Proactive Strategies
for Promoting a Safe and
Respectful Workplace
Index
Risks at Work.................................................................................................................................. 1–2
Solutions at Work...............................................................................................................................3
CPI at Work............................................................................................................................................4
Tips at Work: Attention to Safety......................................................................................... 5–11
Tip #1: Promote a Workplace Culture That Values Respectful Interactions.........5
Tip #2: Pay Attention to Behavioral Warning Signs.........................................................6
Tip #3: Consider Objects That Could Be Used As Weapons.......................................7
Tip #4: Practice and Promote a Team Approach..............................................................8
Tip #5: Assess Your Work Environment...............................................................................9
Tip #6: Pay Attention to Your Instincts.............................................................................. 10
Tip #7: Educate Staff About Relevant Response Protocol..........................................11
Prepare Training®: Respect, Service, and Safety at Work®................................................. 12
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Risks at Work
Why are work settings worldwide increasingly vulnerable to violence? Just
the reports of horrific incidents of violence have significantly impacted many
people’s sense of security at work. The resulting fear and anxiety have created
a forum for both productive and unproductive dialog.
Panic Versus Prevention
While panic stimulates action—or lack of action—in some settings, prevention
prompts initiative in others. Some employers react by planning for worst case
scenarios, which often breeds an environment of increased vulnerability. Others
react by proactively examining ways to reduce risks and motivating employees to
become part of prevention efforts.
Concern Versus Action
Statistics can stimulate concern, but they don’t
always stimulate action. It is time to revisit
workplace violence and realistically
address the manageable variables
by structuring a framework for
proactive solutions.
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Risks at Work
Certainly, physical violence is one of the leading causes of occupational injury and
fatalities in the workplace.
n According to the US Bureau of Labor statistics census of fatal occupational injuries, of the
5,559 fatal work injuries in 2003, 901 were homicides.(1)
n
Severe verbal abuse, incivility, and disruptive conflicts are also rising dramatically in
workplaces around the world and have a significant financial impact. In Canada, the current
estimated cost of replacing an employee dismissed in a conflict is 160% of his salary.(2)
Bottom Line Impact
Employers are paying millions of dollars each
year as a result of the fear and risks associated
with workplace violence. Whether through
medical expenses, worker’s compensation
claims, time off for stress-related illnesses,
loss of productivity, litigation, or absenteeism,
employers are feeling the impact.
Employee confidence is also diminishing,
often due to uncertainty as to whether
employers are taking measures to create
safer environments.
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Solutions at Work
Structuring a framework for proactive solutions begins with the employer. An employer’s
commitment to creating and maintaining a safe workplace culture is infectious throughout
the organization.
n Organizational Policies and Procedures, which clearly outline the expectations of all
employees, are crucial for creating a framework of proactive employee involvement.
n
An organization’s employee development protocol, which includes training that provides
information and skill sets to meet expectations, prepares everyone for a role in prevention
and productive problem solving.
• The risk of workplace violence . . .
can be reduced.
• The impact of workplace violence . . .
can be minimized.
• The prevention of workplace violence . . .
requires a commitment . . . and a plan.
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CPI at Work
CPI has been involved with employee training at thousands of proactive organizations
worldwide. The philosophy, principles, and strategies of CPI’s training programs have been
widely embraced for their realistic approach to decision making and problem solving in
promoting safer workplace cultures.
n CPI has been actively involved in examining the issue of workplace violence for over
30 years.
n
CPI has learned—through research, training, consultation, and resource development—
many essential elements that are in place at organizations committed to maintaining safe
workplace environments.
n CPI is dedicated to raising awareness, stimulating action, promoting long-term solutions,
and supporting meaningful employee training in every workplace.
Tips at Work: Attention to Safety
CPI offers the following Tips at Work: Attention to Safety to raise awareness and facilitate
communication. Not intended as an “answer book” or as a replacement for a well-developed
employee training program, it is intended to help employers and employees revisit the risks
and realities of workplace violence.
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Tips at Work: Attention to Safety
Tip #1
Promote a Workplace Culture That Values Respectful Interactions
We all tend to be more respectful when we feel respected and valued by others. Feelings of
disrespect breed discontent, anger, and can lead to violent acts. Make it an organizational priority to
truly foster a respectful atmosphere. Communicate organizational values to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Be certain employees at all levels understand expectations relating to respect.
Encourage leadership to model respectful attitudes and behavior.
Embrace and value the diversity in your workforce.
Respect employee privacy.
Expect the best from every employee.
Identify performance expectations which impact workplace respect.
Develop employee resources for dealing with personal problems
that may interfere with job performance.
Utilize respectful supervisory practices in dealing
with employee discipline.
Recognize that internal attitudes and behaviors
impact external customer satisfaction.
Handle grievances thoroughly and promptly.
