Preventing Violence in the

Workplace

Workplace Violence

Violence is the second leading cause of death in the workplace.

Workplace Violence

•1980s – 760 murders

•1990s – 1000 to 1600 murders

Statistics

An estimated two million workers are physically attacked each year.

Types of Workplace Violence

Outsiders

The perpetrator has no legitimate business relationship to the workplace and enters the workplace to commit a robbery or other criminal act.

Insiders

The perpetrator is either the recipient or the object of a service provided by the affected workplace or victim.

Employee Connection

The perpetrator has some employment-related involvement with the affected workplace.

Ingredients for Workplace Violence

Mental Illness

Mental illness is a core factor for those who commit workplace homicides.

Clinical Depression

Clinical depression is the most common problem seen by therapists, counselors and psychologists.

Personality DisorderPersonality has a tremendous impact on how we function in relationships, in the world and at work.

When the pattern of thinking and relating deviates from the norm, these traits can become personality disorders.

PTSD

Individuals who experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have been exposed to a traumatic event.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse and chemical dependency can lead a person to a violent action and increase paranoia and aggression.

Psychosis

A person who is psychotic has lost contact with reality and the ability to deal with normal, daily stress.

Limited Coping Skills

Limited or nonexistent coping skills lead to the inability to deal with normal, daily stress.

Individuals will often overreact to negative events.

Limited Support Systems

Inaccessibility to adequate social support systems places individuals at further risk for perpetrating an act of workplace violence.

Mental Illness

Workplace violence isn’t a reflection on society, organizations or managers but the employee’s inability to deal rationally and nonviolently with his or her problem.

Workplace Violence Perpetrators

Profile of a Typical Perpetrator

•Male•History of violence•Loner•Owns several weapons

Profile of a Typical Perpetrator

•Requested assistance •Angry person•History of interpersonal

conflict

Profile of a Typical Perpetrator

•Socially withdrawn• Introverted•Paranoid•Engages in self-destructive

actions

Disgruntled ComplainerMost cases, called “revenge attacks,” involve chronically disgruntled complainers.

These perpetrators have chronic disciplinary histories, poor interpersonal relationships and a history of impulsive behavior.

LonerThe loner may work at an organization for years without anybody really knowing him or her.

Loners are most likely to plot and plan an act of violence.

Domestic AbuserDomestic abusers include a current or former husband, lover, partner or boyfriend who come into the workplace to kill or injure their partners.

When women are at work, their partners know where to find them, and this places not only the victim but the whole workplace at risk.

Romantic ObsessorRomantic obsessors believe that the object of their attraction is in love with them.

The behavior generally escalates and may start with letters and intensify to harassing phone calls, attempted personal contact, threats and even assault.

Warning Signs

Warning Signs

•Attendance problems• Impact on manager’s time•Decreased productivity• Inconsistent work patterns

Warning Signs

•Poor on-the-job relationships

•Concentration problems•Safety issues•Poor health and hygiene

Warning Signs

•Unusual or changed behavior

•Fascination with guns or other weapons

•Evidence of possible drug use or alcohol abuse

Warning Signs

•Evidence of serious stress in personal life

•Continual excuses or blame•Unshakable depression

Dealing with a Potentially Violent Situation

1.Report any concerns or inappropriate behavior.

2.Pay attention to your “gut feelings.”

3.Don’t panic – stay calm.4.Speak in a normal voice.5.Don’t argue.

Dealing with a Potentially Violent

Situation

6. Acknowledge the emotion of the situation.

7. Establish boundaries.8. Ask questions9. Know your reporting

procedures.10. State consequences.

Dealing with a Potentially Violent

Situation

Emergency Responses

Emergency Responses

•Protect yourself•Call for help•Evacuate the building

QUESTIONS ??????