Zero Tolerance: Implementing Workplace Violence Prevention Policies and Best Practices
Discover how implementing prevention policies and adopting best practices can foster a secure, productive, and respectful workplace.
Every employee deserves to feel safe at work, yet incidents of workplace violence remain common. Every year, approximately two million people throughout the United States are victims of non-fatal violence at the workplace.
Work environment, profession, existing security measures, and employee behaviors are just a few of the factors that influence the severity and complexity of workplace violence. Types of violence can vary from bullying and intimidation to assault and more deadly acts, leading not only to physical harm, but also psychological and financial repercussions for the individual and organization as a collective.
It is imperative for employers to adopt proactive measures to prevent workplace harassment and foster a culture dedicated to safety. But in order to properly protect employees and safeguard the overall well-being and productivity of the business, leaders must be able to recognize the types of workplace violence, risk factors, behavioral indicators, and more. Let’s dive in.
4 Types of Workplace Violence to Have on Your Radar
Understanding the different forms of workplace violence is key to creating a safe workplace. In this section, we’ll break down the four types your organization must pay attention to.
Type One: Violence by Individuals with No Legitimate Business at the Worksite
This type involves individuals who have no formal affiliation with the workplace but engage in acts of violence. Examples include incidents such as criminal trespassing, armed robbery, or random attacks intended for malicious purposes. Since these situations often occur without forewarning, strong security measures and vigilant protocols are imperative to hinder potential intruders and address threats timely and effectively.
Type Two: Violence by Customers, Clients, Patients, Students, Inmates, or Visitors
In certain industries, such as healthcare, education, and customer service, employees may encounter violence perpetrated by those they serve or interact with, including customers, clients, patients, students, inmates, or visitors. This violence may manifest as verbal abuse, threats, or physical assaults. By implementing de-escalation training, like comprehensive training courses at Syntrio, and security protocols, organizations can minimize and help prevent incidents from escalating.
Type Three: Violence by Current or Former Employees
Factors like internal disputes, disciplinary actions, or unresolved personal grievances can contribute to Type Three Violence by current or former employees. Establishing comprehensive HR policies, effective conflict resolution strategies, and helpful employee assistance programs aid in identifying and addressing issues proactively.
Type Four: Violence by Individuals with Personal Relationships to Employees
Violence arising from domestic disputes, stalking, or harassment by someone with a personal connection to an employee can create significant safety concerns within the workplace. Organizations should foster a supportive environment where employees feel safe reporting personal issues and implement stringent security measures to prevent and address such threats effectively.
Examples of Workplace of Violence
Violence in the work environment can take on many forms, but there are a few common examples to keep an eye out for and start your training around.
Verbal Abuse
Verbal abuse includes insults, threats, and demeaning comments directed at employees. Although often overlooked, it can cause significant emotional distress and create a toxic work atmosphere, potentially leading to more violent forms of violence.
Physical Assault
Physical assault is when an individual uses force to harm an employee. These incidents can cause both immediate and long-lasting physical and psychological damage. It is vital to implement strict security measures and conflict management training to reduce the risk of these incidents.
Harassment & Stalking
Harassment and stalking create a hostile and unsafe work environment. These behaviors include unwanted attention, intimidation, and persistent disruptions. Clear policies and supportive resources help to protect affected employees and ensure their safety.
Domestic Violence
According to the Department of Labor, domestic violence accounted for 27% of violent workplace events. Employees experiencing domestic violence may be pursued by their abusers at work, putting themselves and coworkers at risk.
This form of workplace violence is commonly ignored due to being a “personal problem.” Because many victims of domestic violence seek refuge in their workplace to escape, it is important to help guide them to appropriate resources and safety.
Bomb Threats
Whether the threat is real or not, bomb threats pose severe risks and cause immediate panic and potential harm. These incidents disrupt operations and require a quick, coordinated response. Well-defined emergency protocols are vital to ensuring the safety of all employees during such threats.
Workplace Homicide
Workplace homicide, although it often captures the most media attention, is relatively rare. Despite the infrequency, being prepared and aware is essential to prevent such tragic and extreme incidents. Prevention is key when it comes to de-escalating workplace homicide risk.
Staying At-the-Ready: Identifying Risk Factors & High-Risk Situations
Workplace violence can happen to anyone, anywhere. However, statistically, there are factors that lead to a higher risk of experiencing violence at work. Such factors include:
- Exchanging money with the public
- Delivering goods and services
- Working alone or in isolated areas
- Providing services and care
- Working where alcohol is served
- Contact with the public
- Mobile workplaces
- Uncontrolled access
- Late-night or early-morning shifts
- High-crime areas
- Guarding valuable property
Careers & Industries Highly Affected By Workplace Violence
Similarly, there are industries and careers that are more at risk of experiencing violence in the workplace. These careers include:
- Sales workers exchanging money with the public
- Delivery drivers
- Healthcare professionals
- Public service workers
- Law enforcement personnel
- Customer service agents
The Danger of Underreporting Workplace Violence
Unfortunately, underreporting workplace violence is a common occurrence, especially in fields like law enforcement, healthcare, and corrections, where violence is often seen as “part of the job.” A survey found that 76% of emergency room nurses would report an incident only if the patient was perceived as responsible. Time-consuming reporting procedures and institutional barriers deter reporting, masking the true scope of the problem and hindering effective interventions. To combat this, organizations must streamline and simplify reporting processes, making them accessible and hassle-free for all employees, especially those in high-risk professions.
