged to report and document all incidents.  Many incidents go unreported.  In case of an incident, the police should be called immediately.  Those workers who work alone or all night should be provided a hand-held alarm or noise device that sounds an S.O.S.   Their supervisors should be kept informed if they have noticed any suspicious activity.  We need to be more vigilant in watching for abnormal activity in our surroundings.  If workers are aware there is a personal problem with a fellow worker, they should be extra cautious.  Any security that can be provided may help prevent a tragedy. 

Source: OSHA, NIOSH