Given the country’s current discussion on guns & school safety, I feel it’s a prime opportunity to talk about workplace violence.  In my opinion, this subject often touches our emotions more than other safety topics.  It can be difficult for people to imagine a relative, friend, colleague, or an acquaintance ever showing violent behavior.  We also tend to always assume the best in the strangers we encounter.  As such, workers may often underestimate the potential for workplace violence.

What is Workplace Violence?

 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Workplace Violence webpage defines workplace violence as, “ any threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening behavior that occurs at the work site.”  This definition includes many acts that may happen while at work, such as bullying, stalking, coercion, etc.  In addition, it’s important to note one does not have to be physically injured for workplace violence to have occurred.  The threat of harm is enough.

 

Violent incidents at work affect all employees.  Even when not targeted or physically injured, workers witnessing or close to a violent act can suffer deep mental and emotional trauma.  Moreover, our culture’s expanded use of social media and mobile technology may help to facilitate violent acts on the job in ways we may not anticipate. 

Is Violence at Work Really a Problem?

 

Yes, it’s probably a larger problem than many people realize.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLR) National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries reported roughly 17% of fatal occupational injuries in 2016 were the result of violence committed by persons or animals.  The workplace violence category saw a 23% increase during 2016 from the previous year.  In fact, incidents of occupational violence saw the largest increase of any of the categories during 2016. 

 

Of these BLR-reported fatalities, 500 were homicides.  Workplace violence came in second place on BLR’s annual census behind transportation fatalities. You can read more about the transportation fatality statistics in this safe driving post.

 

Okay . . . So, Who’s at Most Risk?

 

While anyone can potentially fall victim to violent acts in the workplace, some persons do have a higher risk due to their job tasks or surroundings.  The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) identifies risk factors for workplace violence in its Current Intelligence Bulletin 57 – Violence in the Workplace.  According to NIOSH, the following puts workers at increased risk:

 

• Working in contact with the public
• Exchanging money
• Delivering people, products, or services
• Having a mobile workplace like a cab, police cruiser, or service call vehicle
• Working with unstable or volatile persons in health care, social service, or criminal justice settings
• Performing solitary work or working in small groups
• Conducting work during the early morning or late-night hours
• Working in high-crime areas
• Guarding valuables or money
• Performing work in community-based settings

 

How Can We Protect Employees from Workplace Violence?

 

Employers can put systems in place to help protect employees from workplace violence.  While no system is 100% foolproof, the following strategies may start the journey to increased safety through workplace violence prevention:

 

• Restrict access to your operations via secure boundaries. Ensure adequate lighting exists onsite, especially in remote areas and where solo or small group work may occur.

 

• Manage site access through mandatory sign-in/sign-out procedures for anyone who is not a regular employee assigned to the location (i.e. visitors, customers, clients, vendors, contractors, employees from other locations, etc.).

 

• Review the potential for workplace violence as part of the safety risk assessment for every task, job position, or area within your operations.

 

• Work with your Human Resources Group to develop and implement workplace violence reporting procedures. Procedures should include mandatory reporting of incidents and proper escalation through management.

 

• Include workplace violence in emergency action plans. This will give employees clear instructions on how to handle violent situations when it becomes an emergency.

 

• Provide workers with proper training on violence at work. Train employees to:
  • Recognize and assess their risk factors;
  • Be aware of their surroundings;
  • Stay alert when they interact with others, looking for possible warning signs of potential future violence; and
  • Be familiar with established emergency and reporting procedures.

 

Related Workplace Safety Posts

 

Worker Fatigue Dangers: What’s Your Company’s Plan to Prevent the Worst Outcomes?

 

Concluding Thoughts

 

Don’t be fooled!  Workplace violence is on the rise, and it affects everyone.  Employees must be prepared with the necessary tools and information to protect their safety.  We all need to work together to help move violence at work out of the mainstream.

 

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