Workplace Violence

 

Objectives

Identify warning signs of workplace violence

Describe the appropriate response to workplace violence

Violence: Using force or the threat of force to cause harm.

Workplace violence encompasses a wide range of behaviors

*Physically Assaultive Acts*

          Hitting        Slapping        Poking       

                               Kicking   Punching 

 Grabbing    Pushing

*Physical Intimidation*

Obscene gestures        "Getting in your face

 Fist Shaking 

                                    Stalking   

        Vandalism                     Display of weapons 

  Aberrant behavior (often caused by drug or alcohol abuse)

Threats to destroy property        

Obscene statements or exposure

Product tampering      

In recent years, workplace violence has expanded to include electronic invasion of e-mail or voice mail, and other types of computer hacking and sabotage (like spam).

There are many reasons why these acts are occurring more often. They include an abundance of weapons, increased poverty, frustration, family and/or money problems, lack of individual responsibility, substance abuse, and having no respect for the ideas and beliefs of others. 

Still it is not impossible to detect where problems may occur. Customers and clients account for most of the violence in the workplace. In fact, only about a quarter (25%) of workplace crimes are committed by strangers. Violence is a process where there are often warning signs of an escalation of an employee's or client's anger. 

The challenge is to recognize the warning signs so there can be successful intervention. It is rather rare that someone "just explodes".

 

Warning Signs of Potentially Violent Individuals

 There is no exact method to predict when a person will become violent. One or more of these warning signs may be displayed before a person becomes violent, but do not necessarily mean that a person WILL become violent. A display of these signs should trigger concerns--they indicate the person is experiencing problems.

Inappropriate behavior is often a warning sign of potential hostility or violence. When left unchecked it can escalate to higher levels. Employees who exhibit the following behaviors should be reported.

 

Inappropriate behavior is often a warning sign of potential hostility or violence. When left unchecked it can escalate to higher levels. Employees who exhibit the following behaviors should be reported.

 

Unwelcome name calling, obscene language and other abusive behavior

Intimidation through direct or veiled verbal threats

Conditional threats. (If I don't get that day off, someone is going to get hurt.)

Intimidating comments about weapons.

Blaming others for causing their problems--and keeping lists of these people.

Displays of unwarranted anger. Lack of concern for others.

Throwing objects in the workplace regardless of the size or type of the object or whether a person is the target of the thrown object.

Physically touching another employee in an intimidating, malicious or sexually harassing manner.

However, a display of one or more of these behaviors does not necessarily mean that a person is at risk. It is important to know the facts before confronting someone about his/her behavior. Be sure you don't accuse someone based on rumor or innuendo.

If Someone Shows Signs of Losing Control...

Report it to your manager/supervisor &/or Security. Stay calm!

Move and speak slowly, quietly, confidently.

Be an empathetic listener--encourage the person to talk--listen patiently.

Focus your attention on the other person to let them know you are interested in what they have to say.

Acknowledge the other person's feelings. Indicate you can see they are upset.

Avoid touching the person

Ask for small favors, such as moving to a quieter area

Use delaying tactics which will give the person time to calm down. Offer a drink of water in a disposable cup, for example. Ask the person to sit down.

Be reassuring and point out choices.

Maintain a relaxed yet attentive posture and position yourself at a right angle rather than directly in front of the other person

Position yourself so that a visitor cannot block your access to an exit.


If in a room with an upset person, be sure the door is unlocked and opened. Keep yourself between the upset person and the exit.

If Violence Strikes...

Sound the alarm!

An aggressive patient is a  

and a hostage situation is  

Remove all patients &/or visitors from the area.

If the person is demanding drugs, money, supplies, etc., GIVE IT TO THEM. Drugs and money can be replaced--an employee's life can not!

Do not try to take away any weapon.

Do not try to restrain the person by yourself.

Use physical restraints as a last resort--and follow hospital policy.

EAP (Employee Assistance Programs) is available for employees who may be affected by violence.

 

Know the Rules of Prevention

Treat everyone with respect

Check patient's charts on admission for a history of violence

Safely store all objects that could be used as weapons

Report every incident

Try to spot trouble before it starts

Always follow proper security procedures

Trust you instincts--feelings of dread, uneasiness, etc. are warning signs--pay attention to them!

EAP (Employee Assistance Programs) is available for employees who are experiencing problems

The Workplace Violence Policy

You can find the Policy on Meditech.

It is HR Personnel Policy No. 30:07