Workplace Violence

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Recommended: Effects of Workplace Violence

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BIS), workplace violence affects 1.7 million people each year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) reported 11,613 workplace homicide victims between 1992 and 2006. Averaging just under 800 homicides per year, the largest number of homicides in one year occurred in 1994, while the lowest number occurred in 2006 (CDC). This has become a serious concern and companies now have to take a stand to protect their employees as well as the organization. Workplace violence can have a damaging effect on a company. A company can suffer serious implications if they don’t introduce policies in the workplace that protect employees from becoming a target. Families affected can sue a company for not having proper procedures in place to protect their loved ones. Millions are paid out every year to compensate for the damages incurred. My paper will outline policies and procedures a company can adopt to make the workplace a safer environment. There are a number of factors that needs to be considered when this type of violence occurs. So what is workplace violence? Workplace violence is any type of threat or hostility acted out against workers. It can occur in or out of the workplace and can range from threats and verbal abuse, to physical assaults and homicide. This has become one of the leading causes of job-related deaths (OSHA). Workplace violence can happen at any given point in time to anyone. No one is untouchable. Workplace violence can be caused by a number of underlying factors which can include but is not limited to alcohol and drug abuse, job loss, depression, mental illnesses, or an accumulation of debt. In addition, when people are mistr... ... middle of paper ... ...nowing that if this occurs, all incidences will be addressed and a thorough investigation will be carried out. Precautionary practices that could be implemented: • Provide safety education for employees • Update employees monthly on safety precautions that can be utilized • Surveillance cameras should be visible to deter perpetrators • Encourage employees to report all incidences • Install ADP systems • Effective lighting can discourage perpetrators • Look for warning signs - disruptive behavior, uneasiness • Threat assessment teams can be formed to review and respond to reported physical, verbal, or threatened violence The end result is that everyone wants to come to work in an environment that is stress free and safe. A business needs to make a concrete commitment to the health and security of its employees. Let’s not wait until it’s too late.

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