While some occupations face a greater danger from workplace violence than others, it is a threat facing employees at most workplaces. These guidelines can help reduce the risk of a violent incident:
1Prepare a policy
Create a zero-tolerance policy for violent acts by or against employees, and reassure employees that they won't be subject to retaliation for reporting incidents.
2Enhance security
Consider taking steps to reduce employees' anxiety at a worksite. This includes installing additional lighting and video surveillance and requiring employee ID badges and electronic keys.
3Train management
At least every year, retrain managers and supervisors on conflict resolution, behavior recognition, stress reduction, and post-incident procedures.
4Educate employees
Provide employees with personal safety education training in recognizing, avoiding, and defusing potentially violent situations. Train them how to respond to an act of violence. Employees trained to react calmly and cooperatively have a better chance of surviving a violent incident.
5Keep good records
Documents, such as OSHA Logs of Injury and Illness (Forms 300 and 300A), incident reports and insurance and police records can reveal a workplace’s vulnerabilities to violence and show preventive actions needed.
