Violence in the Workplace
How to Prevent and Defuse for Employees
Session Objectives
You will be able to:
• Identify the causes of workplace violence
• Spot the signs of potential violence
• Follow required security procedures
• Respond effectively to violent acts
• Recognize and respond to terrorist threats
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What You Need to Know
• The risks of workplace violence
• Factors that contribute to violence
• Symptoms of impending violence
• Security measures to prevent violence
• Proper response to violent incidents
• Proper response to terrorist threats
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Sources of Violence
• Employees
• Former employees
• Customers
• Other outsiders
• Criminals
• Terrorists
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Who’s Affected by
Violence?
• Victims
• Witnesses
• Co-workers
• Customers and others
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Encounters with Violence
• 1/6 of violent crimes occur in the workplace
• Violence is the second leading cause of
workplace deaths
• 18,000 are assaulted at work each week
• Violence costs industry millions a year
• Some employees face higher risks
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Triggers of Violence
• Layoff
• Firing
• Bad-behavior warning
• Poor performance review
• Conflict with co-worker
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Triggers of Violence (cont.)
• Domestic violence
• Disputes with
ex-partners
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Emotional problems
• Financial difficulties
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Triggers of Violence (cont.)
• Customer interactions
• Robberies, muggings,
etc.
• Random acts of
violence
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Background on Violence
• Questions?
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Spot the Signs
Of potential for violence:
• Threatening to get even
• Blaming others
• Talking about violence
or weapons
• Holding grudges
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Spot the Signs (cont.)
Of immediate threat:
• Threatening words or
moves
• Raising voice level
• Abusive language
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First Response
• Do:
•
•
•
•
•
Remain calm
Show respect
Focus on problem
Alert co-workers
Report the incident
• Don’t:
• Argue or raise your voice
• Mimic an angry person’s behavior
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Know Security Measures
• Cameras, silent alarms
• Locks, coded entry
• Lighting
• Reporting procedures
• Conflict resolution
training
• Counseling
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Follow Security
Procedures
• Report strangers
• Escort visitors
• Wear ID
• Lock valuables
• Report missing items or
signs of break-in
• Use danger signal
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Work Safely After Hours
• Let people know
• Avoid being alone
• Stay near phones
• Lock office door
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Work Safely After Hours
(cont.)
• Let security know when
you leave
• Walk out with someone
• Check car before
getting in
• Sit near driver on public
transportation
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Personal Security
• Keep vehicle doors
•
•
•
•
locked
Walk in busy, well-lit
areas
Walk purposefully
Make eye contact
Check your
surroundings
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Personal Security (cont.)
• Go into a store if you’re followed
• Carry only the money you need
• Divide valuables on your person
• Carry items close to your body
• Check your vehicle before entering
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Violent Confrontations
• Don’t resist a robbery
• Try to fight off physical
assault
• Report the incident
• Don’t clean up until
you’ve been examined
• Deal with your reaction
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Action Against Violence
• Questions?
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Terrorist Threats
• Likely strikes
• Potential targets
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Cyberterrorism
• Company measures
• Firewall
• Virus protection
• Employee practices
• Never install unlicensed
software
• Delete suspicious e-mail
• Never reveal passwords
• Avoid illegal websites
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CBRN
• Chemical agents
• Biological agents
• Radioactive weapons
• Nuclear strikes
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Mail
• Suspicious letters
•
•
•
•
Don’t open
Place in plastic container
Isolate it from everyone
Report it
• Unexpected packages
• Report unattended
objects
• Look for bad or missing
addresses, oily stains,
lopsided shapes
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Response to Terrorism
• Turn off ventilation units
• Leave the area
• Close off area
• Call 911
• Notify your supervisor
and security
• Make list of affected
people
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Evacuate, If Necessary
• Know evacuation signal
• Listen for instructions
• Shut down equipment
• Close doors and windows
• Follow exit route
• Go to assembly area
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Shelter in Place
• Locate emergency kit
• Turn off HVAC
•
•
•
•
equipment
Go to sheltering room
Shut windows and
doors
Seal windows, doors,
and vents
Listen to the radio
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The Aftermath
• Signs of distress
•
• Withdrawing from
peers
• Calling in sick
• Overworking
• Difficulty concentrating
Ways of coping
• Talk about it
• Spend time with loved
ones
• Turn TV coverage off
• Seek professional help
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Key Points to Remember
• Workplace violence can take many forms
and has numerous causes
• Keep alert to signs of potential violence and
take immediate action when you recognize
them
• Make sure to follow security procedures and
encourage co-workers to do likewise
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