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VIOLENCE IN THE WORK PLACE
Violence in the workplace takes many forms, from raised voices and profanity or sexual harassment to robbery or homicide. While homicide in the workplace is rising, 75 percent of work-related homicides are committed by unknown assailants while committing a robbery or other crimes. Despite media hype, the attacker usually isn't a disgruntled employee.
The risk of workplace violence is highest if the work involves:
Contact with criminals
Cash handling
Working alone and/or late at night
Working with people in highly emotional situations
Although statistics are alarming, you are less likely to be a victim of violence at work than almost anywhere else. But it can occur. The following information and precautions is provided to reduce the chance that your or a co-worker will be a victim of violence.
What causes workplace violence?
Anger and frustration are normal feelings. But when people lose control of those emotions, they may turn violent. If they obtain guns, the results can be deadly.
Workplace violence may have work-related or personal causes
Work-Related Causes:
Robbery is the main work-related cause of workplace violence. In most cases, customers - not co-workers - are the robber(s).
Personal Causes:
Sometimes job stress makes a person feel desperate enough to use violence to "get even" for:
Loss of a job - or fear of losing a job.
A warning or reprimand from a supervisor.
Not receiving an expected promotion or raise.
Acts or words viewed as unfair or hostile.
Hostility with co-workers that has not been resolved.
Personal Problems Turn Violent
Occasionally, personal problems may push people over the edge and into violent acts. Many kids of problems can cause people to become violent:
An abusive partner or one unable to accept the end of a marriage or relationship may track an employee to work. Rage, fear, or jealousy can trigger a physical attack.
If romantic desire or grudge becomes an obsession, the victim may be stalked, threatened, harassed, or even attacked.
A person who has difficulty coping with personal problems may lash out violently at supervisors or co-workers.
Alcohol or drug abuse can lead a person to lose touch with reality. Violence is one possible result. Some drugs (such as crack cocaine) seem to make people more violent.
Help Protect Yourself - and others - At Work:
Follow established security procedures for your department and/or building, and take the following precautions:
Meet visitors in the lobby/reception area and escort them to your work area.
Alert police to any suspicious strangers.
Report any missing items or signs of break-ins immediately.
Arrange a "danger signal" with co-workers, and use it.
Don't handle any unusual or "suspicious" packages; call police immediately.
Stop Situations That Could Turn Violent
Your co-workers aren't likely to become violent. But stepping in early can reduce the possibility and get help for a troubled person.
Report all threats of violence or revenge. Take threats seriously if someone:
Threatens to get even with bosses or co-workers or any violence.
Regularly intimidates or threatens others.
Believes others are out to get him or her.
Talks a lot about weapons.
Blames others for problems, especially if that's a new behavior.
Customers or Clients can also become violent. Call your supervisor or police if a customer:
Talks abusively
Becomes exceptionally angry
Threatens your or others
Learn to Reduce Tension
Anger doesn't have to lead to violence. When a co-worker or customer is upset, you can respond in ways that reduce tension, not add to it.
DO:
Remain calm and courteous.
Show respect for the other person, even if you don't agree.
Focus on the problem or behavior, not the person.
Use your agreed-on danger signal to alert co-workers to trouble.
Call your supervisor or the police if the situation starts to get out of hand.
DON'T:
Argue or raise your voice.
Respond to a threat with a threat.
Do anything to make the person angry or increase the danger.
Know How to Respond to Violent Acts
The way you respond to violence can help save lives and capture criminals.
Give a robber what he or she wants - don't try to be a hero.
Report all criminal or violent behavior to police. Don't try to cover up for someone you know.
Don't wash or change clothes after a sexual assault until you've had a medical examination.
Tell Police Everything You Know
Describe the crime and the criminal in as much detail as possible.
List anything that was stolen.
Don't touch or move anything at a crime scene without permission.
Confront Your Feelings
Recognize that pain, fear, stress, and other emotions are natural.
Don't blame yourself. The attacker is guilty; you're not.
Seek counseling if you need help in coping with the aftermath of violence.
Help Prevent Workplace Violence
There's less violence at work than in most places in our society. Because you spend most of your day at your workplace, it is important that it be safe.
We encourage you to work together with us to protect yourself and others.
Follow established security procedures.
Take threatening or violent behavior seriously - and report it.
Deal calmly with angry people and try to defuse tension.
Take special care when working alone or at night.
Don't display valuables or carry more money than necessary.
Don't try to be a hero; if someone demands your money or valuables, turn them over.
Report all crimes and violent incidents to police immediately.
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