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Workplace Violence
Intervention may be geared toward different temporal periods of the assault cycle.
The following (minimum) components of a crisis management plan, which every workplace
should develop, include but are not limited to the following:
(T. Feldmann & P. Johnson,
1999, Workplace Violence: A New Form of Lethal Aggression. In H.V. Hall (Ed.), Lethal
Violence: A Sourcebook on Fatal Domestic, Acquaintance and Stranger Aggression, pp.
311-338. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; Vandenboss, G. &
Bulatao, E., 1996, Editors, Violence on the Job:
Identifying Risks and Developing Solutions, Washington,
DC, American Psychological Association.):
Click here to go
to the Workplace Violence Risk Assessment Checklist
page.
- Recognize that violence could occur. Failure to address possible workplace violence
is morally unacceptable and often leads to tort litigation.
- All employees should be vigilant. Vigilance in observing warning signs of impending violence. In some studies,
over two-thirds of workplace violence was preceded by warning signs.
Signals of potential risk for violence from employees or customers include (1)
verbal abuse and threats to employees or supervisors; (2) physical assaults on
employees, co-workers, or supervisors; (3) abuse of alcohol/drugs while working;
(4) angry complaints of unfair working conditions or treatment; (5) uncharacteristic
absenteeism or tardiness; (6) decreased work performance; (7) odd, peculiar, or
bizarre behavior; (8) radical change in personal appearance; (9) withdrawal from
friends and family; (10) rumors of rage and planned retaliation; (11) destruction
of property in the workplace; and (12) stalking.
- Stress management training is recommended, as prolonged stress lowers the threshold for
frustration, anger and violence in some individuals.
- A clearly stated policy banning weapons of any kind from the workplace.
- Designated escape routes for all employees.
- Utilization of code words to alert personnel of a threatening situation.
- Regular check-in times for employees/supervisors who work alone or in isolated areas.
- Development of a resource directory, which is housed on-site, containing all
important telephone numbers, referral sources, consultants, and emergency procedures.
- Implementation of a clearly defined chain of command to insure that the proper
people are notified in the event of an emergency.
- Pre-planned response units of management and security personnel.
- Violence drills and simulations incorporated into all safety training
programs; included are in-service programs with security and forensic consultants
designed to increase employee awareness and decrease the level of fear.
- Thorough deprocessing and documentation following any act of violence with
modification of the plan if indicated.
See Downloadable Documents for a full-length article showing the association between
methamphetamine use and violence.
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