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| Risk Management |
| Managing Workplace Violence: Your PEO can help you and your employees avoid becoming victims |
Recent headlines are full of images of a maniac run amok who apparently was disgruntled with the results of his investment portfolio. He expressed his disappointment by killing eleven innocent people. The killings in Atlanta underscore a looming business concern—is there any truly reliable method for preventing workplace violence?
First of all, create a workplace culture that fosters open communication. Take all threats, even those made in “jest” seriously. Do your best to treat employees fairly, and attend to reports of problems, rather than setting them aside as simple bickering. “Too many things go unnoticed. We are in a constant state of denial,” according to Bruce Cedar, psychologist.
We are specialists in preventing and eliminating workplace violence. In addition, there are some strategic measures we can help you employ (see sidebar). Don’t wait for a crisis to happen before you take action.
Protect your business and employees from potential violence
- Weed out potentially violent applicants with background checks, reference checks, interview techniques, and even psychological tests
- Train supervisors to watch for symptoms of violent behavior
- Set up an EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
- Provide support systems for employees who are victims of domestic abuse
- Have a crisis management program in place that includes evacuation plans, communication networks, and immediate on-site counseling after a violent episode (vital to mental health recovery time of other employees).
Workplace Homicides
30% - clients attacking employees
60% - stranger attacking employee (robbery, etc.)
10% - employee attacks another employee
5% - employees killed by spouses or ex-lovers
Source: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
Read the Symptoms: Is your workplace at high risk for violence?
Chronic labor/management disputes
Frequent grievances filed by employees
Disproportionate number of injury claims, especially psychological
Understaffed
Excessive demands for overtime
Authoritarian management style
(Source: National Safe Workplace Institute - Jackson, Maggie. “Businesses Try to Prevent Violence, Managers Look for Telltale Signs.” The Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN).
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