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•Socially withdrawn• Introverted•Paranoid•Engages in self-destructive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