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| Risk Management |
| Workplace Violence: Are you safe? |
Do you worry that you might hire a violent person, or that if you fire someone, he or she might retaliate violently? Incidents of workplace violence are becoming more common. From 1992 to 2004, approximately 64 workers nationwide snapped, pulling the trigger on a coworker or boss.
According to Mark Braverman, a consultant in workplace crises, the profile of a workplace killer is a “white, male, gun enthusiast between the ages of 25 and 45”—a description too broad to be used to predict behavior. But, there are some warning signs.
- Other employees fear a coworker.
- An employee repeatedly makes threats against coworkers.
- Someone talks obsessively about being slighted by bosses or colleagues.
Don’t ignore the signs. Take action to reduce workplace violence. Write and publish company policy concerning violent talk or actions, and include specific consequences for breach of policy. Pay attention to employees who report such activities. Follow through with consequences on verified cases of violent behavior. Give each worker deserved respect and attention.
Before hiring, let us assist you with reference checks. William E. Rachels, Jr., an attorney with Willcox & Savage, says that former employers have a moral duty to reveal an employee’s violent past; however, employers are often restrained by laws protecting the employee’s privacy. Background checks are another option.
Firing can be risky. If you feel anxious, invite someone else or a security guard into the room. Afterward, change the locks on your building or office if necessary. Have a plan in case the former employee returns.
Whether you need company policies on workplace violence, or better hiring and firing practices, we can help you feel safer in your workplace.
Source: Weintraub, Karen The Virginian-Pilot: “How to Keep Violence at Bay” HR News Wire
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