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Manatee County Sheriff's Office

Manatee County Sheriff's Office. VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE. What is “Violence in the Workplace”?. UNDERSTANDING WORKPLACE VIOLENCE.

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Manatee County Sheriff's Office

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  1. Manatee County Sheriff's Office

  2. VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE

  3. What is “Violence in the Workplace”? UNDERSTANDING WORKPLACE VIOLENCE The Workplace Violence Research Center defines Violence in the Workplace as “any incident in which an employee or employer is threatened, intimidated, verbally or physically attacked, harassed, injured, or killed”.

  4. UNDERSTANDING WORKPLACE VIOLENCE “Violence has become a part of everyday life.” The American Psychological Association estimates that by the time the average child turns 12 YEARS OLD, he or she has viewed 8,000 MURDERS and 10,000otherVIOLENT ACTS on television.

  5. WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE? In order for domestic violence to occur, the victim and perpetrator must share one of the following relationships: • - Spouse or Former Spouse • - Related through Blood or Marriage • Residing together, now or in the past, as if a family • Have a child in common whether parents ever lived • together or not

  6. UNDERSTANDING WORKPLACE VIOLENCE Domestic Violence & Its Effects on the Workplace Domestic violence has become a pervasive disease that is no longer confined to the home. The National Institute of Mental Health has estimated that approximately 50% of all couples in the United States experience some form of marital violence and one woman out of every ten is assaulted by her companion each year.

  7. NATIONAL WORKPLACE VIOLENCE STATISTICS Annually, in America, over 6 million acts of violence are experienced by individuals age 12 or older. Violence happens here - right here in our places of work. uOn the average, three people are murdered on the job each work day (“Workplace Violence: Why it Happens & What to do About it.” EAP Digest, March/April 1994, p.18) uHomicide is the third most frequent cause of death in the workplace; it is #1 for women (U.S. Centers for Disease Control)

  8. TYPE 1- the violent person has no legitimate relationship to the workplace PRIMARY TYPES OF WORKPLACE VIOLENCE EVENTS Workplace violence events can be divided into three primary categories:

  9. TYPE 2 - the violent person is either the recipient or the object of a service provided by the affected workplace or the victim. PRIMARY TYPES OF WORKPLACE VIOLENCE EVENTS

  10. TYPE 3- the violent person has an employment-related involvement with the workplace. This usually involves an assault by a current or former employee, supervisor, or manager; by a current or former spouse; a relative or friend; or some other person who has a dispute involving an employee of the workplace. PRIMARY TYPES OF WORKPLACE VIOLENCE EVENTS

  11. Characteristics & Warning Signs of Potentially Violent Individuals • White male in his 30’s and 40’s • Socially isolated • Owns guns and displays a fascination for weapons • Long history of frustration and failure • Demonstrates emotional or mental instability • Intimidating, defiant, or blatantly violates procedures • Has experienced some precipitating event

  12. Warning Signs of Potentially Violent Individuals MIrrational beliefs or ldeas MExternalization of blame MDisplays of unwarranted anger MExpressions of plan to hurt self or others MUnreciprocated romantic obsession MNew or increased stress at home or work MIntoxication from alcohol or other controlled substance

  13. Warning Signs of Potentially Violent Individuals MFeelings of being victimized MViolence toward inanimate objects MSteals or sabotages projects or equipment MLack of concern for the safety of others MExpressions of hopelessness or heightened anxiety MVerbal, nonverbal, or written threats or intimidation MInability to take criticism

  14. Characteristics Of Youth Who Have Caused School-Associated Violent Deaths 1. Has a history of tantrums. 2. Resorts to name calling, cursing or abusive language. 3. Makes violent threats. 4. Previously brought a weapon to school. 5. Has a background of serious disciplinary actions. 6. Has a background of drug, alcohol or other substance abuse or dependency. 7. Is on the fringe his/her peer group with few or no close friends. 8. Is preoccupied with weapons, explosives. 9. Has previously been truant, suspended or expelled from school. 10.Displays cruelty to animals.

  15. Characteristics Of Youth Who Have Caused School-Associated Violent Deaths 11. Has little or no supervision. 12. Has witnessed or been a victim of abuse or neglect. 13. Has been bulliedand/or bullies others. 14. Tends to blame others for difficulties. 15. Consistently prefers TV shows, movies or music expressing violent themes and acts. 16. Prefers reading materials dealing with violent themes, rituals and abuse. 17. Reflects anger,frustration and the dark side of life in school essays or writing projects. 18. Is involved with an antisocial group. 19. Is often depressed and/or has significant mood swings. 20. Has threatened or attempted suicide. National School Safety Center

  16. CAUSES AND CONTRIBUTORS OF VIOLENT BEHAVIOR LJob Market Pressures nlay offs n ”corporate downsizing” LStress n financial n family n environmental n unusual event(s) LMental Illness

  17. PREVENTION OF WORKPLACE VIOLENCE Keys to Pre-Employment Screening MCheck application for jobs in between. MInclude a waiver for release of needed information. MMake specific inquiries to former employers about possible violent tendencies. MConsider the use of pre- employment drug screening/ background checks

  18. PREVENTION OF WORKPLACE VIOLENCE Employee Assistance Programs • Assured of confidentiality. • Can effectively provide treatment for emotional,marital, substance abuse, and financial problems. • Information needs to be readily available to every employee. • Utilization of the program should be encouraged by every manager and supervisor.