Provide employees with information and
development opportunities to improve
understanding of their role in promoting
respectful interactions.
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Tips at Work: Attention to Safety
Tip #2
Pay Attention to Behavioral Warning Signs
Behavioral signals can provide awareness regarding someone’s intentions. Pay attention to
cues that may indicate distress or discontent. Some behavioral signals to consider and explore
in preventive efforts may include:
• Significant changes in someone’s normal behavior or routines.
• Sudden changes in expression, physical activity, or posture.
• Dramatic increase or change in voice volume or tone.
• Expressions that communicate extreme anger
or distress.
• Communications of despair and hopelessness.
• Body posture that is intimidating or threatening.
• Verbal threats.
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Tips at Work: Attention to Safety
Tip #3
Consider Objects That Could Be Used as Weapons
Be aware of objects in your immediate work area that could be used as weapons if someone
becomes angry and violent. Be prepared to remove or secure any objects that may be thrown
or used as weapons if a disruptive situation begins to escalate. For example:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Desk supplies (pens/pencils, scissors, staplers, etc.)
Books
Chairs
Lamps
Telephones
Electrical cords
Coffee cups
Computer and other work-related equipment
Other objects or equipment specific
to your work environment
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Tips at Work: Attention to Safety
Tip #4
Practice and Promote a Team Approach
Successful efforts to minimize danger are rarely solo acts. Attempting to deal with a dangerous
situation alone may increase danger. It is important to be aware of procedures for obtaining
assistance from coworkers. In the absence of emergency alert systems, consider where other
employees may be and how to make them aware of the situation as soon as you can safely
do so. Your options may include:
• Shouting for help.
• Using whatever is available to create
loud noise to call attention to an area.
• Initiating a predetermined signal.
• Activating your local emergency
medical services system if necessary.
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Tips at Work: Attention to Safety
Tip #5
Assess Your Work Environment
The physical work environment impacts employee health, safety, and well-being. It is
important to thoroughly assess your work environment for safety-related risk factors. This
includes parking lots, entryways, reception areas, work areas, and offices. The specific type of
assessment will vary in each environment, but every environmental assessment will benefit
from considering questions such as:
• Where could employees become isolated or most vulnerable?
• Is lighting adequate in all areas?
• Are there convenient, accessible emergency escape routes?
• Are first aid kits readily available?
• Do employees know what to do in the event of a
life-threatening emergency?
• Is there a method to summon assistance that is
reviewed and understood by all employees?
• Are procedures in place to report and resolve
workplace safety concerns?
• Are all employees well-trained in these procedures?
• Are all employees encouraged and supported
in discussing ways to create a safer environment
whenever possible?
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Tips at Work: Attention to Safety
Tip #6
Pay Attention to Your Instincts
Be aware of—and trust—your own internal warning system. Your body may send signals
when it senses danger. If you become concerned and sense impending danger, talk to
someone about it, follow procedures, and respond accordingly. Some instinctual signals
may include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
An increase in breathing rate.
An increase in pulse.
A sensation of pressure on your chest.
An increase in perspiration.
A sinking feeling in your stomach.
An increase in sensory acuity.
Please note: One or more of these signals
may also indicate a medical emergency
requiring immediate medical attention. It
may be necessary to activate your local
emergency medical services system.
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Tips at Work: Attention to Safety
11
Tip #7
Educate Staff About Relevant Response Protocol
Information and familiar strategies can reduce unproductive responses to instincts that trigger
fear. The type of information that should be available to all employees includes:
• A clear definition of a critical and/or violent incident.
• A protocol for reporting circumstances of
concern or unusual incidents.
• Knowing roles and responsibilities in
emergency situations.
• Appropriate procedures in the event of
a violent situation.
• Ways to summon internal security
personnel or response teams.
• How to activate alert systems including
local emergency or medical services.
• Preventive measures.
• Ways to maximize safety and minimize
risks in emergency situations.
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Prepare Training : Respect, Service, and Safety at Work
®
®
For More Information
n To discuss your needs with a Prepare Training® Corporate Training Specialist or arrange a
consultation, call 800.787.5166 or email ptp@crisisprevention.com.
educate. empower. enrich.
1. OSHA. (2004, March). Safety and Health Topics: Workplace Violence. Retrieved from osha.gov/SLTC/workplaceviolence/index.html
2. A
rent Fox Attorneys at Law PLLC. (2001, June). New Poll Shows Fear of Workplace Violence: Survey by Employment Law Alliance Underscores Need for Policies and
Training. Retrieved from arentfox.com/upandcoming/ pressrelease/pr2001/pr2001-07-06campbell/pr2001-07-06campbell.html
©
2005 CPI (reissued 2010). You may retain a copy of this material to be used solely for your personal, non-commercial use provided you do not remove any trademark,
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