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Building A Safe Workplace:Preventing Workplace
ViolenceEmployee Training
Cooperatively Developed By
andThe Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
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Program Objectives
1. Participants will understand the mutual responsibility of employer and employee to maintain a safe place to work.
2. Participants will be able to identify workplace situations which may be potentially violent.
3. Participants will recognize the warning signs for potential workplace violence.
4. Participants will learn how to respond to actual or potentially violent workplace situations.
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Employer Responsibility
The Commonwealth The Commonwealth
is committed to providingis committed to providing
a safe work environmenta safe work environment..
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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.
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Definitions
•Workplace Violence•Assault•Domestic violence
•Intimidating or harassing behavior
-Psychological intimidation or harassment
-Physical intimidation or harassment
•Threat•SEAP
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Types of Violent Episodes
Stranger Violence
Client Violence
Employee Violence
Domestic Violence
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Domestic Violence
Domestic violence accounts for 27% of all workplace violence
Early warning signs include:
increased fear
emotional episodes
physical injury
phone calls
performance decline
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If You Know a Victim ofDomestic Violence...
AskAsk
Express concernExpress concern
ListenListen
Offer helpOffer help
SupportSupport
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Continuum of Violence Early on in the process there may be:
• Refusal to cooperate
• Rumors and gossip
• Arguing
• Belligerence
• Swearing
• Sexual comments
As feelings grow there may be:
•Increasing arguments
•Refusal
•Sabotaging
•Threats to self/ others
•Sending sexual, violent, or inappropriate notes
•Stalking
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.
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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.
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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
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Triggers of Workplace Violence
Domestic disputes
Job performance counseling or disciplinary action
Job stress
Harassment
Racial, ethnic, cultural, gender or lifestyle conflicts
Furloughs
Terminations
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Possible Motivations
Individuals exhibiting violent behavior may have the following motivations:
Face-saving
Attention-seeking
Manipulating
Retaliating
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Assault Cycle
First:First:
A traumatic experience
Second:Second:
Projection of responsibility; externalization of blame
Third:Third:
Self-protection and self-preservation
Fourth:Fourth:
Internal conflict followed by committing or attempting to commit violence
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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.
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Agency WorkplaceViolence Coordinator
Purpose: Assess Prevent Implement Communicate Recommend/ implement training Workplace hazard assessment Trauma Team.
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How to Address Violence
Early Warning Signs
When the Situation Has Escalated
In an Emergency
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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.
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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.
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Preparing to Deal With Violence
Aggressive Behavior
Bomb Threats
Telephone Threats
Mail & Packages
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•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.
The Obligation to Report Incidents
Recommended