Red Flags: Warning Signs and Behavioral Indicators
Violence in the workplace can be understood by examining different levels of behaviors, each escalating in severity and potential harm.
Level One Behaviors
Level One Behaviors consist of initial, subtle forms of hostility that include intimidation, bullying, and disrespect. Employees exhibiting these behaviors may also show a lack of cooperation and engage in verbal abuse. These actions can create a toxic work environment and significantly impact employee morale and productivity.
Level One Responses
Report the Behavior:
Encourage employees to report issues to supervisors or HR for a prompt, confidential response. Anonymous hotlines or designated contacts can facilitate this.
Document the Incidents:
Keep detailed records of all incidents, noting dates, times, and witness accounts. Documentation helps identify patterns and supports any necessary disciplinary actions.
Intervene Swiftly:
Managers or HR should address the behavior directly, using conflict resolution, mediation, or relevant training. Offering resources like employee assistance programs can also help resolve issues and maintain a positive work environment.
Level Two Behaviors
At this level, employees may engage in arguing, refuse to adhere to established policies, and even attempt to sabotage work processes. The presence of explicit threats can further heighten tensions. Managers must intervene decisively at this stage, utilizing disciplinary actions and providing clear consequences for these behaviors.
Level Two Responses
Alert Security:
When behaviors escalate to threats or sabotage, alerting security is critical. Security personnel can provide immediate support and help de-escalate potentially volatile situations, ensuring everyone’s safety.
Immediate Supervisor Contact:
The immediate involvement of leadership ensures that appropriate actions are taken quickly to address the behavior and mitigate its impact on the workplace.
Ensure Safety:
Prioritize the safety of all employees. If necessary, remove the individual exhibiting disruptive behaviors from the environment to prevent harm. Arranging a safe space or temporary suspension might be required until the situation is fully assessed.
Level Three Behaviors
Level Three Behaviors represent the most severe and dangerous forms of workplace violence. This level includes threats of suicide, physical fighting, deliberate property damage, and the display or use of weapons. Such behaviors pose an immediate risk to the safety and well-being of all employees and require urgent intervention.
Level Three Responses
Ensure Personal Safety:
First and foremost, prioritize the personal safety of yourself and those around you. Move to a safe location away from the individual exhibiting dangerous behaviors. Encourage others to do the same, ensuring no one is in immediate harm’s way.
Contact Security or 911:
In situations involving severe violence or the presence of weapons, immediately contact security or dial 911. Quick communication with emergency services is essential for rapid intervention and professional handling of the situation.
Remain Calm:
Remaining calm can help de-escalate tension and prevent further agitation of the individual. Avoid confrontation and do not attempt to intervene physically.
Cooperate with Law Enforcement:
When law enforcement arrives, cooperate fully. Provide them with detailed information about the incident, including your observations and any relevant background information. Follow their instructions to ensure the situation is managed safely and efficiently.
Implementing Preventative Measures & Policies for Violence Prevention
According to the Department of Labor, the best prevention strategy is to maintain an environment that minimizes negative feelings, such as isolation, resentment, and hostility among employees.
Security Measures
To prevent workplace violence, there are many steps an organization can take to promote safety and security. Preventative protocols include:
- Installing security alarm systems.
- Employing experienced security guards.
- Implementing photo ID and badge systems to control access
These measures ensure rapid threat detection, provide a visible deterrent, and restrict entry to authorized personnel, collectively enhancing workplace safety.
Education
Comprehensive employee training courses can raise awareness and equip your team with the skills necessary to identify and mitigate potential threats. Programs should cover a broad range of topics, from recognizing early warning signs to conflict resolution techniques, ensuring that employees are well-prepared to handle any situation.
Anonymous Reporting Channels
By providing employees with a secure and confidential way to voice concerns or report suspicious activities, organizations can effectively address issues before they escalate. This system encourages open communication and empowers staff to speak up without fear of retaliation, leading to increased trust, transparency, and confidence in the workplace. Anonymous reporting can reveal patterns and identify potential threats that might otherwise go unnoticed, allowing for timely interventions and proactive measures.
Empower a Safer Workplace With Hotline Reporting and Compliance Training
By prioritizing a healthy work environment, proper security measures, and beneficial training, organizations can ensure incidents are appropriately addressed, reducing the risk of escalation. Using vigilance and preventative measures, employers can ensure that their workplaces encourage productivity and collaboration.
Take the first step towards a safer workplace today with Syntrio, a leader in compliance training, and gain access to our Code of Conduct Training libraries.
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