Reducing The Risk Of Workplace Violence

from 24dash.com

Workplace violence is a growing problem in countries all over the World. According to a number of statistics from occupational research studies, homicide is the fourth largest cause of death in the workplace, and the number one cause of death in the workplace for women in the USA. However, the number of non-fatal assaults also continue to increase, particularly in the social housing and social and heath care sector.

So what can you do in order to protect your staff from workplace violence? There are a few simple steps you can take to make the workplace a safer one for staff and clients alike.

The physical space… take a tour of your facility or office!

- Are there secure doors in isolated areas such as the back of the building?

- Are they locked in such a way that people can get in or out but not without a key, passcode, etc.?

- Are the areas around the building well-lit and secure?

- Are there adequate escape routes from the building and the grounds?

- Telephones with outside lines throughout the building?

- Are panic alarms/buttons available for all employees dealing with members of the public and are they trained in how to use them and ho to respond when things get ‘heated’?

The clients and customers
The type of clients or customers you work with is a good indicator of the risk of workplace violence. We all understand that industries which serve mentally ill clients, substance abusers, criminals, or unemployed clients can result in a much higher risk of onsite assault. But those of you working in remote areas, high crime rate locations or working at night face an almost identical level of risk.

The employees
When assessing risk, an employer needs to look at the characteristics of the staff as a factor in potential workplace violence.

- Are all employees well trained in conflict management and how to respond to threats, intimidation or physical danger?

- Are all employees communication skills good enough so the risk of misunderstandings and subsequent escalations is low?

- Are all employees aware of available protective lone worker safety systems and procedures?

- Will all employees feel comfortable enough to talk about potential experiences of workplace violence?

- Is there anything that might increase employee stress on and off the job (e.g. addictions, debt or domestic abuse)?

The past and the future

- What is your company’s history in reference to workplace violence or attacks?

- If there have been violent episodes, or threats of violence, look at the details, have the conditions that led to that attack decreased, increased or remained the same?

- Is an efficient workplace violence and lone worker safety policy in place?

- Are all employees aware and familiar with these policies?

- Is it time to refresh their memory and retrain them?

- Are written records of previous contacts with client/customer available to evaluate potential risks for future contacts clearly?