FR-A-108 WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND RESPONSE

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the workplace violence prevention and response policy established for Fire Rescue personnel?

To create a system for reporting workplace incidents

To enforce strict disciplinary actions against employees

To monitor employee behavior through surveillance

To promote a safe work environment free from violence (correct)

Which role is responsible for future updates to the workplace violence prevention policy?

The Deputy Chief of Administration (correct)

The PPM Committee

The Fire Rescue Administrator

The Deputy Chief of Operations

Which of the following behaviors is NOT classified as prohibited under the violence prevention policy?

Making harassing telephone calls

Making a sarcastic comment in a meeting (correct)

Threatening to damage personal property

Hitting or shoving an individual

What is one of the identifiable characteristics of acts or threats of violence according to the policy?

Behavior that creates a hostile work environment Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is an example of a prohibited weapon according to the policy?

A firearm brought to the workplace Signup and view all the answers

How is 'prohibited behavior' specifically defined under the policy?

Threats severe enough to alter employment conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which element is NOT part of the outlined procedure in the violence prevention policy?

Disciplinary Measures Signup and view all the answers

What is one key aspect included in the policy regarding communication during incidents of violence?

Harassment through electronic communication is prohibited Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is typically associated with a workplace violence perpetrator?

Preference for solitary activities Signup and view all the answers

What is a warning sign that may precede workplace violence?

Erratic behavior Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken when a reported threat of violence is deemed non-imminent?

Report to the next level supervisor Signup and view all the answers

When facing an imminent threat or danger, which is NOT a required action?

Conduct a team-building exercise Signup and view all the answers

What does obsessive harassment often signify in the context of workplace violence?

A risk factor for potential violence Signup and view all the answers

Among the characteristics of a workplace violence perpetrator, what describes their attitude towards criticism?

Difficulty accepting criticism Signup and view all the answers

What is a key indication that a Fire Rescue personnel may be a potential danger to themselves or others?

Displaying inappropriate anger and rage Signup and view all the answers

What does persistent and exaggerated perception of injustice suggest about an employee?

They may be experiencing delusions Signup and view all the answers

In situations involving a perceived threat, what is the role of the Deputy Chief?

Receive reports through the chain of command Signup and view all the answers

How should Fire Rescue personnel respond after a violence threat has been reported?

Immediately restrict access to facilities for those involved Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a reason for an employee to be temporarily relieved of duty after a threat is reported?

To remove the employee from any safety risk assessments Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a required notification in the event of an imminent threat?

Inform the Internal Affairs Officer Signup and view all the answers

What could be considered a sign of entitlement in an employee related to workplace violence?

Refusal to accept corporate policies Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior is indicative of a potential workplace violence perpetrator?

Fascination with military subjects Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Workplace Violence Prevention and Response Policy (Palm Beach County Fire Rescue)

Purpose: Establish a policy to prevent and respond to workplace violence for personnel and reservists.
Effective Date: July 6, 2018
Authority: Fire Rescue Administrator, PPM CW-L-042 (Weapons in Governmental Center)
Scope: Applies to all Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel and reservists.
Policy: Promote a safe work environment free from violence.
Prohibited Weapons: Refer to Palm Beach County Policy PPM CW-L-042 regarding restrictions on weapons on County property.

Prohibited Behaviors

Definition: Threats of violence—oral, written, gestures, or expressions—that create a hostile work environment.
- Examples include physical assault, threats against individuals or property, harassment, intimidation, and stalking.

Identifiable Characteristics (Potential Perpetrators)

Profile: Research suggests certain characteristics in potential workplace violence perpetrators, but these do not guarantee violence
- Age: 35-50
- Preference for solitude
- Interest in weapons/military
- Limited outside interests
- Possible history of interpersonal conflicts, including at work
- Sense of entitlement
- Extreme views/paranoia
- Difficulty accepting criticism
- Stress related to health or family issues
- Unwelcome comments or behaviors related to sex or violence
- Fear of discipline, layoff

Warning Signs

Preceding Violence: Possible warning signs displayed by individuals before violent acts.
- Threats to self or others
- Extreme anger/rage
- Signs of depression or despondence
- Exaggerated perception of injustice
- Erratic behavior
- Violence against family members
- Obsessive harassment/stalking
- Paranoia/delusions
- Substance abuse

Response to Acts or Threats of Violence

Non-imminent Threat: Report immediately to supervisor (report to next supervisor if the supervisor is the perpetrator), Deputy Chief, Internal Affairs, and Union officials.
- Actions include: deactivate employee swipe card, initiate formal investigation, restrict access to staffing software/email, mandatory EAP referral, possibly relieve the employee of duty and restrict access.
- Employee may be sent home with Police for the evaluation.
Imminent Threat: Activate 911 immediately; notify Fire Operations Officers and Fire Rescue Communication Center.
- Notifications up the chain of command (EMS Captain, Battalion Chief, etc.). Include Internal Affairs and Union Officials.
- Possible lock-down of stations, relocation of employees, and police patrols.
- Identify possible victims and notify police promptly; provide information to potentially affected personnel.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential components of the Workplace Violence Prevention and Response Policy for Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel. It includes the policy's purpose, scope, prohibited behaviors, and characteristics of potential perpetrators. Test your understanding of the guidelines designed to ensure a safe work environment.