When Violence Strikes at Work

When workplace violence hits the headlines, its every HR professional’s and business owner’s worst night mare. This week in Connecticut, during a workplace murder suicide, 9 employees lost their lives. In light of this tragedy, many employers are wondering what can be done to prevent or reduce the likelihood that a similar incident will not occur at there business.

It’s not often that workplace violence makes the news, but incidents of workplace violence still occur even if they don’t catch the attention of major media outlets. According to Bureau of Labor Statics, workplace homicide is the fourth leading cause of fatal occupational injury in the United States. Additionally in 2005, the last year the survey was completed, there were 564 workplace homicides. With numbers like these, it’s understandable why businesses are concerned.

While there is no way to completely eliminate the risk of workplace violence, there are some practical measures that organizations can take to reduce the risk.

Implement pre-employment screenings appropriate for your organization. At a minimum screenings should include a criminal background check including local and nationwide traces. Other screenings may also be considered based on the type of business and the work the potential candidate will perform.

Take action to secure the building. Contracting or employing unarmed security guards can lend a feeling of security for employees and also help to diffuse possibly violent situations. Security should always be alert or nearby during terminations and disciplinary meetings. Security guards can also make rounds around the building and walk employees to their cars when it is requested. Other options to consider include security cameras and monitored alarm systems.  

Require employee id badges and limit access to the building. Require employees to prominently wear company issued picture id badges while on company property. The building can also be secured by requiring an employee id badge to enter the building. Id badges can also be used to restrict access to certain areas of the building (i.e. Human Resources department), to a limited number of employees.

Effectively manage site visitors. Direct visitors to a central location, ideally to the security station, to log there name, purpose of visit, employee they are meeting, time of visit and later time of departure. Provide visitors with a name badge that should be worn prominently, which identifies them as a visitor. Visitors should also be escorted by security or an employee at all times during their visit.

Encourage employees to report workplace safety concerns. Employees can provide valuable information regarding threats to workplace safety. These concerns are not only limited to observations from co-workers. If an employee is being stalked or has been threatened by a significant other, this information should be reported. The employer can then respond appropriately to assist the employee in remaining safe while at work. Complaints should be kept confidential and free from retaliation.

There are many preventative steps businesses can take to reduce the chances of workplace violence occurring in their organization. The key is to remain dedicated to promoting a safe environment for employees, clients and customers.

Does your organization have a workplace violence policy? A critical step to prevention is having a policy and to address the issue of violence at work. DocSourceNow, your premier destination for HR forms, policies, procedures and training, has a comprehensive workplace violence policy ready for download. Visit our website today!