Addressing the Threat of Workplace Violence
Workplace violence refers to any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other disruptive behavior that occurs at the workplace. It can range from verbal abuse and threats to physical assaults and even homicide. Workplace violence can occur between employees, between employees and customers, clients, or visitors, or it can involve external individuals targeting employees.
Workplace violence can have severe consequences for both individuals and organizations. These consequences may include physical injuries, psychological trauma, decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, legal liabilities, damage to reputation, and financial losses.
Trends for workplace violence indicate the threat is not going away. It is more critical than ever to have prevention plans in place to protect your employees and staff and other business assets. If you think one of these horrific events are unlikely to occur, consider the below statistics:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019, there were approximately 20,790 reported cases of serious workplace violence, which resulted in days away from work in the United States.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that homicide is the leading cause of workplace fatalities for women and the second leading cause for men.
A survey by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that about two million American workers report being victims of workplace violence each year.
The cost of workplace violence to employers is significant. According to the National Safety Council, workplace violence costs employers approximately $121 billion annually in lost wages, medical expenses, and reduced productivity.
Healthcare and social service workers are at particularly high risk of workplace violence. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2018, they experienced a combined total of 73% of all nonfatal workplace injuries due to violence.
Several factors may heighten the risk of workplace violence, such as dealing with money or valuables, working alone or in isolated areas, working late hours or in high-crime areas, contact with the public and employment in volatile industries like healthcare, social services, and retail.
Take proactive steps to safeguard your workplace from the threat of violence.
Contact Morrison Security today to explore our comprehensive workplace violence prevention solutions. Our expert team is ready to assess your needs and implement tailored security measures to ensure the safety and well-being of your employees.
Types of Workplace Violence
Violence directed at employees by customers, clients, patients, students, or any individuals receiving services.
Type I: Criminal Intent
Violence committed by individuals with no legitimate relationship to the workplace, such as robbery or trespassing.
Type II: Customer/Client
Violence directed at employees by customers, clients, patients, students, or any individuals receiving services.
Type III: Worker-on-Worker
Violence perpetrated by a current or former employee against another employee, supervisor, or manager.
Type IV: Personal Relationship
Violence stemming from personal relationships brought into the workplace, such as domestic disputes.
Employers have a legal and moral obligation to provide a safe and secure work environment for their employees.
Under the General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), employers are mandated to provide their employees with a workplace that is “free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious harm.” This obligation extends to all aspects of workplace safety, including the prevention of workplace violence.
While these measures can help protect your team against workplace violence, your organization may lack the infrastructure or resources to internally ensure employee safety.
Key Obligations under the General Duty Clause
Recognize Hazards
Employers must identify and acknowledge any potential hazards within the workplace that could cause death or serious harm. This includes recognizing the risk of workplace violence, whether it stems from external threats, customer interactions, or employee disputes.
Mitigate Risks
Once hazards are recognized, employers are required to take appropriate steps to mitigate these risks. This can involve implementing preventive measures such as security protocols, access control systems, and employee training programs to handle potential violent situations.
Provide a Safe Work Environment
The overarching duty is to maintain a work environment that minimizes the risk of harm. This includes ensuring that employees are protected from potential violence due to negligence or failure to act (misfeasance of duty).
Develop and Enforce Policies
Employers should develop clear policies and procedures to prevent workplace violence. This can include zero-tolerance policies for harassment and violence, reporting mechanisms for threats or incidents, and emergency response plans.
Training and Education
Providing employees with proper training on how to recognize warning signs of violence, how to de-escalate situations, and how to respond to violent incidents is crucial. Regular training sessions and drills can help prepare employees for potential threats.
Continuous Assessment and Improvement
Employers should regularly assess the effectiveness of their safety measures and make improvements as necessary. This can involve conducting risk assessments, soliciting employee feedback, and staying updated on best practices in workplace safety.
Comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Solutions
Morrison Security can ease the load on your HR department and executive staff by providing premier security services.
By partnering with Morrison Security, employers can ensure they are taking proactive steps to create a safe work environment, effectively protecting their employees from the risks of workplace violence.
Our expert team will implement comprehensive security measures, develop customized safety plans, and supply trained security personnel to safeguard your workplace, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all employees.
Morrison Security can help employers enhance workplace safety by:
Providing trained security guard services during:
- Large-scale layoffs
- Terminations
- Press conferences
- Disciplinary actions
- Board or shareholder meetings
- Company-wide gatherings
- Strikes and work-stoppage
Conducting Comprehensive Risk Assessments
Identifying potential hazards and assessing the risk of workplace violence specific to your business.
Implementing Tailored Security Solutions
Creating customized security plans that address the unique needs of your workplace, including physical security measures and access controls.
Providing Expert Training
Offering training programs for employees on recognizing and responding to workplace violence, ensuring they are prepared to handle various scenarios.
Enhancing Monitoring and Surveillance
Managing surveillance systems and on-site security guards to monitor for potential threats and ensure rapid response to incidents.
Ongoing Support and Consultation
Continuously supporting your organization with regular assessments and updates to your security protocols, ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations and the General Duty Clause.
Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Prioritize workplace safety with Morrison Security.
Addressing workplace violence requires a proactive and multi-faceted approach involving collaboration between employers, employees, human resources, security professionals, and other stakeholders to mitigate risks and ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in the workplace. Partner with Morrison Security today!