Workplace Violence: Causes, Types, and Prevention (PDF)

WHAT IS WORKPLACE VIOLENCE? Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behaviour that occurs at the work site. It ranges from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide. COMMON CAUSES OF WORKPLACE VIO...

WHAT IS WORKPLACE VIOLENCE? Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behaviour that occurs at the work site. It ranges from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide. COMMON CAUSES OF WORKPLACE VIOLENCE Some of the common causes of workplace violence include: - **Conflict and Disputes:** Conflicts and disputes between individuals in the workplace, whether they are colleagues, supervisors, or employees and customers, can escalate into violence. These disputes may stem from personal disagreements, power struggles, competition for resources or promotions, or differences in work styles and approaches. - **Job-Related Stress:** High levels of job-related stress can contribute to workplace violence. Employees facing excessive workloads, unrealistic deadlines, long hours, or job insecurity may become frustrated, anxious, or irritable, increasing the likelihood of confrontations or outbursts. - **Personal Issues:** Personal problems, such as financial difficulties, relationship conflicts, substance abuse, or mental health issues, can spill over into the workplace and lead to violent behaviour. Employees dealing with personal crises may struggle to manage their emotions and reactions effectively. - **Bullying and Harassment:** Workplace bullying, and harassment can create a hostile environment and lead to violence. Persistent bullying or harassment, whether verbal, psychological, or physical, can push victims to retaliate against their aggressors. - **Access to Weapons:** The availability of weapons in or near the workplace can significantly increase the risk of violence. An individual with easy access to firearms, knives, or other weapons may use them impulsively during a confrontation. - **Substance Abuse:** Alcohol or drug abuse by employees can impair judgment and self-control, making them more prone to aggressive behaviour. Substance abuse issues can exacerbate conflicts and contribute to workplace violence. - **Customer Frustration:** In our customer-facing industry, dealing with dissatisfied or irate customers can be challenging. Prolonged wait times, service errors, or miscommunication can escalate customer frustration, leading to aggressive behaviour directed at employees. - **Personal Vendettas:** Personal vendettas or grudges held by individuals against coworkers, supervisors, or the organization itself can lead to targeted threats or acts of violence. These vendettas may be unrelated to work but manifest within the workplace setting. - **Mental Health Issues:** Individuals with untreated or undiagnosed mental health conditions may be at higher risk of engaging in violent behaviour. The symptoms of certain mental illnesses can impair judgment, impulse control, and emotional regulation. - **Societal Factors:** Societal factors, such as economic downturns, political tensions, and cultural influences, can create a more volatile environment. Widespread societal stressors may lead to increased incidents of workplace violence. TYPES OF WORKPLACE VIOLENCE There are four main types of workplace violence: criminal intent (such as robbery or theft), customer/client violence, worker-on-worker violence, and personal relationship violence.  1. **Criminal Intent:** Criminal intent in the context of workplace violence typically involves individuals who are not employees or have no direct affiliation with the business. These outsiders may initiate acts of violence driven by several factors, such as an intent to rob, steal, or settle personal scores. Instances could range from direct physical assault to more indirect forms of violence, like vandalism or sabotage. 2. **Customer/Client-Related Violence:** Customer or client-related violence refers to instances in which an individual receiving services from a business or organization behaves aggressively or abusively toward staff members. This type of violence can take various forms, including physical assaults, verbal abuse, threats, or intimidation. Such incidents are more prevalent in industries that deal directly with the public, such as healthcare, hospitality, and customer service. 3. **Worker-to-Worker Violence:** Worker-to-worker violence refers to situations where conflicts between colleagues escalate into verbal or physical altercations. This violence can stem from personal disagreements, power struggles, job-related stress, or competition. It can manifest in various ways, including harassment, intimidation, bullying, verbal abuse, or even physical confrontations. 4. **Personal Relationship Violence:** Personal relationship violence in a workplace context refers to situations where conflicts from an employee's personal life intrude into their professional environment. The sources of these conflicts are typically domestic or interpersonal relationships, which can manifest in various forms, such as stalking, harassment, or even physical violence. ZERO TOLERANCE TOWARDS VIOLENCE It is *Stratogent's* policy to provide a workplace that is safe and free from all threatening and intimidating conduct. Therefore, we will not tolerate violence or threats of violence of any form in the workplace, at work-related functions or outside of work if it affects the workplace. This policy applies to company employees, clients, customers, guests, vendors and persons doing business with *Stratogent*. It is a violation of Stratogent's policy to engage in any conduct, verbal or physical, that intimidates, endangers, or creates the perception of intimidation or intent to harm persons or property. Anyone with questions or complaints about behaviours that fall under this policy may discuss them with a supervisor or a Human Resources representative or Workplace Violence Prevention Group. The company will promptly and thoroughly investigate any reported occurrences or threats of violence. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including immediate termination. When such actions involve non-employees, the Company will take appropriate action for the circumstances. When appropriate, *Stratogent *will also take any legal actions available and necessary to stop the conduct and protect the Company, our employees and property.\" **How to Respond when an Active Shooter at Work:** **1. Run** - Have an escape route and plan in mind - this should be observed and discussed in safety training. - Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow - don\'t waste time trying to persuade others to come with you if they resist. - Leave your belongings behind - your life is much more valuable than anything left at your desk. - Help others escape, if possible. - Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be - don\'t let an innocent passerby become a victim. - Keep your hands visible - law enforcement doesn\'t have time to distinguish if you are a threat when your hands aren\'t visible. - Follow the instructions of police officers and don\'t ask them for directions - simply proceed to exit from where they are entering if in the same area. - Do not attempt to move wounded people. - Call 911 when you are safe. Be sure to give your location right away if calling on a mobile phone, as 911 calls from a cell phone only give a general location. **2. Hide** - Be out of the active shooter's view. - Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (for example, an office with a closed and locked door); and - Not trap you or restrict your options for movement. - Lock the door. - Turn out the light. - Blockade the door with heavy furniture. - Lock the door. - Silence your cell phone, pager, or anything that may ring. - Turn off any source of noise (i.e. radios, televisions) that may indicate you are there. - Hide behind large items (i.e. cabinets, desks). - Remain quiet. - Remain calm. - Dial 911, if possible, to alert police to the active shooter's location. - If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen. Turn the speaker volume down completely to keep any dispatcher noises from being heard. **3. Fight** - Acting as aggressively as possible against him/her. - Throwing items and utilizing office equipment as improvised weapons. - Yelling - although it may sound counterintuitive, yelling may intimidate the killer if your only option is to fight; and - Committing to your actions - once you decide to fight, follow through with your plan.