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Workplace Violence
NYS has a Workplace Violence Prevention Law that is in effect that requires employers to ensure the risk factors at each worksite is assessed and programs are implemented to prevent and minimize workplace violence. Many of us don't even realize what workplace violence is.
"Workplace Violence is violent acts including physical assaults and threats of assaults directed toward persons at work or on duty ...any physical assault, threatening behavior or verbal abuse occurring the the work
setting" according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health.
Types of Incidents in the workplace:- Assaults
- Threats
- Domestic Violence
- Forms of harassment including bullying, hostile work environment, offensive language etc
- Physical/emotional abuse
Workplace Settings most frequently experiencing such violence:
- Those that involve money
- Delivery of goods
- Working with unstable or volatile persons
- Working alone or in small areas
- Working late night or early morning
- High crime locations
- Community based settings
Recognizing Potential for Workplace Violence in individuals:
- Changes in mood or personality of employees
- Personal hardships
- Depression/anxiety symptoms
- Negative behavior such as lying, bad attitude, obsessive behaviors
- Verbal threats
- History of violence
- History of discipline problems
- Chemical dependence
- Excessive Absenteeism
Your obligation is to protect your employees...it's that simple, it's that clear...but how?
- Conflict Resolution ... www.hrwebsource.com has a FREE webinar on this topic
- Manage Performance objectively and appropriately
- Discipline employees and enforce respect in the workplace
- Utilize internal process for dealing with harassment
- Recognize signs of bullying and behaviors mentioned above
- Immediately and consistently keep on the issues in order to ensure a positive result
Need help? JBM has a training program that not only will help you with your compliance related to training requirements but more importantly will guide you to effective methods of identifying, understanding and dealing with workplace violence.
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