  19. PREVENTION OF WORKPLACE VIOLENCE Employee Conduct Policies • Establish a ZERO TOLERANCE • philosophy for drugs and violence. • Written rules and guidelines in regards • to drugs, harassment (sexual and • other), and violence in the workplace • should be specific and reflect penalties • for any violation. • Disseminate published codes of • conduct to each and every employee.

  20. SECURITY AND SAFETY Access Control • Restricted access for visitors, vendors, and employees. • Identification badges for employees and visitors. • Card Key or Key Pad System. • Policy Re: Terminated Employees.

  21. SECURITY AND SAFETY Parking Areas • Adequate Lighting • Access Control • Surveillance: Natural and /or Mechanical • Consider Past Criminal Offenses

  22. SECURITY AND SAFETY Alarms t Intrusion t Panic/Robbery t Fire t Should be monitored by an alarm company

  23. ASSESSING POTENTIAL VIOLENCE Recognizing Inappropriate Behavior M Unwelcome name calling, obscene language. M Intimidation through direct or veiled verbal threats M Throwing objects in the workplace. M Physically touching another employee in an intimidating, malicious, or sexually harassing manner M Physically intimidating others.

  24. ADDRESSING VIOLENT INCIDENTS Managing a Violent Incident l Evaluate all threats. l Maintain an internal tracking system. l Notify local law enforcement and potential victims. When violation of law has occurred.

  25. ADDRESSING VIOLENT INCIDENTS Reporting of Violent Incidents • Managers and supervisors should encourage all employees to report any incident involving threats, harassment, or other inappropriate behavior. • Employees should not be in fear of reprisal or criticism if they do make a report. • Establish a written procedure for the reporting of these incidents. • Consider the utilization of a threat incident report. Documentation is crucial.

  26. MINIMIZE THE POTENTIAL VIOLENCE Managers shouldUTILIZE the following in dealing with potentially violent individuals: • Project calmness. • Be an empathetic and patient listener. • Let them know you are interested in what they have to say. • Maintain a relaxed yet attentive posture and position. • Acknowledge the other person’s feelings. • Ask for small, specific favors such as moving to a quieter area. • Use delaying tactics which will give the person time to calm down. • Accept criticism in a positive way. • Be reassuring and point out choices. • Arrange yourself so that your exit cannot be blocked.

  27. MINIMIZE THE POTENTIAL VIOLENCE Managers should AVOIDthe following in dealing with potentially violent individuals: v Using styles of communication such as apathy, brush off, condescension, or avoidance which tend to cause hostility. v Total rejection of a client’s or employee’s demands from the start. vPose in challenging stances. v Make sudden movements. Notice the tone, volume, and rate of your speech. vChallenge, threaten, or dare the individual. vInvade the individual’s personal space. vMake false statements or promises you cannot keep.

  28. PREVENTION OF WORKPLACE VIOLENCE Key Points to Safer Termination v Conduct an exit interview. v Proper employer conduct can be crucial in preventing a violent termination incident. v Try to understand the employee’s feelings. v Describe the reason for termination as a statement of fact. v Listen to the employee and avoid arguments. v Notice of the termination of an employee should be made throughout the organization.

  29. DEALING WITH THE DANGEROUS EMPLOYEE tRecognize the warning signs tTake threats seriously tPrevent escalation and avoid counterthreats tTreat them with dignity tSeek professional help tScreen job applicants tTrain managers and supervisors tDevelop a referral policy tPlan for emergencies

  30. TERMINATION OF AN EMPLOYEE WHICH MAY INVOLVE POSSIBLE VIOLENCE • 1. Make the termination complete. • 2. Do not negotiate. • 3. Cite general rather than specific issues. • 4. Keep the discussion future based. • 5. Determine who should be present. • 6. Determine who should not be present. • Know how to respond to threats in the • termination meeting. • 8. Prevent escalation and avoid counterthreats.

  31. AFTERMATH OF WORKPLACE TRAGEDY If an actual workplace tragedy occurs, the following situations may be experienced and become issues to act upon: 1. Tremendous human resource problem 2. Hysterical witness 3. Notification to victims’ families 4. Crime scene search and evidence collection 5. Dealing with the Press 6. Lawsuits, insurance, workers compensation issues 7. Building security and clean-up

  32. DON’T LEARN THE HARD WAY PREVENT WORKPLACE VIOLENCE BEFORE IT OCCURS

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