12 Jun Protection Against Workplace Violence

Protection Against Workplace Violence

Workplace violence can include threats, intimidation, harassment, verbal abuse, physical assault, robbery, or other threatening or violent behavior that occurs at or is related to the workplace. Incidents may involve employees, customers, clients, visitors, contractors, or members of the public.

All employees should understand potential risk factors, recognize warning signs, follow established security procedures, and promptly report threats or concerning behavior.

Recognize Workplace Violence Risk Factors

The potential for workplace violence may be greater when employees:

• Work directly with the public.
• Handle money, valuables, or valuable property.
• Work alone or in isolated areas.
• Work late at night or during early morning hours.
• Work in locations with increased security risks.
• Deliver passengers, goods, or services.
• Perform mobile or field work.
• Work with individuals who may be distressed, agitated, or potentially violent.
• Perform duties involving enforcement, healthcare, social services, or other potentially confrontational situations.

The presence of a risk factor does not mean violence will occur, but it should be considered when planning appropriate safeguards.

Follow Workplace Security Procedures

Employees should know and follow the security measures established for their workplace. Depending on the location and type of work, these measures may include:

• Controlling access to restricted areas.
• Screening, identifying, or signing in visitors.
• Escorting visitors when required.
• Keeping doors and access points secured.
• Using barriers, counters, partitions, or other physical safeguards.
• Using security cameras, alarms, communication devices, or panic buttons where provided.
• Following established opening and closing procedures.
• Using appropriate procedures when handling or transporting money or valuables.
• Maintaining adequate staffing when dealing with potentially hostile individuals.
• Knowing emergency exits and evacuation or shelter procedures.

Do not disable, bypass, or ignore established security measures.

Recognize and Report Warning Signs

Threatening behavior should be taken seriously. Warning signs may include:

• Verbal or written threats.
• Intimidation or aggressive behavior.
• Threatening gestures.
• Escalating anger or hostility.
• Harassment or stalking.
• Destruction of property.
• Attempts to enter restricted areas.
• Statements or behavior suggesting an immediate threat to employees or others.

Employees should not attempt to diagnose another person’s behavior or determine whether a threat is “serious enough” to report. Report threats, violent incidents, and concerning behavior promptly according to company procedures.

If there is an immediate threat of violence, move to a safe location and contact emergency services or onsite security as appropriate.

Dealing With an Aggressive or Hostile Person

If confronted by an angry or hostile individual:

• Remain calm and speak in a controlled, respectful manner.
• Avoid arguing, threatening, insulting, or challenging the person.
• Maintain adequate personal space.
• Avoid sudden movements that could be interpreted as threatening.
• Keep a safe path to an exit whenever possible.
• Do not allow yourself to become trapped in a confined area.
• Use physical barriers, such as a counter or desk, when they provide additional protection without blocking your escape.
• Get assistance from a supervisor, coworker, security personnel, or law enforcement when necessary.
• Leave the area if the situation appears likely to become violent.

Do not unnecessarily place yourself in danger in an attempt to calm or restrain another person.

If Violence Occurs

Your immediate priority is personal safety and the safety of others.

• Move away from the danger when it is safe to do so.
• Warn others when possible without placing yourself at additional risk.
• Contact emergency services or onsite security as appropriate.
• Follow established emergency procedures.
• Do not attempt to physically intervene unless necessary to protect yourself or another person from immediate harm.
• Obtain medical attention for injuries.
• Report the incident as soon as possible according to company procedures.
• Preserve information or evidence that may be important to the investigation.

Employees should cooperate with subsequent investigations and provide accurate information about what they observed.

Prevention Is Everyone’s Responsibility

Employees can help prevent workplace violence by maintaining awareness, following access-control and security procedures, reporting threats promptly, and avoiding actions that unnecessarily escalate confrontations.

Supervisors should take reports seriously and ensure threats, incidents, and security concerns are addressed according to the company’s Workplace Violence Prevention Program and emergency procedures.

Remember

Never assume that threats, intimidation, or aggressive behavior are simply part of the job. Report warning signs early, follow established security procedures, maintain an escape route during confrontations, and seek immediate assistance when a situation becomes dangerous.