Prevention Ideas for Workplace Violence

Homicide is the third leading cause of fatal occupational injuries for all workers.

• 85% are the result of 'stranger violence.' (The perpetrator is usually committing a crime—like robbery—and doesn't know the victims.)
  
• 7% are co-workers/former employees .
• 3% are by customer/client.
• The remaining 5% is considered personal relationship violence between the perpetrator and the victim.

Source: Injury Prevention Research Center based on U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries.

Annually, about 2 million workers are victims of non-fatal injuries caused by workplace violence. Very little scientific research exists re: approaches to prevention. While OSHA has some voluntary guidelines, no federal laws specifically address preventing workplace violence.

Here are a few ideas may help make a difference:

Physical Environment

General

• Doors to card access areas are not to be propped open
• Let strangers use their own swipe cards—if they don't have one, allowing them in on yours is a security breach.
• Be aware of your surroundings. If something seems wrong—too much or too little noise or activity, change in the area's lighting or odors, etc.—pay attention.

Reception Areas

• Have a reception area that is separate from and/or 'fronts' the office area.
• All guests/visitors are greeted and escorted elsewhere by whomever they are here to see.
• Arrange the reception area so that it's not obvious someone is working alone.

Cubicle/Office Areas

• If you see someone unfamiliar wandering about, ask if you can help.
• Know where the exits are located. Use alternate routes to/from your cubicle/office so you are familiar with them in case of an emergency.

Organizational/Administrative

The Department of the Interior offers four strategies (prevention, intervention, response, recovery) for reducing violence in the workplace.

CIVIL, a coordinated NIH resource, provides information for supervisors on preventing workplace violence and recognizing factors that contribute to it.

Communication and its impact on workplace conflict

Interpersonal/Behavioral

1. Follow the Golden Rule— treat others the way you would like to be treated.
2. Communicate, listen, play fair.
3. Recognize the warning signs that may lead to severe workplace violence:
   
   • Yelling and/or screaming at co-workers
   • Blaming others
   • Having emotional, explosive outbursts
   • Slipping in level of personal hygiene and/or appearance
   • Fixating on an event, idea, or person
   • Preoccupied with own death arrangements
   • Increased use of drugs or alcohol