Workplace Violence Prevention

3 MEASURES TO PREVENT WORKPLACE VIOLENCE

With violence burgeoning in society, every employer must take primal measures to safeguard their employees. Workplace violence prevention cannot be ignored at all costs. Although we should not have to have this conversation, nearly 2 million people get affected by this atrocity every year. As per the bureau of labor statistics, a total of 5746 injuries emanating from workplace violence were reported between 2011 and 2018. These figures are preventable, given business leaders take it up as their utmost priority and address this deadly issue. Don’t worry, Patron Career Staffing is there to help you!

Read on to understand the top 3 useful strategies to prevent the occurrence of violence in your workplace. But first, let us understand the meaning of this very term.

What is workplace violence after all?

Any act or threat to cause harassment, physical assault, intimidation, or other violent disruptive behavior that occurs either at work itself or while commuting to and from work. Generally speaking, it can be in form of any of the following:

Sexual harassment

Rape

Murder

Robbery

Stalking

Cyberbullying

Hitting, kicking

Vandalism

Arson, etc.

Who is affected?

Customers, clients, employees, general factory labor, supervisors, and managers are always at risk for workplace violence so the company should have some form of violence prevention policy or protocol. The following jobs have been or are most likely to be the victims of workplace violence:

Healthcare Workers

Public Servants

Police Officers

Law Enforcement Officials

Bankers

Cashiers

Taxi drivers, etc.

What steps can help managers prevent incidences of workplace violence?

Prevention is key. The very first priority for all employers should be to develop and strategize ways to minimize the occurrence as well as the impact of violence in their workplace. Every step you take in this regard will benefit you because making employees feel safe will lessen workers' compensation claims, which is a good thing for business. Here are 3 ways to potentially recognize and prevent workplace violence.

1. Conduct background checks on new hires

Time and again we have emphasized how important it is to verify your new employee's history concerning job experience, and commercial, financial, or educational activities. It ultimately lowers the risk of violence and reduces the chances of theft, assault, and other criminal activity. You are essentially capable of forecasting violence in the workplace by reviewing candidates' criminal and court records. A person who has been previously involved or charged with violence is more likely to infringe on your workplace and disrupt its peace. By performing background verification after a job offer, employers ensure that persons exhibiting violent behavior stay out of the workplace. But they should be agile enough to first obtain the applicant’s consent and get it in writing to avoid any legal issues.

If you want to digest more truckload of information concerning employees' background verification, do read our blog- The Dos And Don'ts Of Employee Background Checks.

2. Identify potential hazards in advance

To be able to take necessary actions toward the prevention of violence, how about employers recognize and be acquainted with the warning signs that a fellow employee may portray? It is one of the most convenient actions managers and employees can take to deter vehemence in their workplace. You may secure your work environment and fathom the following signs:

Harassment of coworkers

Repeated temper tantrums

Suicidal remarks

Contempt of authority

Extreme mood swings

The declivity of job performance; punctuality or engagement

Depression, crying, sulking

Brawls with other employees

Excessive absenteeism

Social isolation

Blaming others for personal problems or mistakes

Alcoholic or drug addiction

Paranoia

Warning signs may include behavioral changes, non-verbal gestures, or physical acts such as a troubled employee with flushes or pale face and persistent sweating.

3. Swear allegiance to a non-violent violent workplace

Ensure that you teach your employees to know and accept the differences among each other. Understanding and cooperation go a long way in empowering work teams and reducing workplace tensions. Also, educate the workforce by offering training courses to help them in identifying warning signs and avoiding tragedies. Build a safe environment where employees feel free to come to you to report suspicious behavior.

Related: A take on- unlocking and building a diverse workplace

Even so, create a zero-tolerance policy for violent aggressive acts or threats by employees. Such a policy should assure safety protocol and stance at coping with workplace violence. Make sure that your workforce understands the policies thoroughly. You may conduct regular emergency drills to offer assistance to employees when faced with violent incidents.

Don’t wait and take action now!

Make your workplace a safe place, do the needful and let your employees breathe the air of security & safety. Build an action plan to gracefully struggle through workplace violence and save innocent lives.

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