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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