Facts about Workplace Violence
Recognition of the dangers of workplace violence has reached peak levels in the last few years. A news report released on February 16, 2007 from Statistics Canada identified that almost 20% of all incidents of violence, including physical assault, sexual assault and robbery occurs in the victim’s workplace. In the US, 2 million workers are victims of workplace violence. Almost 10% of US fatal work injuries were attributed to homicides in 2005. In fact, homicides in the workplace rated #4 as the leading cause of fatal occupational injury in the US. These statistics are staggering and only serve to underline the importance of recognizing workplace violence as a serious threat within any organization.
What is Workplace Violence?
Workplace violence is defined as the actual violence or the threat of violence against workers. This violence is not restricted to the actual workplace and may occur in other settings between workers or between workers and clients. However it may manifest itself, workplace violence should be a major concern for employers and employees alike.
Who is at risk?
Workplace violence spans every sector and every business environment. There are however, workers that are deemed to be at higher risk for workplace violence. They include:
- Workers who exchange money with the public
- Workers who deliver passengers, goods or services
- Workers who are alone or work at night or early morning
- Workers who work in high-crime areas or in community settings and homes
- Workers in health care or social assistance services
What can I do as the employer?
The best route for any organization to take would be to establish and maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards workplace violence against or by their employees. This policy should be integrated into the existing health and safety accident prevention program, employee handbook or operating procedure manual. Further steps would be to:
- Educate workers so that they are aware of acceptable conduct in the workplace
- Secure the workplace. If necessary install video surveillance, lighting or alarm systems
- Visitors to the workplace should be identified
- Limit cash in the workplace
- Field staff should be equipped with means of getting into contact with the authorities or with their workplace
- Workers should not be required to enter any location that they feel is unsafe
- Workers in secluded workareas, at night or in high crime areas should have a “buddy system” or in extreme instances, police assistance
If a workplace violence event does occur, make sure to:
- Get a full report of the incident and report it to the authorities
- Provide immediate medical evaluation and treatment
- Ensure that the victim is aware of his/her legal right to prosecute
- Discuss the incident and the situation surrounding it with other employees. Encourage the employees to share any pertinent information so that future incidents may be avoided
- Offer stress debriefing sessions and if necessary, post-traumatic counseling
- Institute corrective measures to avoid similar incidents in the future
- Once these corrective measures have been put into place, ensure that all employees are made aware of these changes
What can I do as an employee?
It is important to understand the environment that you work in and its potential hazards. Further steps would be to:
- Attend safety training programs which can assist you to recognize, avoid or diffuse potentially violent situations
- Alert supervisors to concerns that you may have
- Report all incidents immediately in writing. Ensure that all details of the instance are included
- Avoid travelling alone into unfamiliar areas
- Carry a minimal amount of cash and identification when working in a community setting
Sources of this information include:
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About F.A.S.T. Rescue
F.A.S.T. Rescue are health and safety experts offering consulting, supplies and training solutions that help make employees safe in the workplace. We’re passionate about health and safety, offering unrivalled value and solutions with a satisfaction guarantee. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
For more information, contact:
Shyamala Nathan-Turner
F.A.S.T. Rescue
Tel: 647-494-0032
Email: snturner@fast-rescue.com
Visit https://fast-rescue.com