Workplace Violence Prevention

Workplace Violence Prevention Module Two

Module Two Contains: • Following Up on Incidents • Rule Requirements • Resources

What You Will Learn • What should you do after an incidence of violence? • What rules, guidance and policies exist? • What are some resources available to help you?

After An Incidence of Violence • Provide for immediate medical and psychological needs. • Notify police and support investigation. • Account for all workers and assure continued safety of those remaining in area.

After An Incidence of Violence • Provide for site security and assure that no work area is left short-staffed. • Provide critical incident debriefing to victims, witnesses and others, keeping these conversations strictly confidential. • Provide accurate communication to agencies, media, law enforcement.

After An Incidence of Violence • Workers may need services of an employee assistance program or other counseling services. • Provide follow-up after medical and psychological treatment. • Assure confidentiality and protection from discrimination, to prevent victims suffering further loss.

After An Incidence of Violence • Assure a detailed investigation is performed by safety committee or employer. • Include all incidents and near misses. • Do not delay, important evidence can be destroyed. • Focus on fact-finding. • Keep detailed records.

Investigation Components • Collect facts on who, what, when, where and how incident occurred. • Get witness statements, photograph damage/injuries. • Identify contributing causes. • Recommend corrective action. • Consider changes in controls, procedures or policy.

Rules • One law (RCW 49.19) and several Labor & Industries rules (WAC-Washington Administrative Code) apply to the hazards of violence in the workplace.

Rules and Other Tools • Slides 11-16 will tell you about the existing rules that apply to workplace violence. • Slides 17-27 will tell you about the Governor’s Executive Order, Washington Regional Directives, a workbook and models for workplace violence.

Core Rules - For All Businesses • ALL employers must provide a safe workplace and develop a formal accident prevention program. The Accident Prevention Program is the place to address workplace violence hazards.

Safe Workplace Rule • If you need a workplace violence program, the following rules will apply to you: • WAC 296-800-11005 Provide a workplace free from hazards that can cause injury or death. • WAC 296-800-11010 Provide and use safety devices and practices • WAC 296-800-11035Establish and enforce rules that lead to safe workplaces.

Accident Prevention Rule • If you need a workplace violence program, the following rules will apply to you: • WAC 296-800-14005 The employer must develop a written accident prevention program. • WAC 296-800-14025 Your program must be “effective in practice.”

Personal Protective Equipment Rule • If you need a workplace violence program, the following rules will apply to you: • WAC 296-800-16005Identify hazards and determine if Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is necessary • WAC 296-800-16015 Select appropriate PPE • WAC 296-800-16040 Require employees to use PPE

Recordkeeping Rules • Employers are required to keep records of injuries and illnesses on an OSHA 300 form. • WAC 296-27-01101 Records of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses

Rules for Late Night Retail • Late Night Retail Worker Crime Protection Standard • WAC 296-832 • Provides specific violence-related direction to retail businesses that operate between 11:00 PM and 6:00AM • Restaurants, hotels, taverns and lodging facilities are NOT covered by this rule

Governor’s Executive Order • If you are responsible for safety policies in a State Agency or Institute of Higher Education, you must follow the Governor’s Executive Order 96-05 – Domestic Violence in the Workplace

Guidance-WRD’s • Two Washington Regional Directives (WRD’s) on workplace violence exist. • WRD’s provide guidance to WISHA consultation and compliance staff in applying WISHA rules. • They don’t substitute for rules or create new obligations for employers.

Guidance-WRD’s • The two Washington Regional Directives are: • Violence in the Workplace – WRD 5.05 • Workplace Violence Prevention in Health Care – WRD 5.07

Healthcare- WRD • WRD 5.07explains that RCW 49.19 MUST BE FOLLOWED by: • Hospitals • Home Health • Hospice • Home Care Agencies • Evaluation and Treatment Facilities • Community Mental Health • State Mental Hospitals

Healthcare- WRD • If you are one of the listed health care settings you must: • Keep detailed records of violent acts • Provide training according to risk level • Health care facilities not mentioned in RCW 49.19should follow general guidelines in WRD 5.05.

Resources - Workbook • Workplace Violence Workbookprovides detailed assistance in creating a Workplace Violence program. • Has help in: • Categorizing violence and risk factors • Case scenarios • Sample prevention and response plan

Resources - Workbook • Has help in: • Training techniques • Weapons policy • Domestic violence in the workplace • Selected laws and regulations • Other resources

Resources - Workbook • The Workbook has these forms: • Assault Incident Report Form, for employees to report any threatening remark or act of physical violence whether experience or observed. Form is voluntary and confidential.

Resources - Workbook • The Workbook has these forms: • Threat and Assault Log, to summarize and characterize reports of threats and assaults over a year. Helpful when considering need for additional assessment, prevention measures or training.

Resources - Workbook • The Workbook has these forms: • Employee Hazard Assessment Survey Form, for periodic surveying of employee ideas and gathering suggestions on your WPV program. Can be private and confidential.

Models • Labor and Industries has these two internal policies you might find helpful as a model: • Workplace and Domestic Violence Prevention, L&I policy 8.06 • Handling Assaults, Threats and Harassment, L&I policy 9.03

For Additional Help….. Internet Resources • www.osha.gov • www.bls.gov • www.iacp.org • www.cdc.gov/niosh • www.opm.gov • www.ncjrs.org • “workplace violence” on any search engine

Thank you for taking the time to learn about safety and health and how to prevent injuries and illnesses.

Workplace Violence Prevention